Projects
It's the Skeena Watershed communities (those who live here and those who love it here) that have kept our fires burning. You are the wood in our stove, the candles on our cake, the fire in our eyes and the warmth in our hearts. Each month, we're going to give you a little piece of our heart in exchange for asking you to support our cause. Come and see our 11th year Anniversary Celebrations.
For the Skeena Kids!
Join the growing team of Skeena Deputies. Print off the Skeena Deputy Oath, sign it and send it to SWCC and we will send you your official Skeena Deputy Button.
In the first half of 2014, skeena2050 volunteers went door-to-door and interviewed over 600 people about their ideas, hopes and fears for the region. The intent was to create a safe space for dialogue; to listen thoughtfully; and to share what was heard with the wider community. Check out the results now outlined in 2015.
Santa's Skeena Christmas online auction has come and gone. Thank you again for your incredible support as we join together to preserve our wild Skeena Watershed. Thanks again to the sponsors that provided kick ass winter gear from Patagonia, Skeena Heli Skiing & Bear Claw Lodge. Merry Christmas 2014.
How do we decide what counts?
Overall, people have a tendency to play up the benefits of human activities without considering the economic benefits provided by undisturbed ecosystems. SWCC and a team of advisers are busy researching and looking at ecosystem services and natural capital in the Skeena Watershed to determine their value.
In November and December of 2009, every elementary and high school student in the entire northwest corner of BC across and beyond the Skeena, Nass & Stikine watersheds decorated a paper salmon. Approx 10,000 salmon were returned to us, beautifully decorated by youth from pre-school kids to Grade 12 students.
Our baseline inventory research is designed to contribute to the general understanding of the upper Skeena's globally significant wildlife, wild salmon, and cultural heritage resources. These projects target selected wildlife, fisheries and cultural heritage features as well as locations of specific conservation concern.
This 2014 holiday season SWCC is offering gifts of adventure, innovation, beauty and a sense of Skeena pride in a 24 day countdown of inspiring gift ideas from our secret Skeena Superheroes.
Inspiration, joy, great energy and tonnes of kids came out of the 'Up Your Watershed' (UYW) events in 2012. The goal of the UYW program is to initiate positive action and behavioral change in our watersheds and to preserve our ecosystem.
In summer 2011 SWCC took two groups of our biggest fans and supporters down the Skeena River for some white water action and lots of camp fire strategizing. The idea behind these trips was to provide a unique opportunity for these individuals to personally connect with the ecosystem and wildlife.
The communities of Hazelton, Kitimat, Prince Rupert and Smithers hosted Up Your Watershed! concerts in celebration of watershed stewardship, salmon conservation and the fabulous, unique rivers of British Columbia. Singers/songwriters/producers Holly Arntzen and Kevin Wright of the Artist Response Team (ART) joined with choirs of local students.
We are happy to partner with North West Watch and the Skeena Bicycle Service (SBS) to provide the people of Terrace with a fossil fuel emissions free alternative to driving. You can borrow a bike for free anytime at supporting local merchants. Transportation is too often a significant barrier keeping folks with low incomes from reaching necessary services; a bike...
SWCC volunteer, Gretel Miles, collected the stories of the lives of the elders & oldtimers of the Upper Skeena with the idea of preserving rich, shared heritage for future generations, as well as our own. A digital book has been compiled.
The summer of 2009 saw Ali Howard become the first person on the planet to ever swim the entire 610km Skeena River. After 26 days of whitewater, boulder gardens, crazy currents and community celebrations, she had done it! Ali is now touring the region and beyond with slideshows, video footage and discussions about her epic adventure.
A discovery expedition of the Upper Skeena lead by Director, Jim Allen. The 10 person field crew completed 2 consecutive, 10 day Upper Skeena River rafting expeditions in hopes of finding and reviving ancient heritage trails for archaeological documentation and development of eco-tourism.
SWCC public education initiatives, including our popular Conservation Camps for Kids, provide accurate and updated information on current conservation issues and opportunities within the Skeena watershed. These programs take the form of film nights, slide shows, guest lectures, technical presentations, field courses and information brochures.