The Blueberry River First Nations led its first large-scale restoration project near an area of cultural significance to them, Sikanni Chief River.
The goal, as described by the Blueberry River First Nations, was to restore an estimated 93 hectares of land where there are seismic line disturbances – this phenomenon occurs when a forest fragments along lines caused by human intervention.
According to the Blueberry’s 2023 report on seismic line intersections, these fragments damage the ecosystem by increasing hunting pressure – especially for larger animals who are easily spotted by prey in open areas.
The province and First Nations group said these disturbances have wreaked havoc on caribou and moose populations.
20 Blueberry members worked alongside the B.C. Energy Regulator, who represented the province, in the restoration effort.
“The project focuses specifically on restoring habitat and connectivity between the Pink Mountain and Chincaga caribou herds, whose habitat has been impacted by industrial development,” said the Blueberry.
Restoring the forest also included planting almost 100,000 seedlings of various kinds of trees, constructing tree piles for animals to take shelter in, and the construction of brush fences – which help to control erosion and create a natural barrier.
This collaborative effort is expected to be complete this fall – the energy regulator joined this spring, but the Blueberry’s endeavor began in 2022.
Work ramped up in January of 2023 when the province and Indigenous group signed the Implementation Agreement, recognizing the need for collaboration and consideration of the Blueberry River First Nations in environmental and resource-related conversations.
After the agreement was signed, British Columbia committed to co-develop a plan for the Blueberry’s land based on their vision.
“In addition to advancing restoration projects on Blueberry’s traditional territory, the province has committed to restoration funding for Indigenous-led projects by all Treaty 8 Nations that focus on restoring land across northeast B.C.,” the First Nations group wrote.
They said their vision for the future includes the B.C. Energy Regulator working alongside them to strike a balance between their rights to the land and the need for economic stability, likely through industrial work.
