The ʔaq̓am wetland project's goal is to restore the waterbodies to what is understood to be their precontact state, strengthening protection of the environment and supporting 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 community-led by ʔaq̓am.
Since the 1960s, ʔaq̓am lands have seen substantial changes to water resources and ecosystems. As a result, the wetlands on the ʔaq̓am lands had been identified as a restoration priority due to increasing heat, drought and wildfire risk. This project will restore six wetlands that have either lost surface water or show signs of shrinking, supporting their return back to a more natural state. Enhancement and recovery of this critical habitat will benefit wildlife and the community through ʔaq̓am stewardship values, enhancing the water systems, and increasing the biodiversity of plants and animals.
