About BCALMA
British Columbia Aboriginal Land Managers Association (BCALMA) is non–political and operates as a technical land management advisory body only. BCALMA’s main objective is to engage First Nation Land Managers in opportunities that will enhance their skills and knowledge, and provide tools and systems to efficiently and effectively manage their lands. BCALMA endeavors to assist member First Nations to improve proficiency in the ongoing development, implementation and monitoring of First Nation Land Management practices.
Having the competency and confidence can lead to opting into more advanced land management regimes by First Nations. As many First Nations are already in a more advanced land management regime, such as those under the First Nation Land Management Act, Self-Government initiatives or treaty agreements, it gives developing First Nations the same land management opportunities and benefits.
BCALMA
Our History
Several Lands Administrators throughout British Columbia expressed the need for British Columbia First Nations to keep abreast of activities and developments pertaining to First Nations land management issues on a National level. Many also recognized the potential benefits associated with forming a Regional Lands Association affiliated with the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA). Four First Nations from British Columbia who maintain Associate Memberships with NALMA believed that formation of a British Columbia Regional Association would greatly benefit and complement both organizations in our joint efforts to increase capacity for First Nation Lands Managers.
On March 12, 2012, NALMA’s Board of Directors voted to accept the membership application of the British Columbia Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (BCALMA). The four founding members are the Coldwater Indian Band, Penticton Indian Band, Shuswap Indian Band and Skeetchestn Indian Band. It is our hope that BCALMA will provide an opportunity to share a wealth of knowledge in Land Management in the various land regimes, economic development, taxation and many other issues. All members of First Nations will benefit from the establishment of the British Columbia Regional Association.
We, the British Columbia Aboriginal Land Managers Association (BCALMA), seek to manage our First Nation lands and resources through professional best practices that promote sustainable use in the interest of our future generations.
BCALMA
Goals & Objectives
The goal of the British Columbia Regional Lands Association is to provide a working environment to facilitate the participation and networking of all First Nations Land Managers on land-related issues and create systems that will assist First Nation interests in various land management functions.
BCALMA
Membership
Membership has many benefits, including information exchange and networking with fellow First Nations Land professionals, training, and workshops.
What are the benefits?
- BCALM networking opportunities with other First Nations Land Managers
- Access to Land Management training and development
- Access to NALMA’s Online Land Management Resource Library peer site
- Access to NALMA’s network of Land Managers
- Access to technical expertise on Land Management issues
- Access to the Online Resource Library
In addition to exclusive training opportunities, and access to all NALMA resources and information, the primary lands representative is eligible for 100% travel reimbursement to attend BCALMA sessions.
BCALMA
The Purpose of BCALMA
The purpose of BCALMA is to support the needs of Aboriginal Land Managers in British Columbia and to manage our First Nations lands and resources through professional best practices that promote sustainable use in the interest of our future generations.
BCALMA is a regional association of Lands Managers committed to the enhancement of professional development and technical expertise in the functions of lands management
BCALMA
Our Logo
The British Columbia Aboriginal Land Managers logo embodies respect for the land and its natural balance. At its center, the white-tailed buck represents strength, vigilance, and harmony with nature. Behind it, the mountains and lush forest convey resilience and growth, the two eagle feathers are incorporated to honor the sacred relationship between nature and all living beings, reflecting respect, balance, and the responsibility of caring for the land.
The BCALMA logo was designed in 2013 by Evelyn Alec. Evelyn is an Okanagan, Shuswap, Nez Perce, and Colville artist, and a proud member of the Penticton Indian Band. A contemporary Indigenous designer, she specializes in logo branding, event design, and streetwear that weaves together cultural identity and modern expression.
Her designs have been showcased on television and worn by Indigenous actors on award show red carpets, bringing her art into both community and mainstream spaces. Rooted in storytelling and symbolism, her work reflects the natural world, ancestral teachings, and the balance between strength and gentleness. Through her art and design, Evelyn bridges Indigenous traditions with contemporary aesthetics, celebrating identity, resilience, and the living spirit of culture.
