Funded Projects

ʔaq̓am

ʔakiⱡ kansquwik Sina: Working with Beavers to Build Climate Resilience in Cherry Creek

Grant Amount: $150,000

Intake Year: 2024

Region: Columbia Basin

Project Theme: Watershed & Ecosystems Restoration and Nature-based Infrastructure

ʔaq̓am is partnering with Friends of Cherry Creek to increase our collective understanding of the dynamics of Sina (beaver) wetlands within ʔakiⱡ kansquwik (the Cherry/Mather Creek watershed). We are working together to develop and implement actions that will enhance Sina populations, wetland biodiversity and natural stream processes in this watershed and ultimately all across Ktunaxa traditional territory in the future.

The focus of the first year will be sharing of knowledge among ʔaq̓am, other residents and land users within ʔakiⱡ kansquwik, strengthening relationships focused on water protection, developing field research methodology through pilot Sina habitat assessments, and building an interactive digital map of the watershed telling the story of Sina. We will join with ʔaq̓am elders and knowledge holders as well as a local ecologist to mentor the young Guardians in Training as we document Sina families and habitat condition and identify potential areas where Sina wetlands can be enhanced.