Comox Valley Project Watershed Society was pleased to present the 2015 “Keeping it Living” award to K’ómoks First Nation, in a recent ceremony. This award is given each year to recognize an individual or organization that has gone above and beyond to work towards the protection and restoration of the K’ómoks Estuary. An original painting of the estuary by local artist Bev Byerley was presented to the K’ómoks First Nation.
“This year’s award recognizes the leadership role the K’ómoks First Nation has taken in the estuary by developing a Guardian Watchman Program and carrying on the work of developing a K’ómoks Estuary Management Plan,” states Don Castleden, Project Watershed Director and Chair of the Estuary Working Group.
The award was presented to Chief and Council at their People’s Assembly. In addition to the award ceremony, the new Guardian Watchman Program was officially announced.
Project Watershed Board Chair Paul Horgen notes, “Three of the four governments bordering the estuary have been recipients of this award over the last five years, which has fostered partnership and cooperation with local governments to protect and restore the K’ómoks estuary.”