CLIENT: Stó:lō First Nation
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Gill Bar project is a multi-year restoration and management planning initiative on the Fraser River focused on protecting sensitive aquatic and terrestrial habitats. The work integrates Indigenous knowledge and stewardship and is delivered through collaboration between multiple First Nations, agencies, and technical teams.
CHALLENGE:
The site faced significant ecological pressure from heavy recreational use, impacting endangered and threatened species. The project required balancing environmental protection with community access and cultural use, while coordinating multiple Nations, partnerships, and knowledge systems. At the same time, limited baseline data meant that study, monitoring, and planning had to occur concurrently.
APPROACH:
The project was structured around five coordinated pillars, including aquatic habitat assessment, terrestrial studies using both scientific and traditional knowledge, access and land management planning, Indigenous stewardship through youth and community engagement, and communications and outreach. Strong project governance was maintained through regular reporting, facilitated coordination, and integrated collaboration. A Two-Eyed Seeing approach was applied to blend Indigenous and western science.
OUTCOME:
The project delivered key outputs including environmental baseline reports, a monitoring framework, and draft access, management, and habitat restoration plans. It strengthened Indigenous stewardship and community engagement, improved protection of critical habitats, and established a clear path toward an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (PCA) designation.