In April 2022, the sməlqmíx (Lower Similkameen Indian Band), the syilx people of the Similkameen Valley, designated a new Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) in their territory. The Ashnola IPCA declaration upholds the inherent jurisdiction and responsibility of the sməlqmíx to protect and manage their territories according to sməlqmíx / syilx law. In accordance with sməlqmíx / syilx law, the sməlqmíx (Lower Similkameen Indian Band) expect that all who interact within
nʔaysnúlaʔxʷ (the Ashnola) will take the necessary steps to bring themselves into good
standing with the siwɬkʷ (water), tmxʷulaxʷ (land), sluxʷluxʷncut (air), and the tmixʷ
(life force within all four sacred ecosystems).

The Ashnola River is a tributary of the Similkameen that flows out of the North Cascades just north of the U.S. border in British Columbia. The Similkameen flows into the U.S. in its last miles before joining the Okanogan River near Oroville. The declaration is an important step in bringing a stronger indigenous voice to land management in our region. Join us in this discussion with state, federal and tribal land managers about what the Declaration means and what its significance is.