stqaʔtkwłniw̓t (Westbank, BC), Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory: On September 23, 2025, the Syilx Okanagan Nation Chiefs Executive Council (CEC) officially enacted Tribal Council Resolution 2025 No. 552 – Natural Resources, declaring the styíłca̓Ɂ Protection Order. This protection framework upholds the inherent responsibilities of the Syilx Okanagan Nation to safeguard styíłca̓Ɂ, a sacred relative and an integral being within the Syilx worldview.
For many years, the Okanagan Nation Alliance and the Okanagan Indian Band, together with neighboring First Nations and the Province of British Columbia, have worked to advance measures to protect critical caribou habitat. Since 2023, there has been little progress toward implementing the habitat protection options recommended by this collaborative group. Given the Province’s current economic priorities and renewed focus on resource extraction, the Syilx Okanagan Nation is deeply concerned about the lack of dedicated and coordinated efforts, and resources, available to address the ongoing loss of caribou and caribou habitat.
Recent and best-available scientific evidence demonstrates that habitat loss is accelerating within the home ranges of endangered styíłca̓Ɂ across Syilx Territory. This ongoing habitat disturbance is a key driver of the ongoing decline of styíłca̓Ɂ. The Protection Order establishes a legal and cultural foundation to prevent further harm to styíłca̓Ɂ and their habitat and mandates Indigenous-led recovery initiatives that require our Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) for all activities that may impact styíłca̓Ɂ and their habitat within Syilx traditional territory.
This order stands as both a legal and spiritual commitment to protect life, uphold Indigenous sovereignty, and ensure that styíłca̓Ɂ continue to thrive across Syilx Territory. The Protection Order contains key articles which are essential to establish the rights of our relative styíłca̓Ɂ to persist and thrive across their natural range. These articles include the:
Right to Habitat Protection: Ensuring styíłca̓Ɂ have the right to intact, undisturbed habitats necessary for their survival and well-being.
Right to Safe Migration: Protecting traditional migration routes from fragmentation.
Right to Population Recovery: Supporting styíłca̓Ɂ resurgence through Syilx-led, science-informed programs.
Right to Protection from Climate Change: Implementing adaptation strategies and habitat resilience to shield styíłca̓Ɂ from climate-related threats.
Right to Community Involvement: Syilx communities must lead caribou recovery and be central to all conservation decisions.
Right to Legal Enforcement: Protecting styíłca̓Ɂ rights through enforceable legal mechanisms, Indigenous law, and government accountability.
We continue the work of our ancestors by caring for the land and the living things that inhabit it. We believe in the sacred connection and care of our tmixʷ (all living beings) for the health and well-being of tmxʷulaxʷ (land) and those living within our territory.
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The Okanagan Nation Alliance is committed to conserve, manage, co-manage the wildlife, lands and waters of the Nation’s territory. The Syilx Okanagan Nation affirms that its laws and responsibilities originate from time immemorial, and that these continue to guide the Nation’s stewardship and decision-making today, and for future generations to come.
Syilx Okanagan Nation Declares Protection Order For styíłca̓ɂ, Caribou
For More Information, Contact:
Marc Steynen, Natural Resources Program Lead
Cell: 778.392.7850