Funded Projects

Tsal’alh First Nation and B.C. Nature are partnering to study, conserve and raise awareness of Gwenis, a unique stock of Kokanee salmon to Anderson and Seton Lakes. These salmon spawn in the middle of winter at great depth, turn jet black, and float to the surface where they become food for hundreds of Eagles and the St’át’imc communities along the lakeshore.

This project will work with Tsal’alh Guardians and the Lillooet Naturalist Society to expand survey work to increase understanding of population changes, develop habitat models to delineate Gwenis spawning grounds, work with Tsal’alh Chief and Council to explore mitigation strategies such as establishing Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas and habitat restoration, and continue to pursue education opportunities to raise stewardship awareness of Gwenis, especially for youth. In this next phase of the project, we will be exploring habitat restoration opportunities to restore Gwenis to historic abundance and benefit other spawning salmon populations along the way.