About Yinka Huwunline
Yinka Huwunline is the stewardship department of Nak’azdli Whut’en. Guided by Keyoh governance, Dakelh law, and the responsibilities passed down from our ancestors, we care for the lands, waters, wildlife, and cultural sites that sustain our people.
Our role is to honour and integrate Dakelh knowledge and practices into the stewardship of our natural resources, ensuring the collective, long-term health of our territory and community for present and future generations. To do this, Yinka Huwunline brings together traditional knowledge, technical expertise, scientific monitoring, advocacy, policy development, and community values. Our team is dedicated to ensuring decisions about Nak’azdli territory are informed by the people who belong to it.
Our department includes land use planners, Guardians, technicians, referral and research staff, and seasonal workers. Key leadership roles include:
- Director, Seraphine Munroe: Department oversight and strategic direction
- Operations Manager, Rosemarie Sam: Administration, program delivery, coordination, and field operations
- Fisheries Manager, Pete Erickson: Hatchery operations, salmon restoration, and regional fisheries representation [link]
- Research & Planning Coordinator, Omineca Jack: Policy research, strategic planning, Keyoh-based planning integration, and referrals coordination [link]
Our Territory
Nak’azdli Whut’en territory extends from the Omineca region south to Chief Lake. Our stewardship responsibilities include these lands and waters, Keyoh boundaries, traplines, community harvesting areas, and culturally significant sites.
[MAP OF TERRITORY]
Our Mandate
Yinka Huwunline advances Nak’azdli self-governance by supporting decision-making rooted in Dakelh law, knowledge, and values. We do this by:
- Supporting Keyoh rights, responsibilities, and jurisdiction
- Guiding responsible land use through the Land Stewardship Plan, resource management planning, and other initiatives
- Practicing and teaching Dakelh legal orders
- Leading programs that protect salmon, wildlife, land, water, and culture
- Engaging with provincial, federal, and industry partners on our own terms (learn more about negotiations here [link])
Our Partners
Stewardship requires strong relationships. Yinka Huwunline promotes shared stewardship goals and responsibilities across the region by working closely with:
- Other Nak’azdli Whut’en departments
- Tl’azt’en and neighbouring Nations
- Legal advisors and technical experts
- Provincial and federal (Crown) governments
- The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
- Fisheries, wildlife, and conservation organizations