The CWB is committed to the following Principles:
- Partnership: The Board is built on a collaborative partnership among Cowichan Tribes and the CVRD (the partners) and seeks to engage and bridge the interests of governments, regulatory agencies, local water stakeholders and citizens.
- Representation: The Board members are appointed to serve the best interests of Cowichan Basin citizens and the region as a whole in a manner that is consistent with federal and provincial interests that support sound watershed management. Members selected are, to the greatest extent possible, local community leaders and/or known water management champions-related experts.
- Watershed Emphasis: The CWB’s priorities and activities are guided by a vision for the watershed as a whole that is based on ecological sustainability and “whole of watershed” thinking.
- Transparency: To the greatest extent possible, the actions and decisions of the CWB will be transparent and open.
- Nutsamat kws yaay’us tth qa’: We come together as a whole to work together to be stronger as partners for the watershed. This is an ancient Cowichan Tribes principle. Orientation in the application of the principle will be provided by the Co-Chairs. (“Nutsamat”)