The community of ʔaq̓am continues to use fire as a mechanism for stewarding their lands, something they have done for thousands of years. Two prescribed burns, one on the eastern side of ʔaq̓am’s Kootenay IR#1 lands adjacent to the Cranbrook airport (“Lot 79”) and one on the northern extent of Kootenay IR#1 adjacent to Crown land (“Parcel A”) are being planned for implementation in 2026. These prescribed burns will be undertaken in collaboration and partnership with the City of Cranbrook and BC Widlfire Service, among others. ʔaq̓am’s objectives for the work include ecosystem enhancement through thinning dense forest stands to create new habitat, reducing wildfire risks by removing dense surface fuels, and reclaiming the cultural practice of ʔa·kinq̓uku (fire) on the landscape.
“Our community is well acquainted with prescribed burning and the impacts of wildfire,” said Cheryl Casimer, NasuɁkin (Chief) of ʔaq̓am. “We are committed to continuing to collaborate with partners through implementing prescribed burning to restore wildfire resiliency to our lands, protect our community, and be proactive to climate change.”
