GRIZZLY BEAR STEWARDSHIP
We are at a critical and hopeful moment for grizzly bear conservation in British Columbia—a time filled with both challenges and exciting opportunities. As pressures on grizzly bear populations and their habitats continue, so too does the momentum to create lasting, meaningful change. The Grizzly Bear Foundation is proud to be leading the way in partnership with the Province of BC, working to co-develop the Grizzly Bear Stewardship Framework and Commercial Bear Viewing Strategy that will set a new standard for wildlife stewardship in this province—and potentially, the world.
The good news: the Province has officially reopened its consultation process with First Nations on the Grizzly Bear Stewardship Framework. This is a key opportunity for Indigenous communities to shape the future of grizzly bear conservation policy in a way that reflects their knowledge, values, and rights.
We’re also pleased to share that the Grizzly Bear Foundation has signed an agreement with the Province to support and enhance the consultation process. Together, we’re working to build a world-leading model of grizzly bear stewardship—one rooted in Indigenous leadership, strong science, and shared responsibility. First Nations consultation on the Grizzly Bear Stewardship Framework is now open. To learn more about how to have your voice heard and access the consultation materials, please visit The Indigenous Roundtable on Grizzly Bear Conservation & Bear Viewing Ecotourism (The Roundtable).
History of Grizzly Bear Management in BC
Grizzly bears are a cultural keystone species for many First Nations in British Columbia—they are not just wildlife, but ancestors and teachers. For thousands of years, First Nations have lived alongside grizzly bears, understanding their role as both spiritual and ecological stewards. However, with the arrival of European settlers, grizzly bears faced centuries of persecution and habitat destruction. Overhunting, road collisions, and illegal killings led to their eradication from much of their historical range. By the 1990s, grizzlies were officially recognized as a species at risk, but the province’s management efforts were ineffective, marked by unclear accountability and a lack of action. In 2017, the Auditor General highlighted the need for a comprehensive plan, and six years later, the shift from "management" to "stewardship" reflects the growing influence of First Nations leadership.
Public Engagement Highlights: Together, We Made Our Voices Heard
The Province first announced the Framework process with a commitment to engage directly with First Nations, marking a critical and positive step toward a more inclusive and collaborative conservation model. Following that, the BC Government launched a public engagement initiative in 2023, inviting feedback on the draft Grizzly Bear Stewardship Framework and the Commercial Bear Viewing Strategy.
The Grizzly Bear Foundation rallied thousands of supporters to speak up for the grizzly bear, amplifying voices that led to a significant achievement: the government extended the public consultation period not once, but three times! This extension was a direct result of the passion and commitment from people like you, and it’s something worth celebrating.
The New Grizzly Bear Stewardship Framework
The Province of British Columbia is currently leading the development of the Grizzly Bear Stewardship Framework (GBSF)—a significant and much-needed shift in how we think about our relationship with grizzly bears. This Framework represents a broader transformation in provincial wildlife policy: moving away from traditional approaches to wildlife management and toward a more holistic, values-based vision of stewardship. At its core, the GBSF seeks to recognize grizzly bears not just as a species to be managed, but as essential to healthy ecosystems, cultural identities, and the spiritual and ecological values of Indigenous communities across BC. A strong GBSF has the potential to guide how we make decisions on land use, habitat protection, policy development, and human-wildlife coexistence—while centring Indigenous leadership and knowledge.
As we move into the final phase of engagement—First Nations consultation—it will be essential in shaping a world-class framework that reflects a shared vision of stewardship. With continued support from communities, leadership from Indigenous partners, and collaboration with organizations like the Grizzly Bear Foundation, the GBSF has the potential to become a model for wildlife stewardship not just in BC, but across Canada and beyond. It will set the standard for how we care for the land, the animals, and each other for generations to come.
PHOTOS BY LINDSAY MARIE STEWART, TAYLOR GREEN AND JOHN E. MARRIOTT