Kitasoo Xai’xais Cultural Compass: Directing Indigenous marine stewardship
Date
2025
Authors
Leech, Zoe
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Abstract
Invited by the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation, this project sought to uplift cultural and spiritual indicators into a tool that could be used when interfacing with crown government agencies on proposed marine activities. Through a decolonial literature review, hands on learning in Klemtu, and a Nation-led, relational research process, the work resulted in a draft “Kitasoo Xai’xais Cultural Compass”. The compass provides a decision-support guide that integrates the stewardship guiding principles, biocultural mapping, and photo-voice storytelling to inform co-management. Key insights include the critical role of Indigenous values in marine protected area systems, the need for intergenerational knowledge transfer through hands on learning, and the effectiveness of aligning Indigenous-led conservation practices with western science for holistic marine management. Deliverables include a decolonial literature review on uplifting Indigenous cultural and spiritual values into marine planning, mapped cultural values for Gitdisdzu Lugyeks (Kitasu Bay), and a draft rationale guide for future engagement and refinement by the community. By centering these values, the Kitasoo Xai’xais Cultural Compass also serves as a foundation for tracking shifting climatic changes and cultural perceptions as conditions adapt over time.
Description
UVic Sustainability Scholars Program Final Report
Keywords
Kitasoo Xai’xais, marine protected areas, cultural compass, climate change tracking, stewardship, biocultural mapping, co-management, Sustainability Scholars Program