Search for Slhawt’ (Herring)

June 5, noon to 1pm

Presentation by Ellika Cairns

Project Director with the Átl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound Marine Stewardship Initiative (MSI)

The Átl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound Marine Stewardship Initiative (MSI) has partnered with the Squamish Nation annually since 2021 for the Searching for Slhawt’ / Herring Spawn Survey Program, wherein we document where and when herring are spawning in the region. This program takes a two-eyed seeing approach and is based in community-science; we have dozens of volunteers who help us search for slhawt each year. During this presentation, MSI’s Project Director, Ellika Cairns, will share about the importance of herring here in Átl’ka7tsem, program results, and how you can get involved.

Pacific herring, known as slhawt’ in the Skwxwú7mesh sníchim / Squamish language, are schooling forage fish that are integral to the Pacific marine food web. In Átl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound, herring were once abundant and acted as an important food source for people and animals in the region. The Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw / Squamish Nation have been a steward of these lands and waters for thousands of years, harvesting herring and their ch’em’esh / herring eggs annually. However, a history of industrial activity within the past century has impacted the health and biodiversity of Átl’ka7tsem, including herring populations.

Over the past few decades, herring have begun to return and spawn in Átl’ka7tsem. Since 2020, the Átl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound Marine Stewardship Initiative (MSI) and Squamish Nation Ta na wa Yúus ta Stitúyntsam̓ / Rights and Title Department have partnered on the Searching for Slhawt’ / Herring Spawn Survey Program to map, monitor, and document the annual herring spawn in northern Átl’ka7tsem. The program is supported by many local volunteers, sponsors, partners, dedicated staff and contractors. Our hands are raised in gratitude to all who contribute to this annual program.

About Ellika Cairns

Ellika Cairns is the Project Director at the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Marine Stewardship Initiative (MSI). She has lived, studied, and recreated in / around Átl’ḵa7tsem her entire life; she grew up in North Vancouver and now lives in Squamish. Ellika has over 6 years of experience working for local environmental non-profits with a marine and conservation focus. She spends the majority of her free time outside of work exploring our local mountains and coastlines on foot, skis, or paddleboard.

This event is part of the Sunshine Coast Ocean Festival