Archives: Projects

North Cascades

May 2nd, 2023

The North Cascades are a mountain range characterized by rugged terrain spanning both sides of the Canada-US border, which once supported healthy transboundary grizzly bear populations. The British Columbian portion of the North Cascades range spans 9,808 km2 and in Washington state, the North Cascades Ecosystem Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone covers approximately 25,382 square km.

In 2015, the ONA Chief’s Executive Council (CEC) passed a Tribal Council Resolution declaring kiɁlawnaɁ at risk and in immediate need of recovery throughout Syilx territory, including in the North Cascades. Furthermore, in 2016, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recognized this population to be Critically Endangered due to its extreme demographic and genetic isolation. The main factors believed to be responsible for the extreme decline date back to the mid-19th century when large numbers of grizzly bears were commercially trapped and killed due to fears over potential conflicts. Syilx Knowledge Keepers confirm that settlers historically overhunted grizzly bears to drive population numbers down and to exploit bears for commercial markets. kiɁlawnaɁ populations in the North Cascades have been further undermined due to habitat fragmentation and loss, industrial development, and increased environmental disturbances due to climate change; driving populations further out of their original range. Presently, remnant grizzly bear populations on both sides of the Canada-US border have not been able to recover from these cumulative impacts without the need for restorative interventions. Presently, within the Canadian region of the North Cascades it is estimated that the kiɁlawnaɁ population is comprised of 6 bears.

The ONA continues to assess the quality and availability of bear habitat as part of the recovery actions to bring kiɁlawnaɁ back to the North Cascades. These studies use traditional ecological knowledge and scientific methods to investigate habitat conditions and connectivity for bears and to understand how human-bear relationships may be improved to reduce potential for conflicts.

Collaborative management processes help demonstrate Syilx presence and responsibility for the land and resources, and provide capacity to help position the ONA and its member communities as leaders in conservation management. In recognition of our collective responsibilities to the land and ki?lawna, the ONA has partnered with neighbouring Nations and bands (Upper Similkameen Indian Band, S’ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance, Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council, St’át’imc Nation and Simpcw First Nation), the Province, Conservation Northwest and the Coast to Cascades Initiative as part of the Southwest BC Grizzly Bear Stewardship Steering Committee and Indigenous Working Group. The ONA leads and participates in discussions with these groups to identify and address specific issues affecting population viability of the North Cascades grizzly bears. The Steering Committee is tasked with:

• developing holistic kiɁlawnaɁ stewardship plans and strategies founded in the knowledge held and shared by the multiple Nations involved
• implementing stewardship strategies and on the ground actions to restore healthy grizzly bear populations

In 2021, the ONA began developing the North Cascades kiɁlawnaɁ Stewardship Strategy. The Strategy identifies stewardship responsibilities, recovery objectives and priorities. It will provide a framework for implementing near and long-term actions needed to restore grizzly bear habitat connectivity, improve human-bear coexistence and revitalize grizzly bear populations in the North Cascades. Understanding how humans and bears can coexist and share this landscape is foundational to the success of population recovery efforts. This process requires a deep understanding of relationships held by indigenous peoples to the land and how their cultural values and knowledge systems can guide us in upholding our responsibilities to kiɁlawnaɁ. The priority actions and recommendations developed in the North Cascades kiɁlawnaɁ Stewardship Strategy are informed by Indigenous knowledge, values and perspectives and integrated with the scientific information ONA has gathered since 2018 through updating habitat suitability models and conducting field assessments.

Bessette Creek Bank Restoration

May 28th, 2022

The Bessette Creek is located in Lumby, BC and supports at-risk kisúʔ (Coho) ntityix (Chinook) populations. Bank erosion is a common problem in the watershed and contributes large amounts of sediment into the watercourse, which degrades downstream fish habitat. Furthermore, areas of erosion lack overhanging riparian shade cover which contributes to higher stream temperatures during the summer.

Munro Prescribed Burns

April 4th, 2022

The Syilx territory has historically been maintained by cultural fire events. Active fire suppression tactics have led to vegetation ingrowth and extreme fuel loading throughout Syilx Territory. Combined with climate change, fire suppression has led to longer, more intense, and more destructive wildfire seasons and a less resilient forest ecosystem. A less resilient forest ecosystem degrades cultural, ecological and social values, increases threats to communities and infrastructure, and provides fewer natural resources, including timber supply.

The success of this project is the product of hard-earned relationships between local First Nations (PIB and ONA), local industry (Gorman’s), the Provincial Government and FESBC. It has successfully combined timber harvesting in the Timber Harvesting Land Base (THLB) with Syilx cultural-ecological restoration at a landscape level and has provided a template to model and improve on as the forestry sector, Indigenous rights and reconciliation and ecosystem stewardship continue to innovate.

Bessette Creek Temperature Study

February 18th, 2022

Installation of 18 temperature loggers within the Bessette Creek watershed to monitor stream temperatures during hot summer months. Data will be used to conduct a stream temperature modelling exercise in order to pinpoint areas where riparian shading can provide the most benefits in terms of stream cooling effects

Developing Water Responsibilities Plans Using the Syilx Methodology: A nxwyaɬpítkw (Kettle River) Watershed Pilot Study

January 5th, 2022

As part of the Okanagan Nation Alliance’s “siwɬkʷ (Water) Strategy,” the Okanagan Nation Alliance implemented a planning methodology for applying Syilx Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into watershed planning processes. The integration of Syilx TEK into watershed planning processes has provided a strong foundation for shaping watershed planning, conservation, and stewardship initiatives that align with Syilx Okanagan laws, principles, and practices within the Kettle River watershed.

This unique project drew upon extensive consultations with Elders and other Syilx community members to develop a holistic watershed stewardship strategy based on traditional knowledge and the connection to water, people, and land. This strategy was captured in a report, “Developing Water Responsibilities Plans Using the Syilx Methodology: A nxwyaɬpítkw (Kettle River) Watershed Pilot Study.” Not only was this knowledge shared across membership Nations, but the ONA also provided leadership in delivering the 2019 Okanagan Water Forum to help a diverse range of rights holders, stakeholders and community members to more fully integrate the strategy and its findings and recommendations into larger planning and governance practices and efforts. This project advanced the integration of TEK into water governance, making stewardship more reciprocal, systemic, inclusive, and robust.

Syilx siwɬkʷ Strategy

May 25th, 2021

The Syilx siwɬkʷ Strategy outlines how the Syilx Nation intends to care for our territory and work to ensure that siwɬkʷ is properly respected and available for all living things. It’s designed to protect and manage siwɬkʷ in our territory and is built on the understanding that the Syilx People have inherent rights and responsibilities to care for siwɬkʷ.

Current western siwɬkʷ management regimes are missing the Syilx worldview and siwɬkʷ is being disrespected. Extreme flooding and other environmental disasters are increasing in frequency and magnitude in Syilx Okanagan Territory, underscoring the need for a cohesive approach to emergency management that emphasizes risk mitigation while continuing to strengthen preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities.

In today’s context both the federal and provincial Crown have made commitments to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, including fully adopting and implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), here in British Columbia with Bill #14 legislation and the 94  Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The challenge now with all of these pieces of legislation, laws, and regulatory systems is that they are not actualized or harmonized fully and Syilx Nation Title and Rights are not properly included in the provincial and federal Crown’s development.

The Syilx siwɬkʷ Strategy has been developed over the past decade by the ONA and is grounded in extensive work with Syilx citizens from all of our communities. In keeping with the Syilx nʕawqnwixʷ process, the engagement with Nation members was designed to ensure that all voices were able to contribute to the discussions and to the Action Plan.

The Strategy includes the unique perspectives and input of more than 100 community members from all eight Syilx Okanagan communities whose voices are reflected in this strategy. It is grounded in extensive work with Syilx Nation citizens from all of our communities. The process of developing this Strategy has brought together the voices of Elders, youth, knowledge holders, leaders, hunters, fishers, and harvesters to articulate the Syilx principles and practices associated with siwɬkʷ stewardship as well as to discuss concerns about the well-being of siwɬkʷ today and in the future.

Review the Strategy: Syilx siwɬkʷ Strategy

kɬúsx̌nítkʷ (Okanagan Lake) Responsibility Planning Initiative

April 28th, 2021

The kɬúsx̌nítkʷ (Okanagan Lake) Responsibility Planning Initiative is designed to bring Syilx and non-Syilx partners together 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).

Credit: OCCP

t̓ik̓t (flood) Adaptation Project

April 23rd, 2021

The Okanagan Basin is experiencing increasingly intense t̓ik̓t and debris-flow hazards, but overall these are not mapped or recorded. Most recently, the Syilx Okanagan territory was heavily impacted by extreme flooding, on and off reserve, in 2017 and 2018. Since contact the population on Syilx Okanagan territory has settled largely in the valley bottom, filling in 85% of natural wetlands, with many permanent residencies existing adjacent to water or on floodplains.

Based on current climate change research, the magnitude of extreme spring freshet is projected to increase, and conditions similar to those experienced in 2017 and 2018 are expected to become the norm. Further, there is limited knowledge as to how these flood hazards interact with exposed communities and ecosystems, nor is there a consistent basin-wide approach to flood risk management.

In March 2018, the Okanagan Nation Alliance’s (ONA) Chiefs Executive Council (CEC) gave a directive through Tribal Council Resolution 372 for the Natural Resources department to complete a flood risk assessment, floodplain mapping, and an emergency response approach for the Nation. This includes a need to find solutions on how we may collectively better live with t̓ik̓t and have a coordinated approach to emergency response. By developing an Okanagan-basin (including the Similkameen watershed) risk assessment, the Nation can be proactive, and make risk-based decisions regarding their territory and communities, and determine what priority measures can be taken, if possible, to improve safety, reduce, or even negate, the effects of t̓ik̓t events.

t̓ik̓t has always been a natural part of the Syilx landscape. Western approaches to water situate it as a resource to be controlled and exploited for people’s benefit. In contrast, Syilx Okanagan land-based knowledge on water is more localized and holistic. From a Syilx Okanagan perspective, people can enhance their relationship to their local waters and learn how to live with t̓ik̓t.  t̓ik̓t also brings many positive benefits to the watershed, such as carrying nutrients for many different species and creating habitat for salmon. To have a truly effective approach to t̓ik̓t, and water management in general, we must integrate Syilx and modern watershed management practices moving forward.

Okanagan Dam Fish Passage & Adult Tracking

October 13th, 2020

Introductions of sockeye salmon into the Okanagan Basin began with the first capture of wild adults for hatchery brood stock in the taking place in the fall of 2003 and hatchery fry intorductions into Skaha Lake have occurred in most years since 2004. The first major introduction of hatchery-origin Sockeye fry (750,000) into Okanagan Lake occurred in spring 2017.

Hatchery-origin adult Sockeye Salmon originating from the spring 2017 introduction returned in small numbers (a few hundred) as adults aggregating below Okanagan Lake Dam in Penticton in 2019 and larger numbers (several thousand) are expected in 2020. Significant numbers of adult returns are also expected in 2021-2022. The Okanagan Lake Dam at Penticton is a barrier to fish passage. The current dam was constructed in 1953 and included a fish-way. However, except for a brief trial period in 2019 the fish-way has never been operated. The effectiveness of the fish-way in supporting adult fish passage remains unknown.

Wilsey Dam Fish Passage and Water Licence Renewal

July 10th, 2020

There are two projects happening at Wilsey Dam; one to allow for fish passage at the dam and one regarding two water licence renewals on the Shuswap River.

History: Since its construction, Wilsey Dam has blocked upstream access to former spawning and rearing habitats above Shuswap Falls for chinook, sockeye, and coho stocks. The ONA has been releasing fry into the Shuswap River above the dam in the past, was a part of a fish passage steering committee, and has been conducting studies on increasing knowledge on survival of juvenile salmon through Wilsey Dam despite any support, discussions or funding from BC Hydro. Assessments concluded that there are no serious impediments to re-establishing fish passage above Wilsey Dam and it was recommended that planning for fish passage proceed, pending investigation of entrainment mortality. In 2016 and in spirit of the Enduring Relationship, discussions began between ONA and BC Hydro on two water license renewals on the Shuswap River, set to expire at the end of 2018. The discussions on renewals and inclusion of Syilx Okanagan culture and worldview have created even more leverage for fish passage needs.

Mica Dam Generating Units 5-6 Agreement

July 10th, 2020

BC Hydro planed to install two 500MW generating units in the existing bays at the Mica Generating Station.

History: An Impact Benefits Agreement (IBA) has involved several years of negotiations between the Syilx Okanagan Nation and BC Hydro. Prior to the 2011 Enduring Relationship, the CEC withdrew from frustrating IBA negotiations with BC Hydro and re-engaged a few years ago. The CEC negotiators re-opened these discussions with the Vice-president of BC Hydro and more talks are planned aimed at reaching a respectful benefits agreement on this facility. By 2013 both generating units were delivered to Mica dam and were installed and in service by 2015. In 2019 the EEC’s Negotiations Team was able to negotiate a ground breaking agreement with BC Hydro that moved away from providing blanket or any substantial releases, like older Impact benefit Agreement (IBAs) required. This allows the Nation to conduct appropriate socio-economic studies to properly assess impacts of the whole facility over time, to be provided lump sum payments by BC Hydro, and has protected the Nation to pursue future litigation, if necessary.

Revelstoke Dam Generating Unit #6 (Rev6)

July 10th, 2020

This project pursues the construction of a new and final generator (500MW) in the last bay of the Revelstoke Dam.

History: The CEC rejected old consultation processes and is designing more dedicated and advanced processes reflecting the new Enduring Relationship. The EEC and BC Hydro established and funded the full technical review and analysis of this project coordinated by OKIB as the lead of the Project Review Committee (PRC). The PRC also includes WFN, PIB and ONA. With the EEC, they have been meeting to discuss a plan for mitigation measures for Rev6 that go beyond those required by the regular process in an attempt to accommodate for impacts from the hydro facility.

 

 

Interior to Lower Mainland Transmission Line (ILM)

July 10th, 2020

In 2005, BC Hydro planned to add a third transmission line running from Merritt to Coquitlam to supply the lower mainland with power from the Columbia River dams.

History: Prior to the signing of the Enduring Relationship, the Syilx Okanagan Nation was not included in the decision and did not see any recognition of the impacts of the transmissions lines. After several difficult meetings between Syilx Okanagan leadership the BC Hydro executive members, an agreement was reached that allowed the Nation to now be included in planning for the ILM and to receive certain benefits coming out of the project. The agreement also included the Enduring Relationship. Once the Nation was included, we were able to complete environmental assessments, archaeology impact assessments, and more to ensure that Syilx Okanagan Title and Rights were not infringed upon in the completion of the project. The third transmission line was completed in the fall of 2015.

Box Lake Western Painted Turtle Basking Log Habitat

June 19th, 2019

The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) lists Western Painted Turtles as a species of special concern. Habitat quantity and quality are the primary constraints limiting the populations.

Box Lake, near Nakusp, is known to have a resident population of Western Painted Turtles (WPT), however little is known about this specific population, and the quality and quantity of habitat. In 2019, ONA proposes to assess the Western Painted Turtle population, their associated key habitats, and install floating basking log habitat in the north and south end of the lake. This project is being initiated in 2019, with funding agreement with Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) recently signed. ONA has conducted similar Western Painted Turtle monitoring and habitat creation or enhancement projects in Revelstoke and in Penticton (PIB Oxbows).

Munro/Garnet Valley Fire Maintained Landscape

May 24th, 2019

Syilx Territory has historically been maintained by fire events. Since colonizaiton, active fire suppression tactics have led to vegetation ingrowth and extreme fuel loading throughout Syilx Territory. Combined with climate change, fire suppression has led to longer, more intense, and more destructive wildfire seasons and a less resilient forest ecosystem. A less resilient forest ecosystem degrades cultural, ecological and social values, increases threats to communities and infrastructure, and provides fewer natural resources, including timber supply.

This project is the product of hard-earned relationships between Okanagan Nation Alliance, Penticton Indian Band, local industry (Gorman’s), the BC Provincial Government and Forest Enhancement of BC (FESBC). It has successfully married timber harvesting in the THLB with cultural-ecological restoration at a landscape level, and has provided a template to model and improve on as the forestry sector, Indigenous rights and reconciliation and ecosystem stewardship continue to innovate.

Fish Water Management Tool

February 12th, 2019

Water levels in Okanagan Lake are managed to provide a balance between fisheries, flooding, and other interests. Water levels must provide sufficient water to meet target lake levels for Okanagan Lake kokanee and downstream flow for sockeye salmon populations. Owing to a variety of factors, Okanagan River sockeye are the only significant remnant stock of more than a dozen anadromous salmon stocks that historically returned to Canada through the U.S. portions of the Columbia River.

The Okanagan Nation Alliance and Canadian Okanagan Basin Technical Working Group (COBTWG) identified improvements to Okanagan River flow management practices as one means of achieving significant sockeye production gains. With this goal in mind the Fish-Water Management Tool (FWMT), an Internet-accessible software application, was developed as the central tool for defining these improved water management practices. The FWMT enables water managers and fisheries scientists to combine best science subsystem models and integrate real‑time data to make daily/weekly decisions regarding Okanagan Lake Dam water releases to:

  • minimize flood damage
  • protect fisheries values (e.g. Okanagan Lake shore spawning kokanee eggs and alevin, and Okanagan River sockeye eggs and alevin);
  • satisfy domestic and irrigation water supply demands;
  • support recreation, navigation & tourism.

Key activities include:

  • Sockeye spawner enumeration
  • Kokanee shore spawning enumerations
  • Deadpitch Survey
  • In-lake sampling
  • Fry emergence

 

Prescribed Burns

October 12th, 2018

The Okanagan Nation Alliance Natural Resource Department is pleased support the important role of Syilx (Okanagan) communities’ responsibility to re-establish prescribed fire on the Okanagan Landscape. Active fire suppression has led to extreme fuel loading and vegetation ingrowth throughout Syilx (Okanagan) Territory. Combined with climate change, fire suppression has led to longer, more intense, and more destructive wildfire seasons and a less resilient forest and grassland ecosystem. A less resilient ecosystem degrades cultural and social values, increases threats to communities and infrastructure and provides fewer natural resources.

Traditionally, the open forest and grassland ecosystems found in the Okanagan-Similkameen areas were maintained by low intensity, controlled burns, lit and managed by the Syilx (Okanagan) people. cikilaxwm is the word for traditional burning of the land for the health of our tmixʷ, which is our land and resources. In today’s climate, we also burn for the safety and security of our communities and the people who live on this landscape.

Syilx (Okanagan) communities will work to re-establish prescribed fire on the Okanagan landscape in Syilx (Okanagan) Territory. On April 25th, the Penticton Indian Band successfully ignited the first prescribed burn through this program, enhancing important wildlife habitat and reducing the risk of fire to nearby communities in the Garnet Valley. Syilx communities have begun to put ‘good fire’ back on the landscape, thanks in part to support and collaboration from FESBC, the Ministry of FLNRORD and the BC Wildfire Service throughout 2016 and 2017.

In the fall of 2017, Syilx (Okanagan) communities worked together with the ONA Natural Resources Department to develop a project that will move Cikilaxwm back onto the landscape on a meaningful, Territory wide scale. The project has a number of 2018 objectives, including continued support for the Lower Similkameen Indian Band in the Ashnola Valley and Penticton Indian Band in the Garnet Valley. The project also supports the development of a Syilx (Okanagan) Prescribed Fire Working Group and a collaborative Okanagan Prescribed Fire Steering Committee. Over the 2018 season, the working group and committee will aim to develop phase 1 of a Syilx (Okanagan) prescribed fire framework, while continuing to support Syilx (Okanagan) communities in the development and implementation of priorities related to Cikilaxwm.

 

Project goals can be broken down into three categories:

 

  • To establish a Syilx Cikilaxwm working group, and a collaborative Okanagan Prescribed Fire steering committee, led by Syilx communities.
  • To support Syilx communities to develop and implement prescribed fire objectives and projects.
  • To provide a platform for relationship building and meaningful, collectively developed landscape management objectives, specifically as they apply to the use of prescribed fire to protect and enhance values and resources.
“The reasons we used to be able to walk through these kinds of forests with just moccasins on is because we used to keep it so clean” –Pierre Kruger, speaking in the Garnet Valley in 2016 about the cleaning the forest using controlled fire.
Ellis Creek Sediment Basin Fish Passage Project

October 4th, 2018

The goal of this project is to redesign the current sediment basin to create fish passage year round and improve overall creek habitat. This project will also make the creek function more effectively, allow the Ministry to do their routine sediment extraction without disturbing fish passage, and provide a more natural and healthy ecosystem for the community to enjoy.

Ellis Creek sediment catchment basin, located near the creeks mouth is bordered on the downstream end by a rock weir that was constructed to retain transported sediment and prevent it from entering Okanagan River. The rock weir is not passable by fish species year round (Walsh et al., 2006). In addition, the ongoing process of sediment extraction over time negatively impacts the local environment and initiates extensive maintenance requirements. Modifying the sediment basin would rectify these issues and would open up 4 km of potential salmon spawning habitat in Ellis Creek (Walsh et al., 2006). This project was modeled after a similar project carried out on Shuttleworth Creek’s sediment basin in 2015. Construction works are completed; next steps include replanting vegetation in the spring and postconstruction monitoring to ensure that restoration is successful.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Riffle was built successfully
  • Bypass system is functional
  • Many cottonwoods and willows were salvaged
    before construction and replanted or staked along
    the bank of the basin
  • No wildlife salvage was required
  • There were no public safety concerns, despite the
    popularity of the area for walking
  • Banks were graded and left rough and loose in
    anticipation of planting during the spring of 2019
Northern Pike Suppression

November 8th, 2017

Northern Pike (Esox lucius) are a well-known top-level predator, native to most of Canada and USA east of the Rockies. Detected in 2010 in the Columbia River in Castlegar, they are suspected of originating from Montana and migrating downstream through the Pend d’Oreille system. Established populations now exist in the Robson Reach and the Kootenay River confluence areas, as well as downstream throughout Lake Roosevelt. Northern Pike have a diet preference for soft-bodied, soft-rayed fish like trout and salmon, whitefish and minnow species. Through ONA’s suppression efforts, we have caught Pike up to 27 lbs (female) and have heard of captures over 30 lbs from the upper Pend d’Oreille. Pike of that size would have no problem consuming a 4 lb Rainbow Trout or Sockeye Salmon!

Pike prefer shallow, warm and weedy habitats, but are able to adapt to the riverine habitat in the Columbia, or steep-sided, rocky habitat in Lake Roosevelt. They have been documented moving further downstream in the Columbia each year. A primary concern is that they will migrate past Grand Coulee and Chief Joseph Dams and reach the “Anadromous” zone – the upstream limit of ocean-going salmon. Once into this zone, they will then have access to the Okanagan River and the Osoyoos, Vaseaux and Skaha Lakes – all of which have ample shallow, weedy and warm habitats. The risk that Pike may enter the Okanagan River system is high, highlighting the urgency for suppression and monitoring efforts in the Columbia and Pend d’Oreille Rivers.

The Okanagan Nation Alliance is recognized as the lead by Canadian agencies for suppression and monitoring in the Columbia River (Pend d’Oreille, Kootenay, Columbia and Kettle Rivers). Our suppression efforts focus on pre-spawn adults in Spring, and adult, juveniles and young-of-the-year in Summer and Fall. Capturing pre-spawn adults is an effective method of suppressing the population; a mature female can produce upwards of 9,000 eggs per pound of body weight – that means the 27 lb female we captured was capable of producing nearly a quarter-million eggs!

A key part of ONA’s Pike program includes working with citizens for early detection of Northern Pike in new water bodies and rapid–response suppression. For example, in 2019 an angler reported capture of a Pike (with photo proof) in Christina Lake– ONA, working closely with Christina Lake Stewardship Society, activated a monitoring crew to sample likely habitats for Pike via gill-netting and electrofishing. No Pike were encountered during the rapid-response suppression, however, Christina Lake remains at high risk of Northern Pike establishment and will be monitored annually.  Angler participation remains vital and is encouraged through an annual Incentive program rewarding anglers for removed Northern Pike removed.

Early detection activities can include sampling accessible habitats where Pike are suspected. This can include sampling for eDNA (environmental DNA). eDNA is a new tool in species detection, where water samples are analyzed for body cells of specific species. An eDNA “primer” is developed by taking tissue samples from the species you are targeting. These samples were used by the team at the ONA Fish Health and Diagnostics Lab in Penticton (part of the kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ Hatchery) to extract DNA, and validate a pike DNA amplification assay that detects a unique DNA signature for Columbia Northern Pike. With this pike “signature” now known, Technicians can take water samples, filter the water, and have Lab staff analyze material on the filter to “search” for Pike DNA. This approach enables rapid and cost effect sampling of more locations to detect if Pike are present before we activate a large, and more costly suppression crew.

Other key elements of ONA’s Pike program include biological sampling. Biological sampling can include measuring weight and length and examining the gonads for sexing, maturity (ripeness), and fertility (number of eggs). We also take a samples from cheek bones (cleithrum) and ear bones (otolith) which show layers of annual calcium deposition and allow us to age individuals – much like rings on a tree. Confirmation of age by these structures (as opposed to fish scales, which are often inaccurate and unreliable for aging) when used with weight and length information can give us an indication of growth, fish health, age of maturity, fertility and allow us to compare these biological indices to other Northern Pike populations.
We also examine stomach samples for diet composition and parasites. Diet information is useful in showing what Pike prefer to eat, and give an indication of what species may be at highest risk of Pike predation. We can then focus suppression efforts in the areas where preferred prey may reside. Information on parasites in Pike is helpful in identifying another little-known risk factor to other, native species. Often invasive species bring other organisms with them that native species cannot adapt to; this may be the case with certain tapeworms or even viruses that Pike are known to carry. The ONA Fisheries Department is looking to develop more tools around these questions as our pike suppression and monitoring program continues.

Okanagan Chinook Restoration Program

October 19th, 2017

The Okanagan Chinook Restoration Program is a long-term effort to restore Okanagan chinook salmon, which include sk’lwist (summer-run salmon) spawning in the mainstem Okanagan River and ntitiyx (spring-run salmon) spawning in its tributaries.

sk’lwist primarily have a four-to-five-year life cycle.  They return to the Okanagan River as adults in July/August and spawn in October in the mainstem of the river. These fry emerge in the following spring and usually leave the basin within 3-6 months, though some remain up to a year. They then migrate to the ocean for 1-3 years and return to spawn again. The scientific description of this life history is a 4sub1 life history (spends one year of its life in freshwater).

Spring Chinook primarily have a four-year life cycle.  They return to the Okanagan River as adults in May/June, and spawn in early September in the tributaries of the basin. These fry emerge in the following spring and typically spend one year in the tributary or mainstem river or lake of the basin.  They then migrate to the ocean for 1-2 years and then return.  The scientific description of this life history is a 4sub2 life history (spends two years of its life in freshwater).

ONA has been monitoring live adult chinook and carcasses for over 15 years to gather information on abundance, distribution and biological population characteristics. Conservation status assessments for Okanagan sk’lwist were completed in 2006 and 2016 in collaboration with our communities and the En’owkin Centre. sk’lwist were designated as Threatened in 2006 and re-assessed as Endangered in 2016. ONA’s Okanagan Chinook Recovery Action Plan (2016) outlines recovery goals and proposes specific actions to achieve those goals.

Beginning in June 2017, juvenile hatchery-reared sk’lwist have been released into the Okanagan River annually to rebuild the population. Releases have ranged from 3,400 – 22,000 chinook. The eggs were provided by Chief Joseph hatchery and reared at ONA’s kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ hatchery in Penticton. In 2020, we were able to collect eggs from Chinook spawning in the Okanagan River for the first time. Juvenile chinook may spend several months to up to two years in the Okanagan River and lakes before migrating out through the Columbia River to the ocean. A portion of our hatchery-reared chinook receive Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags that enable biologists to track their movement and survival from release to return as spawners. In addition, ONA is undertaking a juvenile chinook survival study to identify possible areas and causes of low survival, as well as extensive habitat inventories aimed at protecting existing and restoring additional nursery habitats for juvenile chinook.

Until recently, ntitiyx observations in the Okanagan were rare. The Upper Columbia ntitiyx are listed as endangered in the U.S., which makes it difficult to move hatchery fry or eyed eggs into Canada for recovery. Local abundances in the Canadian Okanagan are currently too low to collect broodstock in Canada. However, Colville Confederated Tribes have been releasing experimental hatchery Methow Spring Chinook at locations in the U.S. Okanagan River since 2013. As returns in the U.S. Okanagan River increase, we anticipate that spring chinook will move upstream (stray – they tend to wander) into the Canadian tributaries to slowly repopulate their former range.  There are about 3-5 suitable tributaries in the U.S. Okanagan and 20-25 suitable tributaries in the Canadian Okanagan. ntitiyx observations have increased in recent years and ONA and its communities have seen ntitiyx in tributaries as far north as Whiteman Creek at the north end of Okanagan Lake. We are collaborating with Colville Confederated Tribes and the U.S. Geological Survey to monitor Okanagan tributaries for ntitiyx presence using Environmental DNA (eDNA) methods. It is hoped in time ONA will be able to collect broodstock from those tributaries to begin local recovery.

ECOmmunity Place Locatee Lands (EPLL) Floodplain Re-engagement

September 7th, 2017

Okanagan River channelization resulted in 50 % loss of length, 93 % loss of riparian habitat, and isolation from floodplains. The EPLL site is the only remaining portion of floodplain in snpintktn (Penticton) area restorable without major infrastructure changes.

Environmental Flow Needs (EFN)

August 17th, 2017

The Environmental Flow Needs (EFN) Project is a collaborative project between ONA, Ministry of Forest, Land, and Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO) and the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB). The goal of the project is to develop Environmental Flow Needs (EFNs) (“target flows”) and Critical Flows (“minimum flows”) for water management in Okanagan streams. A list of 19 priority streams was developed collaboratively at the beginning of the project.

Phase I of the project consisted of developing methods for EFN setting, and included a literature review of EFN methodology and historical information gathering for Okanagan streams. A report with proposed methods has been distributed, consisting of two components:

  1. a desktop effort identifies EFNs via historic streamflow records, information on naturalized flows, and a known (from literature) proportion of the mean annual flow that a range of fish species and life stages need.
  2. a more intensive field-based effort where the change in suitable fish habitat is measured in relation to streamflows to develop a stream specific relationship between flows and habitat. Habitat features to be measured include depth, velocity and temperature in high-value habitats (and macroinvertebrate production, pending funding).

Phase II of the project is consists of implementation of the methods, including field data collection and development of EFNs for Okanagan streams based on the methods developed in Phase I. All 19 streams will be assessed via method (1) (desktop exercise) but since there is not sufficient funding to do a full field study on all streams, 11 streams were prioritized using a ranking system for assessment under method (2) based on the following criteria:

  • Fish habitat value
  • Known low flow issues resulting from water use
  • Likelihood of new licenses being issued (some systems are “closed” to new licensing)
  • First Nations value and use
  • Data and/or Water Use Plans already available from previous studies

The streams that are measured in Phase II of this project include:

  • Coldstream Creek
  • Lower Vernon Creek
  • Equesis Creek
  • Nashwito Creek
  • Whiteman Creek
  • McDougall Creek
  • Mission Creek
  • Inkaneep Creek
  • Shingle Creek
  • Shuttleworth Creek
  • Vaseux Creek

Phase II of the project is mainly conducted and delivered by ONA with support from the bands. Fish Habitat Transect sites were established in all 11 streams between July and August 2016. Study sites include up to 10 transects per stream, including riffles and glides. In addition, a total of approximately 24 hydrometric stations, including 2 real-time stations, were installed and will be maintained at least throughout the life of the project.

It is anticipated that EFNs and critical flows to be used in water licensing and drought management decisions by FLNRO will be developed in a workshop or series of workshops following completion of Phase II. This process has been identified as Phase III of this project.

Juvenile White Sturgeon Monitoring

July 7th, 2017

White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) in the upper Columbia River in British Columbia, Canada, was listed as endangered under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) in 2006 as the population is undergoing recruitment failure. One segment of the population resides in the Mid-Columbia River, which is a section of the upper Columbia River located between Hugh L. Keenleyside Dam (Castlegar, BC) and Revelstoke Dam (Revelstoke, BC). This small population segment is comprised of approximately 52 adult White Sturgeon (37 – 92 individuals at 95% confidence level) that are older than when the construction of HLK Dam occurred (1969). Natural recruitment to this population has not been identified. In 2007, BC Hydro began an experimental conservation aquaculture program that has released hatchery-reared juvenile White Sturgeon into the Mid-Columbia River. This program has been ongoing in an attempt to evaluate the feasibility of developing either a self-sustaining or failsafe population in this section of the upper Columbia River.

As of 2017 we are in year 5 of the study and will be working with BC Hydro to continue monitoring the Arrow Lakes population in the future.

West Kelowna Transmission Project (WKTP)

June 9th, 2017

A new, secondary transmission line to the transmission network delivering electricity to West Kelowna and Peachland.

History: Discussions with the Nation began in 2015 on route options to minimize impacts on the environment and sites of cultural significance. The close working relationship since the beginning of the project has allowed the Nation to co-design a project that respects Syilx Okanagan Title and Rights. This has been the first project to be fully planned, studied and engaged with the Syilx Okanagan Nation under the full terms of the Enduring Relationship and the Nation is not only engaged, but actively involved at an early stage which is unprecedented with past BC Hydro projects.

For more information on WKTP, you can visit BC Hydro’s website: www.bchydro.com/wktp 

Okanagan River Restoration Initiative – Re-Meander & Reconnection

May 24th, 2017

The health of the Okanagan River watershed has been severely impacted by the channelization that occurred in the mid-1950’s. Only 16% (4.9 km) of the river remains in a natural (2.8 km) or semi-natural state (2.1 km) and 84% (30.4 km) of the river has been channelized, straightened, narrowed and diked.

The ORRI concept was conceived in 2000 to return portions of the channelized Okanagan River back to a more natural condition and regain some of the lost habitat quality and quantity. The site is located in Oliver, approximately 17 km upstream of Osoyoos Lake, and was specifically chosen based on channel gradient and connection to upstream productive habitats. This project regains some of the lost habitat quality and quantity in a channelized section of the river by creating more complex and diverse habitat system.

ORRI follows an ecosystem based approach for the benefit of Indigenous aquatic and terrestrial species. It involves relocating dikes, lengthening the channel, re-establishing meanders and pool/riffle sequences, reconnecting the river to contiguous floodplains, creating side channels and replanting riparian vegetation. Highlights of 5-years monitoring of this project include the reactivation of the floodplain at high flows, riparian vegetation growth, reduction of invasive macrophyte species (milfloil), and increased use of the site by Sockeye Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Breasted Chat, and Great Basin Spadefoot Toad.

Okanagan River Restoration Initiative – Penticton Channel Spawning Beds

May 24th, 2017

Penticton Channel is an important location for salmon spawning and rearing, but is currently highly degraded with limited high-quality salmon spawning and rearing habitat.

The Okanagan River between Skaha and Okanagan Lakes is a historical salmon spawning area. Channelization in the 1950’s rendered the river unsuitable for native fish species. Channelization resulted in:
o poor substrate (sand and larger cobble, not gravel);
o loss of pools and riffles;
o flattened channel slope (0.08%) ;
o low water velocities.

According to Syilx/Okanagan Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), “the river channel (in Penticton), used to be rich in fish; Steelhead, Coho, Sockeye and King (Chinook) Salmon” (Ernst, 2000). However, due to channelization in the 1950’s and other anthropogenic impacts, salmon spawning opportunities are extremely limited in this section of the Okanagan River.

The spawning beds provide public viewing salmon spawning opportunities, and improve the global health of the Penticton channel by reducing invasive exotic species abundance (ex. Eurasian milfoil). It provides continued relationship development between various stakeholders, governments, and public. The project success is measured in a multi-year effectiveness monitoring program. The successes and learning will benefit future restoration works in the Okanagan Basin.

Osoyoos Lake Smolt Purse Seining (PIT tag)

May 17th, 2017

Since 2012, ONA has been tagging a portion of Okanagan sockeye smolts with Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags. Starting in 2016, ONA, Grant and Chelan Public Utility Districts, and the Columbia River Inter Tribal Fisheries Commission have been piloting the use of purse seining to capture smolts to PIT tag.

Construction of permanent flood control dams in the Canadian portion of the Okanagan Basin in the 1950’s has blocked anadromous salmon from a significant portion of their historical range, which includes q̓awst’ik’wt (Skaha Lake) and kłusxənitkw(Okanagan Lake). In 1999, the ONA and Colville Confederated Tribes (CCT) initiated a research program, funded by Bonneville Power Administration, to evaluate the feasibility of reintroducing sockeye salmon into their historical range. A 3-year risk assessment of sockeye reintroduction was carried out by the Canadian Okanagan Basin Technical Working Group (COBTWG), whose participants include the Okanagan Nation Alliance, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), and the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO). The risk assessment, completed in April 2003, concluded that the reintroduction of sockeye into Skaha Lake posed little risk to existing Okanagan sockeye and resident Skaha Lake kokanee populations.

The decision was made to introduce hatchery-reared sockeye fry into Skaha Lake as it posed little risk and would allow for in-lake monitoring of food web response. The COBTWG worked to develop and approve a 12-year framework for the experimental reintroduction of sockeye salmon into Skaha Lake, which outlines the project rationale, method of reintroduction, and a series of performance measures to address production, growth and survival of sockeye and kokanee. The 12-year adaptive management experiment was designed to be reversible if monitoring demonstrates significant negative impacts to either the existing Osoyoos sockeye or Skaha Lake kokanee populations.

Typically, hatchery-raised, thermal marked fry produced are released into Penticton Channel upstream of Skaha Lake. Sockeye fry spend one year in Skaha and Osoyoos lakes before migrating to the ocean. The migration typically begins in early Spring.  Understanding migration patterns and biological traits of sockeye smolts from both lakes is necessary for monitoring and evaluating the Skaha Lake Sockeye Reintroduction Program.  An important objective is to determine the migration timing, size, and age structure of wild and hatchery-origin sockeye smolts as they migrate out of Skaha and Osoyoos lakes into the Okanagan and Columbia rivers.

Since 2012, ONA has been implanting sockeye smolts with uniquely coded PIT tags. PIT tags can be detected and logged as they pass through antennae arrays located throughout the Columbia River.  PIT tags do not have batteries and will transmit codes whenever they are close to a PIT antenna. Therefore, tags are not constrained by battery life and can provide codes for the entire life-span of the salmon. From these detections, we are able to estimate smolt travel time and overall survival as sockeye migrate to the Pacific Ocean.  Ideally, a large number of PIT-tagged sockeye from this year will return as adults and be detected in the arrays as they migrate back to the Okanagan to spawn.  One goal for this project is to capture approximately 10,000 smolts to PIT tag.

Wilsey Dam Dredging Sediment Monitoring

May 2nd, 2017

Okanagan Nation Alliance and Okanagan Indian Band have installed sediment baskets in the Middle Shuswap River to monitor fine sediment deposits in salmon spawning gravels. Monitoring began in 2016 when BC Hydro conducted dredging at Wilsey Dam. During dredging, fine sediment was released into the spillway of the dam and Middle Shuswap River below. Our monitoring program is designed to measure fine sediment deposition above and below the dam during the dredge year and during two subsequent years during which no dredging will take place. A comparison of fine sediment deposition between years aims to detect any additional sediment deposited as a result of the dredge.

Commercial Fishery Pilot

March 10th, 2017

The ONA supports the sustainable development of a regional economic fisheries sector, with measures that strengthen competitiveness and add value.  This fishery allocates annually- appropriate harvests, respecting community food and social needs, followed by economic opportunities.

As such we recognize the need to diversify and be competitive, so that our goals of incorporating Indigenous and sustainable principles are aligned with our Syilx responsible harvesting practices in the development of a fishery. Since 2011-2012, ONA have been exploring the potential political, economic, and cultural advantages of engaging with certain approaches that will sustain a viable Syilx fishery. These activities are balanced with strategic plans and proposals that support our community’s access and planning, and that will ultimately contribute to feeding the Syilx Nation.

This has extended our uptake of activities of networking with regional, national, and international members, presenting on our trans-boundary fishery work to interested parties, creating media that communicates our initiatives, developing projects that support environmental and economic sustainability, while looking to cultivate alternative markets for niche-based products.