Conservation & Research
Traditional Gitga’at territory is facing the biggest threat of its existence. Guarding the Gifts facilitates research-based programs in partnership with Northwest Community College to advance knowledge of its land, water and living species.
Environmentally, traditional Gitga’at territory (the Great Bear Rainforest) is facing the biggest threat since its existence. Guarding the Gifts facilitates research-based programs in partnership with Northwest Community College to gain a scientific inventory and advance knowledge of the water conditions and life forms present.
Research Programs
Studying, documenting, and interpreting the Great Bear Rainforest ecosystem function and processes are essential to the preservation of this unique eco-system. The first project will focus on the intertidal zone, rich in marine life and a main food source for the Gitga’at. This research will create an inventory of marine life and water conditions on the coast and is essential for effective land and resource management. Maintaining regular inventories of these zones will provide a baseline of data for examining population trends and become a key indicator of potential environmental concerns that may require closer examination.
A completed inventory will provide proof of species at risk in the event of an environmental disaster. By 2015, the program will advance towards monitoring water conditions, an inventory of bears (including the Kermode “spirit” bear), birds, fish and sea lions unique to this region.

