Yinka Huwunline carries out stewardship responsibilities through interconnected programs that combine traditional knowledge, technical expertise, scientific monitoring, advocacy and policy development, and community values.
Fisheries
Our fisheries team focuses on restoring salmon populations and revitalizing the cultural systems and practices connected to them.
- Hatchery Operations: Led by Hatchery Manager Pete Erickson, we raise and release sockeye annually to rebuild local salmon runs. Visitors are welcome to tour the hatchery during operation seasons.
- Cultural Revitalization: Reviving smokehouse culture, youth teachings, and salmon-based protocols that were disrupted by colonialism.
- Restoration & Monitoring: Guardians and fisheries technicians monitor streams, water quality, and fish habitat in partnership with the Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation Alliance (UFFCA) and neighbouring First Nations.
- Barricade Treaty Education: Sharing the history and ongoing legal significance of fishing barricades and how these relate to fisheries management today.
Guardians
Under the coordination of Wanda Cosford, our Guardians Program is the heart of on-the-ground stewardship. This team cares for the land with the values of our people by regularly monitoring wildlife, water quality, cultural sites, forestry operations, and land-use activities.
- What We Do: Site visits, environmental monitoring, seasonal patrols, cultural site protection, training and certifications.
- Professional Development: Guardians build essential skills through ongoing training programs and opportunities.
- Terms of Reference
Research & Governance
Guided by the Research & Planning Coordinator, Omineca Jack, this work supports critical policy development, planning, and Keyoh-informed decision-making.
- Dakelh Law: Story work, teachings, and legal orders guiding stewardship
- Governance Initiatives: Pathway Forward Agreement 3.0, B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act (DRIPA), and Keyoh governance planning.
- Wildlife Programs: Monitoring and planning for caribou, grizzly, porcupine, and other crucial species on the territory.
- Spatial Harvest Planning: Ensuring forestry activities reflect Keyoh priorities.
- Archiving & Digitization: Preserving traditional knowledge and records.
Hatchery Development Strategy: Salmon restoration and cultural revitalization.
Land Stewardship
This team leads planning and resource management, working to protecting the territory and restore what has been lost for the benefit of current and future generations.
- Land Stewardship Plan (LSP): Guiding sustainable land use and development.
- Forestry & Resource Planning: Reviewing forest plans (FSP, FLP), addressing impacts, aligning Keyoh priorities, and working with the Nak’azdli Development Corporation (NDC) and licence partners.
- Resource Management Planning (RMP): Upholding Keyoh stewardship, trapline interests, and community interests.