Overview
To address the cumulative impacts threatening the long-term viability of Okanagan Lake to provide clean drinking water, habitat for fish and wildlife, erosion and flood control, and contribute to climate change mitigation. The planning process is Syilx-led and brings the voices of Elders, youth, knowledge holders, hunters, fishers, and harvesters to articulate and share the Syilx values associated with Okanagan Lake stewardship.
In 2005, a Foreshore Inventory and Mapping (FIM) survey was completed for the central Okanagan and subsequent FIM surveys were conducted for the entire lake in 2009 and 2016. The 2016 survey reported that there had been significant loss of natural shoreline to development, which presented issues for the overall health of Okanagan Lake. Loss of natural shorelines impacts habitat availability for a variety of species, including the populations of sockeye and kokanee salmon which spawn near lakeshores. Natural shorelines also promote the infiltration of runoff into the ground, helping to reduce peak water flow and the probability of flooding. In order to combat the continued loss of natural shorelines, the FIM survey reports identified a need for multi-jurisdictional shoreline management and the development of a Lakeshore Management Plan.
In 2018, representatives from local and regional governments, Syilx Nation, and non-governmental organizations came together to discuss collaborative ways for improving shoreline management for the protection of natural areas around Okanagan Lake. This working group recognized the need for a multi-jurisdictional approach for identifying and developing best practices for shoreline and upland management as well as the need for formal support from local governments and co-development with Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA). This support was attained by way of resolutions from the ONA Chiefs Executive Council (CEC), Mayors and Councilors, and Regional Boards of Directors.
Once formal support had been acquired, the coordinating team made the decision to incorporate a traditional Syilx nʕawqnwixʷ planning process in the development of the siwɬkʷ (Water) Responsibility Action Plan. This consensus-based approach aims to enhance protection measures for Okanagan Lake and ensures future policy recommendations are rooted in Syilx water laws.
In 2022, the working group will undertake the development of the siwɬkʷ Responsibility Action Plan. This Action Plan is a key component from the Syilx siwɬkʷ Strategy.
The goal of the siwɬkʷ Responsibility Action Plan is to change and provide guidance for new land use decision-making processes, policies, and practices for stronger environmental protection that are guided by Syilx values for meaningful and lasting change. This work will support the implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA).
Project Progress/Status:
Ongoing
Project Team
Eva Antonijevic, Natural Resources Research Coordinator
eantonijevic@syilx.org
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Project Partnerships:
To date, the ONA Chiefs Executive Council, seven municipalities and three regional districts have provided formal resolutions of support for the initiative and the Province has assigned staff to the initiative. There are 50 individuals representing 27 organizations that include all levels of government involved in a planning process where Syilx and non-Syilx partners are working to co-create the siwɬkʷ Responsibility Action Plan.
Project Progress/Status:
Okanagan Collaborative Conservation Program
South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program
Regional District Central Okanagan
Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship
UBCO