QQS - We have our eyes on the future of our Heiltsuk youth!
The Koeye River Youth Programs are operated by the QQS (Eyes) Project Society. QQS is the Heiltsuk word for "eyes" and it is our challenge to open the eyes of our young people to their responsibility to be good stewards of the land and sea resources around them. QQS (Eyes) Projects Society is a society incorporated under the Society Act of the Province of British Columbia (Society No. S-40844)] with an office at Box 786 Waglisla, British Columbia V0T 1Z0
Koeye Lodge and QQS working together
QQS is responsible for the management and development of Koeye Lodge facilities and activities that support the Heiltsuk camps and community programs. The primary function of the Koeye Lodge is to facilitate programs run by the QQS Project Society for Heilsuk youth. One of the ways the Koeye Lodge attempts to achieve this goal is to raise money through tourism dollars. The Lodge offers multi-day eco tour packages that include accommodations, meals and daily adventure tours. Visitors are also educated as to the philanthropic goals of the Lodge and given the opportunity to witness cultural events hosted at the nearby Heilsuk youth camps. A win-win situation as we accumulate funds and raise awareness about issues surrounding First Nations youth and the environment.
QQS is run by Heiltsuk for the benefit of the Heiltsuk people
QQS (Eyes) Project Society is a registered, charitable, non-profit society established in 1999 “to support Heiltsuk youth, culture and environment.” The Society’s head office is located in Bella Bella. Its Board of Directors is composed entirely of Heiltsuk people who represent the Heiltsuk Tribal Council, the Heiltsuk Chiefs, Heiltsuk youth, Heiltsuk social agencies and the Heiltsuk community. All board and administrative positions are voluntary.
Protecting the people - Protecting the land
QQS is committed to promoting the sustainable use of Heiltsuk lands and resources and ensuring that community well-being is prioritized. The society has extensive experience working with the Heiltsuk community to design and deliver programs in response to local educational and social needs. For example QQS runs culture/science camps for youth, addictions and family camps and camps for youth with life threatening diseases. See below for more information on our Heiltsuk camps QQS also participates in the development of eco-manuals and partners in numerous research initiatives.
The QQS Society also participates in the Heiltsuk Conservation-Based Development Plan, the Heiltsuk Land Use Plan and is supporting the Heiltsuk Regional Tourism Initiative.
Linked to the land
“To say that the health of British Columbia's coastal rainforest is intimately entwined with the well-being of its aboriginal people is a huge understatement. It's stating the obvious, like saying the happiness of a parent or a grandparent relies upon the happiness of their children and grandchildren. Nowhere has this relationship come into sharper focus than in the Koeye." A. Westall
Education in Koeye
It is here in the Koeye River watershed that QQS has hosted the Koeye River Culture/Science Camps and programs since 1999. Their presence has brought wide spread attention to the Koeye and QQS has led the way in helping to have this amazing watershed protected. The 18,000 ha. Koeye watershed lies within the Great Bear Rainforest.
Koeye is ecologically unique
The valley has long been recognized as a top priority for protection as a grizzly - salmon stronghold both by government and non-government organizations. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans lists Koeye as a Class 1 river in terms of its importance for salmon habitat. The Ministry of Environment also identified Koeye as a top priority for protection for its grizzly values.
Taking steps to protect Koeye
RainCoast Conservation Society, Ecotrust Canada, the Land Conservancy of BC and QQS Projects Society recently seized the opportunity to purchase a 74 hectare private lot and accompanying lodge at the mouth of the Koeye River with the intent of re-establishing First Nations stewardship, cultural heritage and conservation objectives within the valley. Presence and ownership at the mouth of the river is crucial for safeguarding the cultural, ecological and wildlife values within the valley.
Establishing a presence in Koeye
The Heiltsuk have designated the watershed for conservation protection under their land use plan and are committed to maintaining its integrity.
The year around presence of the Heiltsuk through their programs at the Koeye Lodge property make them the ideal stewards to implement and monitor a management plan and to oversee the necessary baseline research and impact assessments on the watershed. The Koeye River Conservancy Area is now a reality.
