After years of dedication, advocacy, planning, and overcoming countless challenges, this milestone stands as a testament to the strength and perseverance of the Syilx Nation and all those committed to restoring our ecosystems.
Yesterday morning, over 200 people joined us to witness this historic moment. For the first time in generations, salmon now have permanent, unimpeded access from the Okanagan River into 350 square kilometres of Okanagan Lake and 13 of its tributaries. This reconnection allows for staggered migration times, opening the door for salmon to return to their historic spawning grounds. This marks a major milestone in restoring salmon habitat and supporting the health of our ecosystems for generations to come.
“100 years ago, dams were built throughout the valley, severing the connection of water and their ecosystems. Devastation continued with the channelization of Okanagan River and its tributaries, and with further fragmentation and extreme loss of habitat, salmon were on the brink of extirpation.”- Zoe Eyjolfson
“Today, we are going to open up this waterway to create a passage for our salmon to continue on with the with their journey, as they did thousands of years ago and today for me, this is an amazing day. This is an amazing day for our Nation. This is an amazing day for our relatives across the 49th parallel. This is an amazing day for our community in snpintktn.”- sil-teekin y̓il̓mixʷm Greg Gabriel
ONA expresses immense gratitude and appreciation to everyone involved. Years of advocacy, partnership development, public education and a tremendous amount of hard work have led to one of the greatest success stories in history – the salmon are back! Project partners include the Penticton Indian Band, City of Penticton, Province of BC and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Okanagan Dam Fish Passage construction was funded by the Habitat Conservation Plan and the Habitat Subcommittee of the Priest Rapids Coordinating Committee, and a fall planting of indigenous species is funded by the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.
After 100 years salmon can finally return to Okanagan Lake – TimesChronicle.ca
Fish passage opens at Okanagan Lake Dam | Watch News Videos Online
Salmon reaching Okanagan Lake unfettered for first time in a century – Castanet.net
