From Risk to Action: Tsawout First Nation Responding to Abandoned Dock Threat
In mid-January 2026, Tsawout First Nation reached out to ISF with an urgent environmental concern. An abandoned dock, weighing approximately 35,000 lbs, (nearly 16,000 kilos), had washed ashore at Bazan Bay within their territory. The structure was treated with creosote, a toxic wood preservative, and posed a serious risk to the surrounding environment.
Washed-up dock threatening coastal ecosystems. (Photo Credit: Tsawout First Nation)
Positioned in the intertidal zone, the dock was vulnerable to large winter king tides (the highest tides of the year) which can bring unusually high-water levels and strong wave action capable of pulling debris back into the ocean. This raised concerns about damage to the seafloor, destruction of sensitive eelgrass habitat critical for juvenile salmon, and broader risks to marine life, coastal ecosystems and navigation safety.
With support from ISF, Tsawout First Nation is now taking action to address the environmental risk. Work is underway to coordinate permits with regulatory authorities, assess the site to plan logistics and support the safe removal and disposal of the contaminated dock structure.
The Indigenous Stewardship Fund: Where Indigenous Priorities Drive Action
This project reflects ISF’s commitment to being a nimble organization, able to quickly support urgent, community-identified environmental priorities. Recognizing that First Nations capacity can be limited, especially during emergencies, ISF’s funding model is designed to reduce administrative barriers and focus on what matters most: enabling First Nations to take timely action to protect lands, waters and habitats. By prioritizing real community needs and supporting Indigenous-led solutions, ISF helps ensure Nations have equitable access to support, regardless of their size or internal capacity.
The Indigenous Stewardship Fund (ISF) works in close partnership with the First Nations Fisheries Council (FNFC), which serves as a frontline organization for collaboration with First Nations across British Columbia. FNFC leads relationship-building and engagement with more than 200 First Nations across the province, listening to and identifying Nations’ interests, priorities and perspectives. ISF complements this work by serving as the funding mechanism that helps turn those relationships and priorities into action. Together, FNFC and ISF ensure that the leadership, needs and priorities of BC First Nations are met with flexible and accessible resources that support Indigenous-led stewardship, habitat protection and long-term environmental resilience.
