Upper Skeena
Protecting the diversity and abundance of wild salmon habitat in the Upper Skeena watershed is critical to the long term health of the entire watershed. As one of Canada’s largest wilderness areas, the upper Skeena contains spawning and rearing habitats and water quality that helps drive the entire ecosystem from the Skeena estuary to the headwaters. Wild salmon are worth 1 Billion dollars every 10 years to the region and the upper skeena plays a key role in sustaining that economy.
SWCC was founded through wilderness expeditions in the upper Skeena and we continue to focus on being on the land with projects that support the long-term conservation of natural ecosystems and cultural landscapes that make this place so special. Ongoing fish & wildlife research, archeology & cultural heritage projects are helping to inform landscape sustainability plans for the upper Skeena that ultimately support the long term resilience of downstream communities. An expanding network of trails and cabins in the upper skeena is supporting a new generation to explore and be on the territories year round.
SWCC was founded in part by the leadership and collaboration with Gitxsan leaders. This includes providing technical and logistical support for Huwilp (Gitxsan House Groups) to create territorial stewardship plans that protect ecological and cultural resources!
In 2015, the House of Gwininitxw presented a Gwininitxw Sustainability Plan for 420,000 acres of roadless wilderness in the heart of the Upper Skeena and declared the entire region as an Indigenous Protected Conservation Area (IPCA). This plan and process has been shared with other title holders to build more protection in the Upper Skeena. This is an exciting time and we see many emerging leaders stepping forward through this collaborative work in the Upper Skeena territories.