Xwchíyitò:m and Sqwá First Nations are leading this project as an extension of their ongoing efforts, with support from various partners—including municipal governments, federal and provincial agencies, and not-for-profit organizations—who are collaborating to address watershed security and restore the environmental and cultural values of the sacred area of Sqwá:la, the Hope Slough Watershed.
Past engagements revealed that some farmers believe the slough is not an active waterway and lack knowledge regarding the slough’s importance and the impact of agricultural waste on the environment, which led to decades of degradation and pollution. There are also gaps in farming regulations and enforcement.
The project will support Fish Habitat Restoration by creating new gravel spawning beds and juvenile rearing ponds that will benefit both salmon and the SARA-listed Salish sucker (SARA-T); Riparian Restoration by conducting large-scale planting and removal of foreign invasive species, and supporting the return of fish and plants, insect, avian, amphibious and reptilian populations; and Education & Knowledge Sharing by expanding youth’s interests, skills, knowledge and stewardship capacity for the Pelólxw Tribe and preparing them to pursue post-secondary education or meaningful employment opportunities rooted in traditional ways of caring for the S’ólh Téméxw. Further activities will include an annual event, one-on-one meetings, canoe tours, field trips and education days.
“With the support of many partners, we’re rebuilding salmon habitat that supports the lifeways of our people; revitalizing the riparian zone to bring back culturally important plants and medicines; and empowering youth with traditional and Western knowledge so they can carry forward their role as future caretakers of s’ólh téméxw (our land). This work is about reconciliation with the land and creating a healthier future for all.”— Project team
