Staying the Course, Staying Alive", Coastal First Nations Fundamental Truths: Biodiversity, Stewardship and Sustainability

The heart of this report is a set of seven fundamental truths that for thousands of years have guided Coastal First Nations. Frank Brown and Y. Kathy Brown assembled these truths through interviews with and advice from elders from three different Coastal First Nations: Pauline Waterfall (Hilistis), from Heiltsuk, Gloria Cranmer-Webster (Wikalalisame’ga), from Namgis of the Kwakwaka’wakw, and Barb Wilson (Kii’iljuus), from Haida Nation. Each is regarded by her community as a “keeper of the knowledge”.

We initially asked these keepers of the knowledge: “Are there fundamental truths or core values related to biodiversity, sustainability and stewardship?” The unanimous answer was yes. The discussion then shifted to an exploration of the past, including stories and practices reflecting a connection to nature. The result was a description of seven fundamental truths that evolved through a series of discussions and correspondence among the keepers of the knowledge. Each truth is supported by language, maps, practices and stories from the three Coastal First Nations, and each reflects a different connection to the elements of nature.