As B.C. wildfires worsen, here’s how Indigenous-led reforestation is fighting back

Picture yourself standing in the middle of a forest. A forest rich in biodiversity, green and lush with a diverse collection of towering trees, tall grasses, and various plants and shrubs. A forest with an abundance of healthy and vibrant woodland wildlife, clean and clear streams and rivers full of fish and other aquatic species.

That’s essentially the vision board for the restoration of Secwépemc traditional territory as described by Angela Kane, CEO of the Secwepemcúl’ecw Restoration and Stewardship Society (SRSS) based in Kamloops, B.C., which has a mission to “leave a legacy of regenerated lands, enriched and thriving forests and biodiversity, healthy and abundant wildlife, clean air and water for future generations.”

The SRSS formed after B.C.’s then-most devastating wildfire season blazed through 192,725 hectares of their territory in 2017. (That provincial fire-season record was broken the following year, and then again in 2023, the worst in recorded history. This season has been the fourth worst.)

This collaboration of Secwépemc communities aims to bring back a more balanced ecosystem by planting the right mix of tree and plant species as guided by Indigenous knowledge.

Over the past three years, the SRSS has planted more than 1.1 million trees with WWF-Canada’s financial support, restoring more than 677 hectares of forest ecosystems impacted by the wildfires. We sat down with Angela to tell us more.

What process does SRSS go through in choosing planting sites?

Our process involves connecting with First Nations communities and engaging with their natural resource departments. We ask them what areas are significant to their community and culture. We then work with the regional district to determine their restoration plans for the area. Once we have completed this initial review, our forester determines the planting sites.

Why plant shrubs, grasses and other plants along with trees?

The importance of incorporating the replanting of other plants is to help provide much-needed protection for the tree seedlings — for example, foliage from the deciduous trees and shrubs helps provide shade and nutrients. This creates a balanced ecosystem and restores traditional plants and medicines so that future generations can practice their culture and connection with the land.

What notable species are being planted, and what is their significance?

We aim to plant a diverse mixture of tree species like fir, pine, larch, aspen, and cottonwoods. At this time, we are in the process of expanding our partnering nursery to incorporate the growing of shrubs, grasses and other plants. The tricky part is the sourcing of these culturally significant seed species.

With the ever-growing wildfire seasons, tree harvesting and other impacts on the land, our ability to access seed is becoming increasingly difficult.

So, we are developing a First Nations Seed Recovery Program which will identify areas slated for harvesting or land disturbance and engage the local First Nation community to collect seeds. This will provide economic opportunities for these communities and secure the seed necessary for future restoration.

How is the current approach to restoration helping the forests become more resistant to fires and resilient to the climate crisis?

The SRSS is becoming a regional leader in forest restoration from a tree perspective and a leader in forest ecosystem restoration by incorporating culturally relevant plants and climate-adaptation methodologies.

By incorporating a mixture of coniferous and deciduous tree species, we are providing natural fire breaks because the deciduous trees hold their water and thus create a higher level of humidity within that area. We are also researching different growing and planting techniques to improve survivability during extreme heat conditions.