About The Trust
The Morice Watershed Monitoring Trust (MWMT) is a 'Purpose Trust' established in 2012 for the benefit of the Wet’suwet’en People. Our Trust Agreement is an innovative governance document with Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs as Settlors of the Trust. Our focus is watershed monitoring and management through a collaborative, long-term, science-based program.
We work on the unceded territory, of the Wet’suwet’en Nation, and we acknowledge that this work would not be possible without the support and guidance from the Office of the Wet’suwet’en. We appreciate and honour our relationship with the Nation and look forward to future work and collaboration on the land.
The MWMT upholds the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action through robust representation and meaningful collaboration with Indigenous Peoples.
The Upper Morice River Watershed
is the heart of Wet’suwet’en territory and a freshwater haven to many fish species, including Pacific salmon, as well as many other aquatic flora and fauna. The upper Morice River watershed drains the Interior Plateau and glaciated Coast Mountains. The Morice River originates from Morice Lake and flows 80 km northeast to join the Bulkley River near the town of Houston. The 2007 Morice Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) identified and delineated the minimum area of protection for the Wet'suwet'en, and the Morice Water Management Area (MWMA), our geographical area of interest. The desired outcome of the MWMA (as stated in the Morice LRMP) is:
"To ensure that the habitat and water quality supporting salmon and other fish is not negatively impacted."
Our Trustees
hold the responsibility to care for and manage the Trust
Rick Budhwa
Rick is an applied anthropologist who serves as principal for both Crossroads Cultural Resource Management and Northwest Research and Monitoring. He has a strong track record of developing and implementing innovative cultural resource management methodologies that cater to diverse stakeholders in British Columbia.
Rick holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of Western Ontario, a Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Archaeology from Simon Fraser University, and a Masters Degree in Archaeology from Simon Fraser University, specializing in Anthropology and First Nations Studies. He possesses a valid archaeologist permit in BC and maintains memberships in the Canadian Archaeological Association, the Society for American Archaeology, and the First Nations Environmental Assessment Technical Working Group.
David de Wit
David de Wit is a Wet’suwet’en member of the Laksilyu Clan, belonging to the House on Top of Flat Rock (Tsekalbaiyex). David is the Natural Resources Department Manager for the Office of the Wet’suwet’en, representing the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chief’s vision for their territories, working as one for the betterment of all.
David studied Integrated Resource Management in British Columbia and completed a Biology Degree at the University of Calgary.
His background involves wildlife habitat assessment, sensitive ecosystem preservation and wildlife corridor design. David is also actively involved in a number of local groups to facilitate interests of the Wet’suwet’en. Some of these groups include: the Wetzin’kwa Community Forest Board of Directors and the Skeena Knowledge Trust.
Don Morgan
Don Morgan is an independent researcher and Registered Professional Biologist specializing in natural resource management and systems. His primary area of research centers around the study of socio-ecological systems, with a specific focus on analyzing wildlife habitat supply.
Don applies innovative methods in his research, exploring various sources of uncertainty, such as the impact of climate change on ecological processes and its influence on resource management decisions. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife biology and computational mathematics from Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, as well as a Bachelor of Science (honours) degree in Quantitative Ecology and Computer Science from Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario. In addition, he obtained a Master of Science degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies - Biology from the University of Northern British Columbia.
Walter Joseph
Walter Joseph has been the Wet’suwet’en Fisheries and Wildlife Manager since 1996, and is an adopted member of the Laksamisyu clan, Sun house, from the Gilseyu clan. His mother, Louise Joseph was from Nautley, and father, Walter Joseph Sr. from Hagwilget. Walter currently lives in Hagwilget, and has three children: Justin, Ryan, and Sarah.
