Convene
The convene working group was established to support the region in coming together to build capacity and relationships. The convene working group meet weekly to plan various opportunities for relationship building
Events
May 14, 2024
Fraser Valley Flood Resilience Farm Tour
Our second tour brought farmers and First Nations together to share the agricultural perspective to flooding and spend time discussing an action plan for floodplains resilience. In the morning, we visited 3 sites at varying stages of resilience. In the afternoon, we spent time discussing a road map for action. This roadmap was formulated around 3 action areas
1) Building Shared Learning & Strong Relationships amongst Farmers & First Nations
2) Reducing Flood Risks and Associated Impacts on Food Security
3) Advancing Multi-beneficial Floodplains Management.
A draft roadmap for action based on previous gatherings and the outputs from this tour is under development.
March 12 and 13, 2024
Lower Fraser Floodplains Dialogue for Regional Action: Coastal Tidal and Mid/Up River Gatherings
On March 12th, 2024, the LFFC and Metro Vancouver co-hosted a dialogue for regional action in the Coastal and River Tidal hubs. The following day, the LFFC and FVRD co-hosted a similar dialogue in the Mid and Upriver hubs. The focus of these sessions was to showcase opportunities for nature-based adaptation opportunities in the floodplain to reduce risk, gain insight on risks to critical infrastructure and the gap in knowledge when it comes to infrastructure risk.
Participants, elected officials and staff from First Nations and local governments, were given the opportunity to share ongoing initiatives, the challenges and opportunities they face in floodplains management, and their priorities for critical infrastructure protection.
December 14, 2024
Place Names Tour for Farmers & First Nations
In the first of a series of field trips to strengthen farmer and First Nation relationships, share perspectives, and learn from one another, farmers and First Nations participated in a Places Names Tour. Our tour guide, Naxaxalhts`I (Sonny McHalsie) shared First Nation teachings about the land and history of the place. The tour is meant to provide insight into the unique relationship between the Stó:lō, “the People of the River”, the land and environment through detailed narratives while participants enjoy the majestic mountain, valley and canyon setting and waterways of S’ólh Témèxw, “Our Land, Our World”.
Discussion over lunch reemphasized the value in working together to develop an action plan for flood resilience on agricultural land which will be discussed at the next gathering.
June 9, 2023
Lower Fraser Floodplains Forum
On June 9 2023, we hosted the Lower Fraser Floodplains Forum, bringing together representatives from over 58 organizations, including all levels of government agricultural associations.
At this forum, guests discussed regional priorities for floodplains resilience. Priorities included: understanding risk, subregional governance, critical infrastructure and essential services, waterway resilience/recovery/restoration, and food security. Those in the room identified key objectives and actions to focus on each of these priorities in the near and far-term.
February 14, 2023
Farmer & First Nation Gathering
Recognizing that flooding is a shared challenge, farmers and First Nations are at high risk of flood inundation, and there is an opportunity for these groups to come together as a voice for flood risk reduction, the LFFC organized a Farmer & First Nation Gathering.
At this gathering, 8 First Nations, 8 agricultural associations, and local farmers were given the opportunity to share their experiences, challenges, and discuss areas of opportunity to work together.
This gathering confirmed the desire to continue building relationships and to begin developing a strategy for the region.
July 22, 2022
Build Back Better, Together Forum
On July 14, 2022, EPS Chair and Sto:lo Tribal Chief, Tyrone McNeil, and Fraser Valley Regional District Chair and City of Chilliwack Councillor, Jason Lum, led an all-hubs meeting to discuss foundational principles for a regional collaborative strategy to “Build Back Better, Together.”
Over 140 representatives from Mainland Coast Salish Nations, Local Authorities, Provincial and Federal governments in the region participated in the forum. At that time, participants agreed upon the need to work together for floodplains resilience and supported the 5 principles for working together which guide the work of the LFFC.