Group Plans to Restore Jijuktu’kwejk (Cornwallis) River First Annual General Meeting of Valley Watershed Alliance

First Annual General Meeting of Valley Watershed Alliance

Submitted

On March 26, citizens and groups interested in restoring the Cornwallis River will meet for the first Annual General Meeting of the Jijuktu’kwejk Watershed Alliance (pronounced gee-gee-wok-tok).  The group aims to improve watershed health; connect people with the river through outdoor experiences; and maintain an organization with a focus on education, teamwork, development, engagement and positive change.

“This group started as an alliance of people and groups who want to see the river restored to the beauty and health it enjoyed when it was called Jijuktu’kwejk by the local Mikmaw people” stated Jennifer West, Coordinator of the Alliance.  “We have a lot of work to do but are looking forward to seeing positive changes! We’re also planning canoe trips along the river, so more people can see its beauty and see the many opportunities to help.”

This summer, the Alliance will begin to clean up of the river along a stretch of the Jijuktu’kwejk River near the Annapolis Valley First Nation community. The work will include documenting this area including existing conditions, special plants, community activities, historical use and stories, and community goals for restoring that section of the river. The project will also include data collection of existing reports to outline areas in the watershed with the highest priority for clean up, restoration, and areas with the greatest potential for positive change.

“The Alliance is moving forward with a strong and collaborative strategic plan and a dedicated Board of Directors.  We are very excited to see the public get on board with our work,” says Sarah McDonald, Alliance Board Member and Coordinator of Economic Development with the Annapolis Valley First Nation.  “We hope that many will join our ceremony and meeting on the 26th to learn about how they can help the river.”

The Jijuktu’kwejk Watershed Alliance first Annual General Meeting is on March 26th from 1:00 to 3:30 pm at the Kentville Recreation Centre at 354 Main Street.  It is open to the public and is free to attend.  The meeting will start with a ceremony hosted by the Annapolis Valley First Nation, followed by a presentation by Dr. Nicholas Hill of Fernhill Consulting.  There will be public discussion about the important places around the watershed, and opportunities to sign up and become more involved with the group.  The formal Annual General Meeting will take place at 3pm and will be followed with a closing by the Annapolis Valley First Nation.