ʔAQ̓AM KOOTENAY #1, BC, December 6, 2024 /CNW/ – The goal of the ʔaq̓am Wetlands Project is to restore waters to their pre-contact state, strengthen environmental protections, and support 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 run by the community of ʔaq̓am.
Since the 1960s, significant changes in water resources and ecosystems have occurred in the ʔaq̓am areas. As a result, wetlands in the ʔaq̓am area were restored as a priority due to increasing heat, drought and wildfire threats. This project will restore six wetlands that have either lost surface water or are showing signs of shrinkage, supporting their return to a more natural state. Improving and restoring this important habitat will benefit wildlife and the community through ʔaq̓am stewardship values, improving water systems, and increasing plant and animal biodiversity.
Quotes
“Protecting natural wetlands is critical to building and maintaining sustainable and resilient communities. This investment will increase wetland water supplies while creating a vibrant ecosystem for the community to enjoy.”
The Honorable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister in Charge of the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canadaon behalf of the Honorable Sean Fraser, Minister for Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“As we face the impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, Canadians are committed and working together to ensure the places they love are protected. The Community-Nominated Priority Places initiative supports partnerships that bring communities together to achieve long-term goals. Permanent and sustainable protection for the restoration of endangered species and their habitats. We look forward to working with local partners on projects such as wetland restoration in ʔaq̓am areas to protect our natural heritage for future generations.”
The Honorable Steven Guilbeault, Minister for Environment and Climate Change
“ʔaq̓am values the opportunity to work with federal and local partners to heal and restore our wetlands in a way that follows our principles of stewardship and promotes community-led land-based initiatives. The wetland project is an example of how we are working to achieve our community goals related to water under our Ka Kniⱡwitiyaⱡa (Strategic Plan).”
Nasuʔkin (chief) Cheryl Casimerʔaq̓am
“We are proud to support the restoration of the ʔaq̓am wetlands, which will benefit local ecosystems, wildlife and the broader community. Investments like these are essential as they help restore the natural balance of our environment, improve biodiversity and strengthen climate resilience. “By working together, we support long-term sustainability for ʔaq̓am and the entire region.”
Johnny StrilaeffPresident and Chief Executive Officer, Columbia Basin Trust
“Ducks Unlimited Canada is honored to work with ʔaq̓am on their traditional territory and support Indigenous-led wetland restoration projects on ʔaq̓am lands. We look forward to continuing our collective efforts to implement projects aimed at increasing community resilience and ensuring healthy watersheds and wetlands.”
Matthew WilsonHead of Conservation Programs, Ducks Unlimited Canada
“Wetland restoration is so important – for biodiversity and ecosystem health, indigenous culture and food sovereignty, and resilience to droughts, floods and wildfires in a changing climate. We have great respect for the ʔaq̓amnik̓’s responsibility to care for their lands and waters. We are honored to support this important work.”
Sherry YanoDirector of Grants and Community Engagement, Real Estate Foundation of BC
Quick facts
- The federal government is investing $1,000,000 in this project by the Natural Infrastructure Fund (NIF) and $312,814 The Columbia Basin Trust contributes as part of Environment and Climate Change Canada's Community-Nominated Priority Place (CNPP) initiative $58,128and Ducks Unlimited Canada is contributing $12,066. The Real Estate Foundation of BC previously announced its contribution $100,000 to the project in summer 2024.
- The Natural Infrastructure Fund supports projects that use natural or hybrid approaches to increase resilience to climate change, mitigate carbon emissions, protect and preserve biodiversity and wildlife habitats, and promote Canadians' access to nature.
- Examples of natural infrastructure include urban forests, street trees, wetlands, living levees, bioswales, and naturalized shoreline restoration.
- Hybrid infrastructure includes elements of technical gray infrastructure to improve or support natural infrastructure and/or the use of ecosystem processes. Examples of hybrid infrastructure include green roofs and walls and naturalized stormwater ponds.
- At least 10% of the total program budget will be allocated to Indigenous-led projects.
- Federal funding is conditioned on compliance with all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups and environmental impact assessment obligations.
Related links
Natural Infrastructure Fund
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/nif-fin/index-eng.html
Reinforced climate plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html
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Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
SOURCE Ministry of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Contacts: For further information (media only), please contact: Sofia Ouslis, Press Officer, Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, [email protected]; Media Relations, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll Free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]; Skylar Nikkel, Property Manager, ʔaq̓am, 250-426-5717 Ex: 3818, [email protected]