Drew Brown’s journey to UBC Forestry’s Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship (BILS) has been shaped by his deep connection to Heiltsuk Territory and a passion for Indigenous governance and sustainability. Originally from Bella Bella and raised in Vancouver, Drew is now in his third year of the BILS program at UBC Forestry. We spoke with Drew about what inspired him to pursue this path, the impact of blending traditional ecological knowledge with current land management practices, and how the program is preparing him to support Indigenous-led land stewardship and governance.
Tell us about your background and where you’re from.
My name is Drew Brown. I’m from Bella Bella, Heiltsuk Nation, on the central coast of British Columbia. I grew up in Vancouver on the territories of the Coast Salish, Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. I am in my third year of the Bachelors Indigenous Land Stewardship. Although it is a brand new program at UBC, I had transferred from a different school that also had a one-year diploma in Indigenous Land Stewardship at Native Education College.
What inspired you to pursue the Bachelors in Indigenous Land Stewardship at UBC Forestry?
I was inspired by my deep connection to Heiltsuk Territory, especially the Koeye River, where I spent my childhood learning cultural and ecological knowledge from Elders and teachers. The Idle No More movement and the work of Indigenous leaders like Arthur Manuel and John Burrows also shaped my understanding of land stewardship as a form of governance and self-determination.
How does the program help you connect with the land and understand holistic land-management practices?
The program blends traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) with western science, reinforcing that land stewardship is about relationships between people, land, water, and all living beings. It centers Indigenous governance, laws, and sustainability practices, showing that stewardship is not just about conservation but about sovereignty and decision-making. A key teaching is
m̓ ṇúxvit, a Heiltsuk word meaning “to become one”—reflecting the interconnectedness of land, culture, and governance. Through this lens, I’ve learned that true stewardship is about reciprocity and responsibility, ensuring that our practices align with the needs of both present and future generations.
What has been the most meaningful or impactful part of the program so far?
I look back to my experience with my cohorts when we went on our field studies in the Malcolm Knapp Research Forrest at Loon Lake. That’s where we got to meet our Director Gary Merkel (Talhtan Nation) and he taught us about land ethics and Indigenous world views. That alongside with many other guest speakers including one of my favourites, Lenny Joe, the CEO of First Nations Forestry Council and member of the Nlaka’pamux First Nation.
Tell us about your experience learning about weaving together Indigenous science and current land management systems?
Braided knowledge systems recognize that Indigenous and Western sciences are not in opposition but can work together. The program emphasizes collaboration—how Indigenous laws, ecological knowledge, and scientific research can be woven together to create stronger, community-driven solutions. This approach validates Indigenous knowledge while addressing real-world land management challenges.
How do you see this program preparing you for a future career?
It’s preparing me to work in Indigenous governance, land-use planning, and environmental policy. I see myself contributing to comprehensive community planning (CCP), co-management initiatives, and nation-building efforts that prioritize Indigenous laws, self-determination, and sustainable land relationships.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship program.