Highlighting Salmon Strongholds in Tŝilhqot’in Territory

Project Description

We are working collaboratively to better understand the health of salmon populations and aquatic ecosystems within Tŝilhqot’in traditional territory. This work will meet several key objectives, including identifying what makes the territory a salmon stronghold, evaluating current risks to watersheds, and understanding factors threatening the salmon stronghold and cultural interests. The project involves a phased approach, starting with data collection and analysis, followed by identifying unique features of the territory supporting salmon, incorporating climate change impacts, and finally, integrating feedback from the TNG to produce actionable outcomes.

The first phase of the research involved gathering and analyzing available data to assess the current state of stressors affecting individual watersheds within Tŝilhqot’in territory. This includes creating figures and reports to visualize the impacts of various stressors, such as climate change, on aquatic ecosystems. Subsequent phases will focus on identifying the unique features of Tŝilhqot’in territory that support salmon, incorporating climate change projections, and refining the research based on feedback from the TNG. We are engaging with TNG staff and guardians, and Tŝilhqot’in knowledge holders, throughout the project to ensure the findings are relevant and useful for the community's ongoing stewardship efforts.