Building Oil Spill Response and Environmental Unit Decision-Support Tools that Incorporate BC First Nations Knowledge, Traditions, Laws, and Priorities 

Project Overview

In 2024, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) awarded funding through the Multi-Partner Research Initiative (MPRI) to Coastal First Nations – Great Bear Initiative (CFN-GBI) to support the Oil Spill Response Decision Support Tool Project.

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This funding will support a multi-year collaborative planning process led by CFN-GBI and a Steering Committee with representatives from British Columbia, Canada, and Northern Shelf Bioregion (NSB) First Nations to co-develop tools that strengthen oil spill response and recovery. The project focuses on ensuring that First Nations’ knowledge, traditions, laws, and priorities are fully incorporated into decision-making during marine incidents.

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The first workshop took place in October 2025 and convened Nation representatives, technical partners, and response practitioners to explore design principles and generate early DST concepts. Through collaborative activities, participants identified key indicators, design principles, and conceptual tool elements that will be carried forward and refined. 

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Building on this foundation, two additional workshops are planned for 2026. The second workshop, scheduled for April 29–30 in Victoria, will focus on testing Indigenous-centered DST concepts through scenario-based exercises and further validating design approaches. A final workshop or conference session is also being developed for delivery at the October 2026 International Oil Spill Science Conference in Montréal, Québec. Project activities will continue through March 2027, supporting ongoing collaboration, tool refinement, and knowledge sharing.