Yahgudang dlljuu: A Respectful Act — Restoring the land and honouring the history of Lyell Island

Gwaii Haanas has launched a unique initiative at Lyell Island which highlights the connection of the living culture of the Haida people to the land and sea. This project is entitled Yahgudang dlljuu, which translated from the Haida language means “a respectful act.” The project aims: “to celebrate the rich history of Lyell Island as a symbol of cooperation and Haida connection to the land by restoring stream and riparian forest ecosystems and re-establishing self-sustaining salmon populations.” Ecological restoration on Lyell Island involves the addition of large woody debris to streams and stabilization of banks in order to increase stream channel complexity and provide improved habitat for spawning salmon. In adjacent riparian forest areas, secondary forests are being restored through the creation of canopy gaps to emulate old -growth characteristics and conifer growth is being encouraged to provide a future source of woody debris for streams. Chum (Oncorhynchus keta) and coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) broodstock are being collected from selected streams in the fall months and hatchery-raised to fry for release into restored streams in the spring. By marking this salmon fry with a fin clip, these fish can be identified as adults when they return to spawn in their home streams, allowing scientists to gauge project success. By engaging community members and youth in direct participation in ecological restoration activities, and through engaging local schools in the salmon enhancement program, the project will foster an increased understanding of the importance of ecological integrity and the significance of Lyell Island to the people of Haida Gwaii and to all Canadians. More information: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/gwaiihaanas/nature/conservation/restauration-restoration/respect