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Stock photo of the Duteau watershed (Image Credit: Tolko / RDNO)
By Liam Verster
Water Scarcity Concerns

Syilx Okanagan Nation declared regional Watershed Emergency

May 20, 2026 | 2:22 PM

With snowpack levels at or near historic lows, the Syilx Okanagan Nation is calling on actions to protect the region’s watersheds.

The First Nation declared a Watershed Emergency Wednesday, May 20, as snowpacks across the region ranged from just nine to 69 per cent of normal as of May 1, raising concerns about water shortages, ecosystem collapse, extreme wildfire risk, and long-term watershed health.

“The Syilx Nation is acting within its inherent jurisdiction and responsibility to protect siwɬkʷ (water) for future generations,” Chief Robert Louie stated.

“Water is life, and the health of our watersheds can no longer be treated as secondary to development and short-term interests.”

In declaring the emergency, the First Nation urged the provincial government and relevant agencies to take immediate action by putting a moratorium on new surface and groundwater licences; issuing mandatory reductions in water use; establishing a Syilx Nation-B.C. co-governance forum on water scarcity; including local governments in coordinated watershed management actions; and protecting critical fish flows through emergency measures.

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The Sylx Okanagan First Nation also called on all levels of government to invest in watershed restoration, climate adaption, wetland and riparian protection, and First Nations-led stewardship and monitoring, while also urging everyone in the region to reduce their water use and prevent pollution from entering the waterways.

by Liam Verster
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