I am Duane West. I am a Yintah Land Guardian.
I took on this role because I love the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and being on the land. I want to make a real difference for our people and future generations. As Guardians, we are the eyes and ears of the land. We work closely with conservation officers, supporting their efforts across a vast territory. It’s all about protecting what matters so that one day, my kids can enjoy the land the same way I do
During COVID, our Nation formed several committees focused on key areas like wildlife, fisheries, governance, and mining. I joined the wildlife committee alongside other LBN members because we shared a common goal: to see our own people out on the Yintah (territory), actively monitoring and working to understand the moose population, a vital resource our members have long depended on.
I love being a Guardian because I was raised on the land, I have worked in several sectors in the bush, from brushing and weeding, Archaeology to Mineral Exploration. I have a open perspective on industry working in our territory and will be an asset to assure that LBN best management practices and culturally sensitive areas are properly protected and worked on.
I love that I have the ability to teach our youth the knowledge and culture that I was tough, the rights of passage that I have learned can also be passed down, to give our youth an opportunity to experience our territory and show them what our territory has to offer for self healing.
Murphy Patrick Sr. is the Natural Resource Sector Liaison for Lake Babine Nation. With deep roots in the territory and decades of experience, Murphy plays a key role in advancing the Nation’s stewardship priorities. He works closely with leadership, Guardians, and partners to ensure that natural resource activities align with the values, rights, and long-term vision of Lake Babine.
