Overview
Whether you’re hiking, biking, climbing, or paddling, every outdoor trail we love exists within a living watershed. These are important spaces for First Nations and represent perfect places for reconciliation. But how can outdoor recreation groups move beyond talk and build genuine, lasting partnerships with local First Nations?
Join the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) on Tuesday, September 22 at 12:00 PM PT for a practical, inspiring look at how recreation communities and Indigenous partners are coming together to restore land, protect access, and practice meaningful reconciliation.
You’ll hear about two groundbreaking projects:
Trail building to salmon returns: Learn how the Skowkale, Aitchelitz, and Yakweakwioose (S.A.Y.) First Nations teamed up with the Chilliwack community to create the Ts'lhimexósem (Going for a Walk Together) Trail—a fully accessible 2.5 km trail project that included planting 30,000 native plants and brought chum and coho salmon back into the upper reaches of Chilliwack Creek for the first time in generations.
yiyχmɛštəm qʷaqʷtəm "we will take care of the creek": Discover how Χʷɛmaɬkʷu (Homalco First Nation) is partnering with local communities in Campbell River to restore the Willow Creek watershed. Their efforts are building climate resilience, enhancing biodiversity, and protecting critical cultural and recreation spaces from urban encroachment.
Meet our speakers:
Steve Clegg, Land Stewardship Manager for S.A.Y. Lands & lead for the Ts’lhimexósem Trail
Chrystal Gillingham, Vice-President for the Chilliwack Park Society
David Carson, Registered Professional Forester (Land Forest People Consulting), working alongside the Homalco First Nation on Willow Creek restoration
Wherever you recreate, this session offers transferable takeaways on how to initiate contact, build trust, and collaborate effectively with First Nations in your local region.
This webinar is made possible by the financial support of the Real Estate Foundation of BC.
Event details:
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Pacific Time
Location: Live on Zoom (with interactive Q&A)
Can't make it live? Register anyway! We’ll send the full recording, event notes, and actionable takeaways directly to your inbox.
The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC is a non-profit organization. These webinars are free, thanks to the support of our generous donors and sponsors. If you would like to support our work, make a donation or get in touch about sponsorship opportunities.