This report provides a detailed update on work completed in 2020-2021 on the Tlowitsis’ Fulmore Watershed. Port Neville and the Fulmore Watershed are core lands for treaty settlement. These areas are of cultural importance as well as being ecologically diverse and productive. The area in the Fulmore watershed and near it includes two reserves: Hanatsa and Har-khom (Port Neville). Historic records have indicated that both were set aside as fishing stations in 1886. For these reasons and many more, the Tlowitsis have identified Port Neville and Fulmore watershed as a logical place to begin the work of becoming active partners in the management of our traditional lands and waters as we move toward treaty settlement.

Our work to date on this TRM project is to become informed of the condition of the ecosystem including the health of the terrestrial, freshwater and marine aquatic environments and the associated populations of fish and other fisheries resources and grizzly bears; to utilize outcomes in the Fulmore Watershed to contribute to strategic planning and encourage and build local community capacity to maintain and restore fish populations and habitats; to advance the technical expertise and knowledge of our current Guardians in lands and resource management; and, to recruit other Tlowitsis people interested in skills development, education and work out in the territory. This work will continue in the year ahead.

With the momentum we’ve created on this project, the Tlowitsis are finally in a position – with Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) – to do proper fish stock assessments in the Fulmore, and make a plan to rebuild fisheries for Tlowitsis.

Interested in learning more about this project? Read the full report TRM 2020-2021 Final Report – Final or contact us at the Tlowitsis Nation Bank Office.