Tla’amin Nation will be the recipient of two grants to help protect coastal aquatic ecosystems through restoration work.
According to a media release, Tla’amin will be receiving $1,697,551 from the federal government over the next four years to work with partners to restore and support the reestablishment of Pacific salmon populations in the Unwin Lake watershed.
Tla’amin will also partner and share $1,028,750 over the next four years for the British Columbia Conservation Foundation (BCCF) to work in partnership with shíshálh Nation to help restore and enhance kelp forests along the Sunshine Coast with the intent to restore more than 67,000 square metres of kelp at 25 sites, the release stated.
“It’s our responsibility to take care of the land so that salmon can thrive,” stated Tla’amin hegus John Hackett. “The Unwin Creek restoration project wakes-up an important fish habitat that has been sleeping for over 70 years and is an important step in fulfilling our promise to future generations of continued access to wild salmon. The project will benefit not only Tla’amin Nation, but all residents in the region who rely on salmon.”
The release stated that Canada’s oceans and waterways are home to diverse ecosystems that play an important role in the health of Canadians and the environment. Climate change, pollution and shipping activities can threaten marine life, the release stated, and through Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada is increasing protections and further preserving these important marine ecosystems.
“The Government of Canada is committed to taking action to restore and safeguard the health of our ocean and freshwater ecosystems," stated federal minister of fisheries, oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard Diane Lebouthillier. “We are proud to help fund the work of these recipients in restoring and enhancing priority coastal and upstream aquatic areas. Working together, we can enhance our abilities to combat climate change through coastal restoration activities.”
The Oceans Protection Plan is a Canadian success story, the release stated. When Indigenous peoples, industry, communities, experts, academia and government work together to protect the environment, grow the economy and support good jobs across the country, real results are delivered, according to the release.
"Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan will keep oceans and coasts healthy, advance reconciliation, and build a clean future for our children and grandchildren."
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