Awarded to BC Wildlife Federation to provide training for the Shuswap Guardians in Training by engaging them in wetland restoration efforts near Canal Flats in the Sun Creek watershed.
PROPONENT: BC Wildlife Federation & Shuswap Band
DESCRIPTION: This project aims to partner with Shuswap Nation to provide training for the Guardians in Training, the youth who are the future land and water stewards of Secwépemc’ulucw (Secwépemc Traditional Territory), by engaging them in wetland restoration efforts near Canal Flats in the Sun Creek watershed. The conservation of remaining wetlands and the restoration of degraded wetlands is of the utmost importance, especially to preserve key habitat for species at risk that rely on these ecosystems. Restoration of wetlands in the Columbia Valley can help mitigate effects of climate change on humans and wildlife alike by providing drought resilience and provide habitat for a variety of species thus supporting and improving biodiversity in the area.
The project will contribute to Phase 2 of the Sun Creek project, led by the ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation, to restore a minimum of 5 ha of wetland habitat by reestablishing historical water elevations of the “Sun Creek” watershed that was drained. Guardians in Training will aid wetland restoration by participating in restoration and monitoring activities. Through this experiential training program, this project will develop and enhance a conservationist praxis among Guardians in Training by actively restoring wetlands in the Columbia Valley, benefiting wildlife and people through increased climate change resilience, and training the next generation of youth to restore and conserve wetlands.
OBJECTIVE:
This project has the following objectives: Educate a minimum of 10 Indigenous youth to become more informed stewards of the land, who can then use this knowledge to become Land Guardians or Environmental Monitors within their Traditional Territory and on reserve; Restore at least 5 ha of wetland habitat for phase 2 of the Sun Creek project by creating a detailed plan and implementing restoration prescriptions; Support ʔakisq̓nuk consultation and engagement with Elders and Knowledge Holders in taking leadership of the project in a way that reflects cultural values, and supports Guardians in Training to participate in stewardship and restoration activities, and; Support post-restoration monitoring and maintenance.
PHOTO: The Nature Trust of BC
