ʔaq̓am Kootenay #1, British Columbia, December 6, 2024 — The ʔaq̓am wetland project’s goal is to restore the waterbodies to what is understood to be their precontact state, strengthening protection of the environment and supporting healthy and resilient ecosystems. This project is a joint investment of more than $1.4 million from the federal government, ʔaq̓am, Columbia Basin Trust, Ducks Unlimited Canada, and Real Estate Foundation of BC. It is community-led by ʔaq̓am.
Since the 1960s, ʔaq̓am lands have seen substantial changes to water resources and ecosystems. As a result, the wetlands on the ʔaq̓am lands had been identified as a restoration priority due to increasing heat, drought and wildfire risk. This project will restore six wetlands that have either lost surface water or show signs of shrinking, supporting their return back to a more natural state. Enhancement and recovery of this critical habitat will benefit wildlife and the community through ʔaq̓am stewardship values, enhancing the water systems, and increasing the biodiversity of plants and animals.
“Protecting natural wetlands is vital to building and maintaining sustainable and resilient communities. This investment will increase the wetlands water supply while at the same time creating a vibrant ecosystem for the community to enjoy.” – Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“As we face the effects of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, Canadians are stepping up and working together to ensure that the places they love are protected. The Community-Nominated Priority Places initiative supports partnerships where communities come together to achieve long-lasting and sustainable protection for the recovery of species at risk and their habitats. We look forward to working with local partners on projects like the restoration of wetland on ʔaq̓am lands to protect our natural heritage for future generations.” – Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change