About Us
About MECCS
Mother Earth Cultural Conservation Society (MECCS) is dedicated to protecting and restoring the sacred relationship between people, culture, and the natural world. MECCS was founded by Elder Arthur Morgan, alongside John Skoda and Dario Douglas, and is rooted in Secwépemc territory on the unceded land near Cache Creek, British Columbia.
For over 10,000 years, the Secwépemc people, including St'uxwtéws (Bonaparte), have lived in harmony with the land, taking only what was needed and caring for what sustained them. However, in recent decades, these lands have been heavily impacted by overlogging, urban expansion, climate change, over hunting and missuse of the loacal lands, causing serious damage to rivers, forests, and wildlife.
MECCS was created in response to this reality, to restore the land and rebuild a stronger connection between people, culture, and nature.
Our Team
Arthur Morgan
Founder/President
Arthur Morgan is a respected Secwépemc elder, lifelong land defender, entrepreneur, and the founder of Mother Earth Cultural Conservation Society (MECCS). In the 1990s, he founded Wolf Paw Log Homes, a log home business he operated for approximately three years, rooted in traditional craftsmanship and a deep respect for the land.
Arthur also has a log history in wildfire response and land protection. In his teenage years and early 20s, he worked as a wildland firefighter, building early experience in fire management. Over the past three years, he has been directly involved in identifying and taking action with multiple wildfire incidents within the community before BC Wildfire Services attack crews made it out.
Throughout his life, Arthur has been a dedicated advocate for Secwépemc rights and the protection of indigenous lands. he has stood along side his people in significant efforts to defend Secwépemc territory, including opposition to the Cache Creek landfill, the protection of the Stein Valley from logging, support for the Skeetchestn community during rail twin tracking, and other actions that have defended indigenous rights, culture, and the environment.
Arthur's leadership is grounded in the belief that the land, water, wildlife, and culture are inseparable. Through MECCS, he continues to share traditional knowledge, mentor future generations, and inspire communities to protect the environment while honouring the responsibilities passed down by Secwépemc ancestors.
John Skoda
Board Member/Vice President
John Skoda has extensive experience in organizational leadership and community development. As a board member of MECCS, he provides strategic guidance, supports governance and policy development, and helps ensure that the society’s projects are executed responsibly and effectively.
Dario Douglas
Board Member
Environmental and Cultural Coordinator:
Dario Douglas serves as the Environmental and Cultural coordinator for Mother earth cultural Conservation Society (MECCS).
A Proud Secwépemc community member, Dario is passionate about protecting the environment while strengthening cultural connections to the land through education, stewardship, and community engagement.
In his role, Dario leads a wide range of environmental and cultural initiatives, from planning and coordination to on-the-ground implementation. His work includes habitat restoration, invasive species management, Environmental monitoring, and cultural conservation. He oversees daily operations related to these initiatives, builds partnerships, secures project funding, and ensures meaningful work is carried out on the land.
A major focus of Dario's work is empowering the next generation of environmental stewards. he works closely with local schools and youth, leading immersive, land based learning experiences that combine environmental science with Secwépemc knowledge and values. Through hands on stewardship activities, cultural teachings, and outdoor education, he helps young people develop a deeper connection to the land while fostering leadership, environmental advocacy, and a lifelong commitment to protecting the natural world.
Darío believes that caring for the land and strengthening culture go hand in hand. through every restoration project, youth program, and community initiative, he strives to create opportunities for people to reconnect with the land in meaningful ways while ensuring healthy ecosystems and Secwépemc knowledge continue to thrive for future generations.
Our Vision
Our Mission
Our Mission
The restoration and preservation of the Bonaparte First Nation (St'uxwtews) Traditional Lands and Culture to be passed down through the generations for all people.
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our Mission
We are committed to preserving the wildlife and environment through sustainable practices, ensuring that the land is taken care of for all generations to come.
Our Values
Our Mission
Our Values
We are committed to preserving the wildlife and environment through sustainable practices, ensuring that the land is taken care of for all generations to come.