Westbank), Syilx Territory: The ONA has been taking action to reduce pressures on ki?lawna? and recover threatened populations. Most recently, in collaboration with ONA, Clayton Lamb at the University of Alberta Department of Biological Sciences, released the results of a new study that provides insight on the relationships between ki?lawna? and road density. The results of Lamb’s study provide a scientific foundation for access management and habitat securement for this iconic and culturally significant species in the Kettle Granby region. This information will support similar work in the North Cascades and other threatened populations in the BC Southern Interior.
“Decommissioning roads and securing core habitat and linkage areas is now known to have tangible effects on grizzly bear numbers, which is information that we can apply to support recovery across Syilx Territory and the Province,” states Lisa Wilson, ONA Natural Resource Manager.
For the Syilx people, ki?lawna? is a significant part of our laws and protocols. ki?lawna?, as are other species, is an important part of our creation stories to our people reminding us of our responsibilities to our tmuxlawx (land). The decline of the population demonstrates that the health and security of the landscape is in dire need of protection. For generations, habitat fragmentation, ecosystem degradation and a number of other factors have contributed to the decline of ki?lawna?.
The ONA has also hosted a number of meetings with neighboring First Nations, Conservation Northwest as part of a Joint Nation Grizzly Bear recovery initiative. The group’s main objective is to recover threatened populations of ki?lawna? within our Territories. ONA is excited to seeing the results of positive working partnerships raising the importance of this work to ensure ki?lawna is recovered.
“It is our duty and responsibility to protect and care for the lands that are inhabited by our relations. The Province of British Columbia, Government of Canada, as well as the State of Washington and the United States Government have a fiduciary obligation to protect the Grizzly Bear from potential extinction. The ONA is calling on them to act promptly and effectively to implement cooperative actions for the protection of ki?lawna?.” states Grand Chief Stewart Phillip.
For further info contact:
Lisa Wilson, ONA Natural Resources Manager
t: 1.250.707.0095 ext.221 e: nrmanager@syilx.org