20/06/2024
Overwhelmed with the news that the ‘War in the Woods’ is effectively over!
More than 30 years after the historic protests and critical efforts by the central Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nations, the Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht along with the province of BC announced the official protection of 76,000 hectares of Clayoquot Sound, through various conservancies.
If you saw the ‘War for the Woods’ documentary on The Nature of Things, you could see glimpses of this work in progress, through the continued efforts of these Nations, along with Tyson Atleo and Nature United (among many, many others).
It’s emotional thinking about this, and talking about it with my kids, such a tangible thing that I’ve been lucky to share with them, understanding the true value of this land, and that it will be protected, and stewarded by the Nations that have inhabited it for thousands of years. A rare victory. And that these places where so much of the film was captured - Meares Island, and the Kennedy Lake area - to know that they’ll no longer be under threat, is hugely important. And hopefully an example of what’s possible for other stands of old growth, with the right supports for First Nations to implement their own land-use plans, preserve their culture, and keep these precious giants standing.
