Pondosey Bay Wilderness Resort, Taylor Burk - Fraser Basin Council
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
5TH ANNUAL
MEETING SUMMARY
November 17, 2021
Pondosey Bay Wilderness Resort, Taylor Burk
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3 Welcome & Acknowledgements The Nechako Watershed Roundtable (NWR) was
established in 2015 to address this need for
4 Strategic Plan
collaboration and to develop a strategy to further
6 Youth Engagement Working Group advance the vision of a healthy Nechako …
Building on past collaboration in the region, the
7 Nechako First Nations & RDBN MOU
NWR is a group of representatives from a
8 Nechako Engagement diversity of organizations, local governments, First
Nations, private sector and federal and provincial
9 Updates & Initiatives from the agencies with a shared concern and commitment
Watershed
to protect and improve the health of the Nechako
12 Attendees watershed (Fraser Basin Council 2016; p.4).
Page 2
Canva Stock Photo
WELCOME &
ACKOWLEDGEMENTS
The 6th Annual Meeting of the Nechako Watershed Roundtable, entitled "Better Together: A New Phase
of Collaboration and Partnership" took place on November 17th, 2021 from 9:00am to 12:30pm. The
meeting was held virtually due to the covid-19 pandemic.
The Nechako Watershed Roundtable (NWR) is grateful to the Saik'uz First Nation for the opportunity to
virtually host the Annual Meeting on their Traditional Territory near Vanderhoof, BC. We would like to
thank Rodeney Teed, Saik'uz Elder and Councillor for providing a welcome to the territory.
Professor Margot Parkes and Councillor Kevin Moutray, Nechako Watershed Roundtable Core
Committee Co-chairs, chaired the meeting and provided opening remarks.
Thank you to the following individuals for their contributions to this years annual meeting: Joan Chess,
Kim Menounos, Jordan Cranmer, Clint Lambert, Jackie Thomas, David Luggi, Gerry Thiessen, Mike
Robertson, Keith West and Jasmine Thomas.
Funding to support the NWR in 2021 is provided by Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, Cheslatta Carrier Nation,
District of Vanderhoof, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fraser Basin Council, Ministry of
Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Regional District of Bulkley
Nechako, Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, and the University of Northern British Columbia.
The purpose of this document is to summarize the key learnings from the annual meeting. The meeting
package including the agenda and a complete recording of the meeting are available to members at
www.fraserbasin.bc.ca/Nechako_Watershed_Roundtable.html
Page i
Page 3
STRATEGIC PLAN
Presented by: Joan Chess and Kim Menounos (Fraser Basin Council)
The NWR is pleased to launch its first ever Strategic Plan. The purpose of the plan is to guide the NWR's
activities over the next five years. Recognizing that the NWR has no formal jurisdiction authority, the NWR
strategic plan is to provide focus to the NWR's primary role as a collaborative body that convenes and
connects related efforts across the watershed. The plan is intended to guide how the NWR works with
others to benefit ecosystems, communities, and the vision of a healthy watershed for future generations.
The planning process began in the Fall of 2020. A number of methods were used to seek input from
Roundtable members and others interested in the Nechako Watershed. Approximately 93 people
participated in "in-person" activities, an online questionnaire, open-house discussions and telephone
interviews. Planned in-person "learning journey" engagements were thwarted by COVID-19 restrictions for
gathering.
The strategic planning process reconfirmed the vision, the NWR's roles, and important areas of focus,
which in turn lead to identifying strategic priorities, goals and projects. See the table on page 5.
The NWR would like to thank everyone who participated in the strategic planning process and the
ongoing support of its members.
Page 4
Burns Lake, 6ix Sigma Productions
STRATEGIC PLAN
The Strategic Plan is a living document and we invite people to review and provide feedback.
The full Strategic Plan, Executive Summary and one-pager can be found at
www.fraserbasin.bc.ca/Nechako_Watershed_Roundtable.html
FIRST NATIONS, REGIONAL DISTRICTS, & MUNICIPALITIES
IN THE NECHAKO WATERSHED
Binche Whut'en Nak'azdli First Nation Ts’il Kaz Koh First Nation Prince George
Cheslatta Carrier Nation Nee Tahi Buhn Band Wet’suwet’en First Nation Vanderhoof
Lake Babine Nation Saik’uz First Nation Yekooche First Nation Fraser Lake
Lheidli T’enneh First Skin Tyee Nation Regional District of Fort St. James
Nation Stellat’en First Nation Bulkley-Nechako Burns Lake
Nadleh Whut’en First Takla Lake First Nation Regional District of
Nation Tl’azt’en Nation Fraser-Fort George
Page 5
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
WORKING GROUP
Presented by: Jordan Cranmer, NWR Youth Engagement Working Group Lead
The NWR established a Youth Engagement Working Group in 2019, enabling youth participation in NWR
meetings and allowing youth to determine how they want to engage with the watershed and identify
meaningful projects that are "designed for youth, by youth".
Youth were involved in several in-person engagement activities during the participatory phase of the
NWR strategic plan development.
Nechako Valley Secondary School youth engagement project is ongoing.
In August, 12 youth, 2 facilitators and 2 guides participated in a canoe trip. The purpose of this trip was
to facilitate youth interaction with the river system.
In October 2020 the NWR in partnership with UNBC initiated an Indigenous youth video project. The film
entitled, 'Stories from the Nechako: Youth Perspectives' is now complete. The purpose of the film is to
document the Nechako through the stories, history and culture of individuals living on the watershed. Ten
youth from the watershed developed questions to ask elders and other community members, which are
documented in the film.
Individuals featured in the film are: David Coombs (Takla Nation Youth), Jeremiah Korolyk (Takla Nation
Youth), Desmond West (Takla Nation Youth), Pierre Charlie (Takla Nation Youth), Steven Wright (Cheslatta
Carrier Nation Youth), Trista Joseph (Yekooche Fist Nation Youth), Kim Menounos (Fraser Basin Council),
Henery Abel Joseph (Elder, Yekooche Fist Nation), Minnie Peter (Elder, Cheslatta Carrier Nation), Mike
Robertson (Senior Policy Advisor, Cheslatta Carrier Nation).
Special thanks to Johnathan French and Jordan Cranmer for producing the video.
A public launch event of the NWR Indigenous Youth Video Project will take place in 2022. Stay tuned for
event details.
Page 6
'Stories from the Nechako: Youth Perspectives'
NECHAKO FIRST
NATIONS & RDBN MOU
Panel discussion featuring: Jackie Thomas (Saik'uz First Nation), David Luggi (Panelist, Stellat'en Fist
Nation), Gerry Thiessen (Panelist, Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, Margot Parkes (Moderator,
NWR Co-chair).
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Septmeber 29th, 2021 between Nadleh Whuten, Saik'us
Fisrt Nation, Stellat'en First Nation and the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako. The MOU comes as a
result of concerns surrounding the impacts of the Kenney Dam and the Nechako River Reservoir by Rio
Tinto Alcan. The parties have a mutual interest in implementing a new flow regime and will explore a new
governance mechanism involving Nechako Fist Nations with the intent to restore the health of the river
and its tributaries for the benifit of the aquatic life, other wildlife, the Nechako Fisrt Nations communities
and other non-Indigenous residents of the Nechako Watershed.
In early 2121 Nechako First Nations approached the RDBN to begin discussions on impacts to the river.
The Board of the RDBN adopted a resolution on February 25, 2021.
This is the first MOU of its kind in British Columbia.
The panelists agree that while there is much work to be done, this MOU is a step forward in the
reconciliation process.
David Luggi shared historical photos of the Nechako First Nations, highlighting changes in the reservoiur
between 1950 and 1902. David is willing to share these images and the NWR upon request.
The full MOU document can be found at https://www.rdbn.bc.ca/application/files/4316/3286/0602/RTA_-
_MOU_with_Regional_District_of_Bulkley-Nechako_Execution_Copy.pdf?
fbclid=IwAR2sFxTUinyck8NJ_MwxnTqrL4dY1sBFp0x_0H6rLK_3p62vylA2gzYjW4U
Page 7
Gloria Quaw, Cheslatta Carrier Nation Elder at Pondosy Bay Wilderness Resort, Taylor Burk
NECHAKO
ENGAGEMENT
Video Premiere: ' Stories from the Nechako: The Nechako Watershed Roundtable'
In October 2021 the NWR in partnership with Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fraser Basin
Council, Koh-Learning in Our Watersheds and the University of Northern British Columbia began work on
a short film that introduces viewers to the Nechako River and the issues facing communities through the
NWR. The video entitled, 'Stories from the Nechako: The Nechako Watershed Roundtable', has now been
completed and we are thrilled to be able to share it with the membership.
The video includes:
Geographic location, size and communities of the Nechako Watershed.
The overarching goal of the NWR, "the health of the watershed".
Diverse stakeholders and membership of the NWR.
Impact to the watershed by industry and climate change.
Project highlights in the watershed, including the impact to the Nechako White Sturgeon and the
Nechako White Sturgeon Conservation Centre.
Featured members: Kim Menounos (Regional Manager - Northern Interior, Fraser Basin Council), Wayne
Salewsky (NWR Core Committee Member/ NEWSS Director) and Jordon Cranmer (NWR Youth
Engagement Coordinator/ Nechako White Sturgeon Centre).
Special thanks to Johnathan French and Jordan Cranmer for producing the video.
The NWR Core Committee and Secretariat are working on a distribution plan for the 'Stories from the
Nechako' videos. Look for an update at the next Technical Meeting.
Page 1`
Page 8
Wayne Selewski at Nechako White Sturgeon Recovery Centre in Vanderhoof, Mike Seehagel
UPDATES &
INITIATIVES FROM
THE WATERSHED
Presented by: Mike Robertson, Senior Policy Advisor, Cheslatta Carrier Nation
In the spring of 2021, the Cheslatta Carrier Nation undertook a mapping project to accurately illustrate the
the effects of the the creation of the Nechako Reservoir on the Nechako river system and the
communities that were once there.
A video presentation was created using old bathymetric data from the pre-flood era and integrated
LiDAR technology to show the Nechako watershed pre and post flood. Marco Jorge, "technical wizard"
played an integral part in overlaying the data for a full visual representation. Mike gave a verbal walk
through of the the graphical tour shown in the video.
1950 Alcan receives a water license giving the company rights to surface water above the Nechako
Grand Canyon.
Surface area of the the reservoir is about 240,000 acres or about 100,000 hectares.
The reservoir is the second largest body of of fresh water in British Columbia.
The shoreline of the reservoir is over 3,2ookm.
Over 140,000 acres or 57,000 hectares of farmland and forested lands were flooded.
The video maps the locations of pre-contact village sites and archeological sites that are now
submerged.
Work on this project will continue, with a focus of including the Cheslatta and Tetachuck systems in more
detail. Mike is happy to give a similar presentation to other interested groups.
Page 9
UPDATES &
INITIATIVES FROM
THE WATERSHED
Presented by: Keith West & Cory Williamson, Takla Nation Lands Department
Keith and Cory gave an overview of Takla Nations interest from a fisheries perspective. Key messages
included:
The impacts on salmon and subsequently the Takla Nation culture have been extreme.
Historically three salmon runs populated Takla Lake: the Early Stuart Sockeye run, a Chinook salmon
run from the Driftwood River and Chinook salmon run from the Sakaneechi River.
Salmon restoration is a big part of Takla culture and reconciliation. Leadership has identified
restoration as a main priority when handing the territory down to next generations.
NWR priority project, community based lake monitoring (Limnology Project) is continuing.
Takla Nation is taking leadership to provide opportunities for salmon restoration. They have hired
technically inclined individuals and are working with partners in the watershed.
In 2020 the Takla Nation purchase a "Hatchery in a Can", now situated on the bank of the Takla Lake.
Integris Credit Union has provided $30,000 over two years to help the project get started.
A stream restoration project was completed this year. The stream is one that will be used for releasing
fry from the hatchery. More work to be done on restoring other streams.
Working with DFO on major limnology project in coming year.
Page 10UPDATES &
INITIATIVES FROM
THE WATERSHED
Presented by: Jasmine Thomas, Saik'uz First Nation
The Nations are collectively working to advance the water policies and laws set out in the 'Yinka Dene
'Uza'hne Surface Water Management Policy'.
The policy sets forth a direction for the Nations to maintain and manage their own water systems and
the impacts to waters systems to be considered more formally.
Saik'uz adopted water law, with the Blackwater Mine project being the first project where it was
implemented.
Work to be done in considering how these policies and laws can be implemented in other projects.
The first two minutes of the newly completed video production, 'Old Growth, New Beginnings' was
shown. The film highlights the impacts of logging to the Saik'uz territory, including the changing
landscape and diversity. The 13:03 minute production is made up of four parts: (1) Growth, (2) How we got
here, (3) A positive relationship and (4) New Beginnings.
Saik'uz First Nation and NWR pilot project currently in the works. Stay tuned for more information.
The 'Yinka Dene 'Uza'Hne Surface Water Management Policy' can be found at stellaten.ca/wp-
content/uploads/2019/10/Yinka-Dene-Uzahne-Surface-Water-Management-Policy-March-18-2016-
00303183xC6E53.pdf
View the complete 'Old Growth, New Beggingins' video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=OqBF_2GNBUk
In partnership with UNBCs Integrated Watershed Research Group, the NWR portal is being revamped and
rebooted.
Page 11
'Old Growth, New Beginnings', Saik'uz First NationATTENDEES
Andrew Lecuyer, Rio Tinto Judy Greenaway, District of Fort St. James
Art Kaehn, RDFFG June Wood, Nechako Retreat
Ashley Raphael, Saik'uz First Nation Justine Nelson, Rivershed BC
Barry Booth, UNBC Katherine Van Dam, UNBC
Chelton vanGeloven, Province of BC Keith West, Takla First Nation
Christiana Onabola, UNBC Kevin Kriese, Forest Practices Board
Clint Lambert, RDBN & NWR Core Committee Kevin Dobbin, Rio Tino
Cory Williamson, Takla First Nation Kevin Moutray, District of Vanderhoof & NWR Core Committee
Daniel Wingham, Integris Credit Union Kim Menounos, FBC & NWR Core Committee
David Luggi, Stellat'en First Nation Kirsten McNeill, Province of BC
Deborah Koehn Lara Volgyesi, Rivershed BC
Denis Wood, Nechako Retreat Leanne Elliott, Province of BC
Diana Kutzner, UNBC Lori Borth, Province of BC
Emily Perason, Rivershed BC Margot Parkes, UNBC & NWR Core Committee
Gerald Pinchbeck, District of Vanderhoof Mia Moutray, SD91
Gerry Thiessen, District of Vanderhoof Mike Robertson, Cheslatta Carrier Nation & NWR Core Committee
Gina Layte Liston, NWR Core Committee Murial Sam, Nak'azdli Whut'en First Nation
Hart Banack, UNBC Nadia Nowak
Ian Rogalski, ECCC Norm Bilodeau, NWR Core Comittee
Isabelle Szabo, Rivershed BC Olga Schwartzkopf
Jackie Thomas, Saik'uz First Nation Patty Borek, SD91
James Jacklin, Province of BC Rahul Ray, EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc.
Jasmine Thomas, Saik'uz First Nation Ray Pillipow, Province of BC
Jayson Kurtz, Ecofish Research Ltd. Rodney Teed, Saik'uz First Nation
Jeremy Morris, UNBC Stephen Dery, UNBC
Jerry Petersen, RDBN Susan Scott, City of Prince George
Jim D'Andrea, Regrowth Consulting Susi Porter-Bopp, First Nations Fisheries Council
Joan Chess, Planning Consultant Taddea Kunkel, RDBN
John DeGagne, Province of BC Tavia McKinnon, UNBC
Jordan Cranmer, UNBC Wayne Salewski, NEWSS & NWR Core Committee
Additional Information
The meeting package including the agenda and a complete recording of the meeting are
available to members at www.fraserbasin.bc.ca/Nechako_Watershed_Roundtable.html
Please connect with the NWR Coordinator at nwrcoordinator@gmail.com to request any
additional information from the meeting or about the NWR.
Page 12Contact
Nechako Watershed Roundtable
1511 3rd Ave, Prince George, BC, V2L 3G3
nwrcoordinator@gmail.com
https://www.fraserbasin.bc.ca/Nechako_Wa
tershed_Roundtable.html
Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, Taylor BurkYou can also read
