April 16, 2025 nʔaysnúlaʔxʷ iʔ‿k̓ łluxʷnwixʷmntət: Protecting Ashnola, Protecting the Future by Youth Advisory Council (2024-2025 Cohort) On April 28, 2022, the sməlqmíx declared the nʔaysnúlaʔxʷ snxaʔcnitkʷ (Ashnola Watershed) a sməlqmíx protected area (sPA) – upholding their inherent jurisdiction to protect and manage their territories according to syilx-sməlqmix law for the water, the land, all beings, ancestors, and future generations. This declaration goes beyond protection – it is an expression of the sməlqmíx responsibility to the land and to future generations, guided by the wisdom of past generations and the teachings embedded in nsylixcən and captikʷł (syilx language and stories). The sPA is not just a tool for conservation; it is a vehicle for protecting the needs of the community, ensuring that sməlqmíx protocols, laws, and practices guide every step of the work. It serves as a means to uphold syilx-sməlqmix law and revive traditional legal practices and protocols. Through this work, the sməlqmíx are fulfilling their responsibilities to tmixw (the life force within all four sacred ecosystems) and future generations. Through cultural burning, post-wildfire planting, and biodiversity conservation, the sməlqmíx communities are leading this work and are committed to healing the land. They are safeguarding vital grizzly bear corridors, bighorn sheep habitat, and other species at risk, ensuring there is enough clean, safe water for all living beings. The work also focuses on planting for food sovereignty, reviving the area that was historically a “food basket” and strengthening community ties. After the 2023 Crater Creek Fire, the sməlqmíx achieved some of the fastest post-wildfire restoration in Canada, conducting bio-engineering (willow staking and log pinning), which helps with stream bank stabilization, steep slope erosion control, and also encourages other species of vegetation and berry-producing shrubs to grow, thus helping restore balance to the tmxʷulaxʷ (the lands) and planting species like whitebark pine, huckleberries, and aspen to restore biodiversity, reduce erosion and build fire resilience on the landscape. Aspen and willow planting actively builds resilience into the landscape by creating burn barriers, and reducing fire fuels. This sPA is vital to current and future generations. It is a transboundary corridor, ensuring connectivity between important ecosystems across multiple regions. This is essential for the survival of wildlife and the continued health of ecosystems in the region. It ensures this area is protected from future mining, mono-cultural forestry practices, and other development, defending their lands from outside pressures. This is also a way to protect the water and access to clean water, as sməlqmíx voices like councillor Janet Terbasket have stated, “We have an obligation to protect. An obligation to do whatever means are necessary to make sure that our generations have clean water.” Through this work, they are actively standing up sylix law, ensuring that tmixw is respected and protected. The Ashnola Watershed isn’t just a geographic area; it’s a living part of the sməlqmíx identity. It is a refuge in case of loss of access to other areas, and a symbol of the ongoing fight to protect sməlqmíx and sylix culture, laws, and rights. As Casey Dennis said, “It’s sacred to us, our people, it IS us.” From protecting historic gathering places to ensuring the survival of keystone species, every action taken is for the benefit of current and future generations. The sməlqmíx community is small, but they are strong and determined, and they are doing big things to secure the future for their people and all beings. We all share an obligation to protect the land. The sməlqmíx aren’t waiting for provincial recognition – they are leading the way. Links for additional learning: Declaration of the Ashnola Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area Smelqmix Restoration Spotify Tree Canada Vancouver Foundation Trust – Smelqmix Explore Related Content Youth Advisory Council Kluskap Wilderness Area: Learn more about its significance April 16, 2025 Read more Youth Advisory Council Canada’s 2025 Election: A Pivotal Moment for Biodiversity Goals and Indigenous-Led Conservation April 16, 2025 Read more From The Field, Youth Advisory Council, Youth Voices From listening to leadership: How Canadian youth are shaping the future of Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots April 16, 2025 Read more
