Wetland restoration
Our wetland restoration project is working to restore 20 hectares of wetlands in Xwaaqw’um. We are doing this to bring Indigenous food systems and biodiversity back to the land that has supported Quw’utsun peoples for generations.
When we restore wetlands we are bringing back native species, helping build climate resiliency, store clean water and store carbon in the wetlands and forests.
The importance of wetlands
Wetlands are the lungs of the earth. It is estimated that we have lost over 35% of global wetlands from 1970-2015. Before contact, Xwaaqw’um would have been home to towering old growth Western Red Cedar trees, intact fish-bearing streams and abundant wildlife. Stqeeye’ Learning Society is undertaking an important restoration project that will help to re-establish critical ecosystem function that has been lost due to industrial colonization practices, such as logging and agriculture, over the last 200 years.
Wetland restoration at Xwaaqw’um
Our first wetland restoration was completed in the fall of 2019 with Quw’utsun workers, local school groups and other local contributors including BC parks and the BC Wildlife Federation. These wetlands were created with Rewilding Water & Earth Inc, Robin Annschild and Miranda Cross, and Ken Tara Excavating. Volunteers collected and spread native plants seeds at the restoration site.
Our second set of three wetlands and stream restoration began in 2020 and native plants were planted in fall 2021 with community volunteers and our Land Guardian Team. This project was completed with the funding support of Healthy Watersheds Initiative, BC License Plate Fund and generous donations from our supporters.
Our restoration work is guided by Indigenous elders and Western science, in partnership with Cowichan Tribes and BC Parks. 2023 partners in funding include Environment and Climate Change Canada through Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk and Nature Smart Carbon Sequestration, BC Parks, Indigenous Watersheds Initiative, Public Conservation Trust Fund and community donors.
