Building Relationships, Braiding Knowledge

Project Title: Building Relationships, Braiding Knowledge

Recipient: Spel’kúmtn Community Forest

Region: Mainland/Southwest

Awarded Amount: $15,000

Project Period: 2025

Description: Through this project, Spel’kúmtn Community Forest and Líl’wat Lands Department are hoping to build greater synergy between the foresters, who come from Western scientific ways of knowing, and the Líl’wat knowledge keepers and land managers who guide the stewardship of the Territory. The short-term goals for this project would be two-fold: First, perhaps most importantly, is to build more nuanced, interpersonal relationships between the foresters and Líl’wat Lands Department– through ceremony, food, time on the land and shared experiences. Second is to gain a deepened understanding on three silviculture topics that have come up recurrently in recent proposals within the Territory – partial harvesting methods, benefits and impacts, fertilization and forest health.

FINAL REPORT:

The following is based on final reporting by the grantee.

February 26, 2026

This project brought together people involved in land stewardship to explore how silviculture strategies could be used in two key areas. The first was forest health concerns including a current spruce budworm outbreak, bark beetle, and root rot. Based on themes highlighted by Líl’wat Nation, the second session was focused on silviculture strategies in the UWR, particularly related to thinning in the WUI.

The project created space for people to come together – in relationship with each other and with the land – to reflect, exchange knowledge and have a shared experience outside the need for immediate operational decisions. Each gathering included time to acknowledge the land, do personal introductions, share a meal, all the while establishing a common purpose before heading out onto the land together to exchange knowledge and questions.

Over two days, the project brought together:

• • 2 Community Forests – Directors and Forest Managers
  • 3 Líl’wat entities:
    • K’wezúsmin (Title & Rights Department)
    • Líl’wat Land Use Plan Update committee
    • Líl’wat Forestry Ventures
  • 6 Provincial/Ministry specialists representing 3 different offices/regions
  • 3 local land stewardship and stakeholder groups

Key achievements included strengthening relationships and increasing understanding between forestry professionals and community decision-makers. The conversations had will inform ongoing work on a Pest Management Plan, the Líl’wat Land Use Plan update, proposed fuel thinning prescriptions and commercial thinning permits in Spel’kúmtn and other tenures Líl’wat Territory, as well as considerations for a Visitor Use Strategy in a vital UWR.

More broadly, particularly at a time when specialists have limited field opportunities, the project demonstrates the value of place-based experiences that integrate Indigenous knowledge and western science, supporting community-centered practice, holistic silviculture and ultimately improved forest resilience.

As this was SCF’s first Capacity Building grant project, there was certainly some learning along the way. First, coordinating schedules across multiple organizations and confirming attendance, organizing vehicles/transport, and tracking invoicing for wages/honoraria was more time consuming than expected. An unexpected challenge was the fall strike, which affected attendance at the second field trip – though not its success. Despite the absence of Provincial biologists and BC Wildfire Service for the November date, there was meaningful and productive discussion between three local entities that had not previously collaborated regarding forest management in UWR.

Planning events that involve Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members requires flexibility, respect for protocol, and an understanding that community priorities and responsibilities do not always align with intended plans or budgets. On each of our field days, there were some unexpected absences and changes in plans requiring adjustments in the moment. Rather than viewing these as challenges, we see them as inherent to relationship-based, culturally grounded work.

The project took an ‘open forum’ approach to the first field trip, seeking to encourage all participants to feel equally welcome and qualified to offer perspectives and knowledge. While a good intention, the group was large enough that it took a little while to gain momentum on discussion. In the future, a slightly more facilitated approach to begin with, including designated speakers from the various entities, could be a good catalyst or, alternately, background materials or questionnaires shared ahead of time could serve as conversation starting points.

Despite some unforeseen circumstances and adjustments, the project’s approach remained consistent and core objectives were achieved. By braiding external perspectives with Líl’wat and local knowledge, grounded in specific places, the project supports a more holistic approach to silviculture across the Territory and will inform implementation of upcoming strategies. Relationship-building, knowledge exchange, and progress toward collaborative planning were key outcomes from this work. We are tremendously grateful for the patience, guidance and support in bringing it together!

PHOTO: Chris Thevarge, from Líl’wat Forestry Ventures, identifying key concerns for a fuel treatment in UWR. Photo credit: Andrea Blaikie.

PHOTO: Representatives from Líl’wat Forestry Ventures, Líl’wat Land Use Plan Update committee, Líl’wat K’wezúsmin’ Title & Rights, Pemberton Wildlife Association. Photo credit: Andrea Blaikie.

Halfway Report:

The following is based on halfway reporting by the grantee.

August 13, 2025

First site on the tour – inspecting an affected branch to learn about the life cycle of the spruce budworm. (Photo by Andrea Blaikie)

In July, representatives from Líl’wat K’wezúsmin’ (Title and Rights Department), the Land Use Plan committee, provincial forest health specialists, local naturalists, tenure holders, and Spel’kúmtn foresters came together on the land to share knowledge, observations, and concerns about forest health in the Territory.

While many of these individuals connect through land-use decision-making, opportunities to meet face-to-face, share a meal, and walk through the forest together—without the pressure of an impending decision—are rare and valuable.

Not surprisingly, much of the discussion focused on the current spruce budworm outbreak, which has become increasingly noticeable to community members this year. Although the situation is concerning, provincial entomologists were cautiously optimistic that the outbreak in the Pemberton–Mount Currie area may not lead to widespread tree loss.

The conversations were an important starting point for upcoming forest management work. One key initiative will see the provincial forest health team, Líl’wat Nation, and community members work together to decide whether additional actions—beyond ongoing monitoring—are needed. This process will lead to the creation of a Pest Management Plan for the area.

On a broader scale, the Líl’wat Nation is in the process of updating its Land Use Plan. Ideas shared during this gathering, along with the strengthened relationships with forest health experts, could help inform land management strategies and actions in the updated plan.

Participants also explored ways to strengthen overall forest resilience. Líl’wat Forestry Ventures—the primary tenure holder in the Territory and forest managers for Spel’kúmtn—are implementing strategies such as stand-thinning. Historically, the Líl’wat used fire to maintain open forest patches and encourage understory growth. In today’s dense, second-growth forests that have not benefited from cultural burning, thinning can achieve similar outcomes: increasing light to the forest floor to promote berries, browse, and mushrooms, while reducing wildfire fuel loads near communities.

Kukwstum’úlhkal’ap (we thank you all) to all who attended for their dedication to learning, sharing, and caring for the land, and to SIP for supporting this important gathering!

Attendees opened the day with introductions, reflections and a landscape overview. (Photo by Andrea Blaikie)

Bringing together experts from the coast and interior provided the opportunity for different approaches and perspectives. (Photo by Andrea Blaikie)

Spel’kúmtn and Líl’wat foresters exploring next steps with the regional entomologist. (Photo by Andrea Blaikie)

Some of the decision-makers in upcoming plans related to forest health: K’wezúsmin’ (Líl’wat Title & Rights), Ministry of Forests, Spel’kúmtn Community Forest. (Photo by Andrea Blaikie)