Blueberry River First Nations and the BC Energy Regulator (BCER) announced a large-scale restoration of the land project. The Blueberry-led project falls under the 2023 Implementation Agreement between the Blueberry River First Nations and the province of BC.
Blueberry River First Nations say in a press release that the project’s goal is to restore 93 hectares of land damaged by industrial development. The project started this spring and will end this fall.
The work is being done near the Sikanni Chief River, which is an area of cultural significance to the First Nation. The area is also home to the Southern Mountain caribou herds.
“This project is a symbol of new beginnings. Generations from now, our members will be able to use this land again to practice our Treaty rights. And until that time comes, Blueberry Members will be involved in caring for it,” says Blueberry Councilor, Shelley Gauthier.
There are around 20 Blueberry members working on the project, including member-owned contractors. The First Nation monitors will also return to the area a year after the activities are completed to assess the impact of the restauration.
BCER says nearly 100,000 trees have been planted so far, including Lodgepole Pine, Spruce, Fir, and Alder. Restoration activities also include the construction of brush fences and the construction of tree piles.
“This is a milestone worth celebrating and an important step toward healing the land together,” says BCER Commissioner & CEO Michelle Carr.
According to the press release, “This project builds on the success of a similar, smaller-scale Blueberry-led restoration project conducted in 2022.”
It says this larger project reflects the mutual commitment to Blueberry and BCER to finding a balance between industrial development and economic stability, and respect for Blueberry Members’ treaty rights by healing the land.