Data & Referrals Management
As part of the Coastal First Nations and British Columbia Reconciliation Agreement (2024), the Kitasoo Xai’xais (and other members of Coastal First Nations) have agreed to adhere to a Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) Framework with the Province when considering development applications proposed within their respective territories. The CDM Framework establishes a process which Provincial Agency and Kitasoo Xai’xais Representatives will follow to communicate, share information, and have discussions with the goal of achieving Consensus on recommendations in respect of Applications for Land and Resource Decisions. The Kitasoo Xai’xais may also engage directly with industry proponents in assessing development proposals.
The Kitasoo Xai’xais Stewardship Authority (KXSA) manages engagement and facilitates dialogue with proponents and decision-makers regarding development applications submitted to the Province. This helps to ensure that the nation is informed about all resource development activities proposed or ongoing within the territory.
This work includes coordinating and analyzing Kitasoo Xai’xais data and presenting this data in usable forms to support planning and management decisions. Kitasoo Xai’xais Data is information collected by the Nation about land, marine, and cultural resources. Data management is an important component of the CDM process as it provides quick and easy access to supporting information to be used when developing reports and communications about resource development proposals.
To help organize and manage this work, KXSA uses referral tracking and information management software through a program called Cedar. This program allows KXSA to organize information in a way that better supports efficient management and decision-making.
By responding to provincial engagement about development applications KXSA helps to ensure that Kitasoo Xai’xais title, rights, values, interests and traditions are incorporated into decision-making and that a consistent and rules-based process for handling applications is achieved.
Collaborative Decision Making Engagement Framework
Provincial referrals are directed to the KXSA, where the Engagement Coordinator:
- Reviews the CDM Information Package
- Formulates reports for the Stewardship Committee as required, based upon existing land use planning, cultural and resource data, and data from federal, provincial, local and non-governmental sources
- Develops a written response to the referral
- Facilitates dialogue between the Nation and the Province aimed at addressing Kitasoo Xai’xais issues or concerns
Key Aspects of KX Territory That Require Stewardship
- Kitasoo Xai’xais archaeological and heritage sites and values (village sites, burial grounds etc.)
- Traditional hunting, fishing and gathering areas of the Kitasoo Xai’xais people
- Important salmon spawning and fisheries habitat
- Biodiversity values
- Other wildlife values and habitat
- Scenic and recreation values
- Employment and economic development potential
- High-use areas of the Kitasoo Xaixais people
- Other Kitasoo Xai’xais cultural values
KXSA is also engaged in the review of major proposals for oil and LNG handling and transportation in the region.
Key Aspects of KX Territory That Require Stewardship
- Kitasoo Xai’xais archaeological and heritage sites and values (old village sites, burial grounds etc.)
- Traditional hunting, fishing and gathering areas of the Kitasoo Xai’xais people
- Important salmon spawning and fisheries habitat
- Biodiversity values
- Other wildlife values and habitat
- Scenic and recreation values
- Employment and economic development potential
- High-use areas of the Kitasoo Xaixais people
- Other Kitasoo Xai’xais cultural values
The RSD is also engaged in the review of major proposals for oil and LNG handling and transportation in the region.
image credit: Moonfish Media
