Coastal Vulnerability Adaptation Workshop

April 24 & 25, 2018

Richmond, BC

Indigenous  and  Northern  Affairs  Canada  (INAC)  is  delivering  a  Coastal  Vulnerability  
Adaptation Workshop  to  support  communities  in  developing  and  implementing  strategies  for  
addressing  coastal impacts from tsunamis, storm surges, and sea level rise.  Coastal communities 
involved in, or about to begin,  a  Coastal  Vulnerability  Study  through  INAC’s  First  Nations  
Adapt  Program  are  invited  to  this workshop.

The focus will be on what a climate adaptation project looks like and how participants are 
developing these projects.  We are hoping to hear from you, as a participant in the Workshop, about 
what this project means to you, the sea level impacts you are seeing, and your experiences with the Coastal Vulnerability Study in your area. This will also be an opportunity to learn about other 
community perspectives on this serious issue.

Currently fifteen  coastal  communities  in  the  BC  Region  have  projects  underway,  and  
another  10-12 communities are expected to begin new projects this year. The project is in its 
early stages, and there has already been a positive response with First Nations leadership in 
tracking and monitoring their local environment so that they can adapt to changes.

Workshop Objectives

The objectives of this workshop are to:
•     Help communities develop coastal vulnerability climate adaptation projects;
•     Share the experiences of those already involved in the program with those just beginning;
•     Facilitate collaboration between communities;
•     Provide opportunities for hands-on, interactive learning;
•     Share experiences from coastal vulnerability projects across the Region; and,
•     Learn about successful adaptation studies and projects.

Attendees

Thank you for your interest regarding coastal risks.  We share your concerns and would like to 
collaborate on how to most effectively support you in utilizing the results of your Costal 
Vulnerability Study and in developing a climate adaptation project for your community.
Two representatives from each invited community are encouraged to attend the workshop, including an administrative and a political champion.

Reimbursements for travel costs will be made available (through Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council) to 
those who have not already received funding from an existing Climate Adaptation agreement.
The Coastal Vulnerability Study, along with this Workshop, are being delivered jointly by INAC’s 
First Nation Adapt Program and the BC Region Structural Mitigation Program.

 

Agenda

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Each day will be structured to enable learning through presentations as well as hands-on 
activities, and to facilitate collaborative information-sharing and discussion.  Participants are 
asked to come prepared to actively participate for the full day and a half of the workshop.
 

Day 1 (8:30 am to 4:30 pm)

Note: Breakfast will be provided at 8:00 am. Lunch will also be provided.

Introductions and Overview
•    Traditional Welcoming
•    Participant Introductions
•    Introduction to Workshop
 

Coastal Vulnerability Study Results
•    Presentation by CWA Engineering
•    Report Scavenger Hunt Activity
 

Break
 

Indigenous Knowledge Session: 1964 Tsunami
•     Presentation TBD
•    Facts and Impacts
•    Story Building Activity
•    Discussion: What if this happens again? What infrastructure in your community would be 
vulnerable?
 

Participant Sharing Panel
•    Panel Presentations
•    Panel & Open Questions
•    Discussion and Sharing Out
 

Lunch
 

Indigenous Knowledge Session: Hazard Management
•    Presentation by John Bennett, Capital Works Manager, Old Massett Village Council
•    Hazard Mapping Activity Monitoring
•    Presentation TBD
•    Monitoring Activity

Break

What is Adaptation Planning
•    Presentation by Parsons Corporation
•    Presentation TBD
•    Vulnerability Mapping Activity

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Indigenous Knowledge Session: Historical Adaptations
•    Presentation by Hugh Braker, Councillor, Tseshaht First Nation
 

Day 1 Wrap-Up

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Day 2 (8:30 am to Noon)

Note: Breakfast will be provided at 8:00 am.
 

Day 1 Recap Morning Energizer
 

Floodplain Strategies
•    Presentation TBD
 

Indigenous Knowledge Session: Climate Adaptation
•    Presentation by Randy Angus
 

Break (15 min)
 

Adaptation Strategies
•    Presentation by Dave Murray, CWRA Past President/Engineer at KWL
•    Rotating Activities:
 

o  Wave Tank
o  Adaptation Mapping Activity
o  Other
 

Day 2 Wrap-Up
•    Recap of Workshop