Background
Shellfish harvesting in Coles Bay, BC has long been central to the livelihood, health, and cultural continuity of BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin) First Nation. Since 1997, the community’s key harvesting area has been closed due to contamination. The closure has disrupted access to traditional food systems. In response, Pauquachin First Nation has initiated its own restoration efforts—grounded in Indigenous Knowledge and community leadership—to reclaim stewardship of these ecosystems and support the transmission of knowledge across generations.
Our Work
TWC was engaged by the BC Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship to co-develop a Shellfish Restoration Handbook together with Pauquachin First Nation. The work is being done as part of the B.C. Coastal Marine Strategy, a 20-year plan to manage, monitor and restore coastal and intertidal ecosystems. To inform the handbook, our team worked closely with the Pauquachin First Nation Marine Department and Elders through a community-led workshop. The handbook documents how Pauquachin First Nation is revitalizing cultural connections to the land through restoration of traditional harvesting and is intended to be a resource that can inform similar initiatives for other BC coastal communities. Led by TWC’s Ecology service area, this work shows how TWC’s approach brings together western and Indigenous Knowledge systems to support shared prosperity and informed decision-making.
Pauquachin First Nation initiated restoration efforts in Coles Bay and is actively restoring clam gardens while advocating for policy change to federal, provincial, and municipal governments. TWC’s multi-lens approach aligned with Pauquachin First Nation’s methods that use Western science to support Indigenous environmental stewardship, shaped by generations of lived experience. Our role was to respectfully listen, synthesize, and translate this work into a practical, plain-language handbook—making us a trusted partner in this collaborative effort.
The Result
The Shellfish Restoration Handbook is a living document that describes Pauquachin First Nation’s restoration efforts, shares lessons learned and offers guidance for others working to restore traditional shellfish harvesting in coastal BC. The handbook supports Action 14 of the BC Coastal Marine Strategy, to help restore First Nations traditional seafood systems, and serves as a tool for advocacy, funding, and continued stewardship. This project reflects the power of Indigenous leadership, cross-cultural collaboration, and demonstrates a shared commitment to restoring healthy, sustainable marine ecosystems through both technical excellence and cultural insights.
Working with Two Worlds Consulting was a truly positive experience. They demonstrated clear and consistent communication throughout the project and were able to deliver a high-quality draft of the Shellfish Rehabilitation Handbook within tight timelines. Despite the fast pace, they ensured the process was grounded in respectful and meaningful engagement with Pauquachin community members, capturing the depth of knowledge and cultural significance behind the Nation’s work to restore traditional shellfish harvesting practices. Their professionalism, responsiveness, and commitment to Indigenous-led processes were deeply appreciated.
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Work with us
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