A new restoration project along the Hope Slough is being undertaken by three local communities, Xwchíyò:m (Cheam), Sqwa (Skwah) and Shxwha:y (Skway) First Nations.
Riparian repair including the planting of perennials and removing invasive species was underway last month along 2,000 square metres of slough shoreline.
The planting work by environmental contractors and students from Unity Christian School was completed Nov. 15, across from the Nature’s Trust Reserve on the Hope Slough, said project manager Roxanna Kooistra.
The restoration project, titled Shxwlistexw te Sqwá:la Shxweli: Care for the Life Spirit of the Hope Slough, is a collaboration between the communities of Sqwá, Shwhá:y and Xwchíyò:m First Nations, funded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
“The Hope Slough, known as Sqwá:la, has been a safe travel route and a vital source of nourishment for these communities since time immemorial.
“Today many human factors have impacted the health of the slough, yet coho, chum, several types of trout and a rare Chinook salmon travel up the slough each year to spawn.
In the spirit of ’S’oh téméxw te ikw’elò, Xyolhmet te mekw’ stám it kwelat: (This is our land, we have to take care of everything that belongs to us) the project focuses on striving for improved flows through Sqwá:la; riparian area restoration; fish habitat restoration, and water quality testing, say organizers.
The restoration project opens an opportunity for farmers, volunteers, and the City of Chilliwack to partner with the three communities in caring for the life-supporting ecosystem found in the slough.
“We are grateful for the collaboration we have experienced so far at our first restoration planting sites,” Kooistra said.
They asked that folks keep an eye out for wildlife and watershed technicians who were hard at work along the slough.
Anyone who lives near the slough and would like support in caring for Sqwá:la or would like to partner in the work, please reach out to project manager, Roxanna.kooistra@cheamenterprises.ca
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