Foodlands: sc̓e:ɬxʷəy̓əm (Salmon River)*
The sc̓e:ɬxʷəy̓əm corridor is a Foodlands project in the shared territory of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo and Matsqui Nations. Work in the corridor takes shape through collaboration with the Kwantlen Land Guardians, səýeḿ Qwantlen (the business subsidiary of the Kwantlen First Nation), Langley Environmental Partners Society, Kerr Wood Leidal Consulting, Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance, and multiple landholders along the river.
“sc̓e:ɬxʷəy̓əm” is the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ word for the Salmon River. hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ is the Downriver dialect of Halkomelem. Translations provided by Knowledge Keepers and language learners from Kwantlen and Katzie Nations.
Restoration in the corridor focuses on supporting salmon habitat, restoring riparian function, and caring for culturally significant plants and food systems. Knowledge shared by Kwantlen and Katzie Knowledge Holders helps guide restoration planning, including the integration of culturally significant plant species and local place names.
Restoration and care in the corridor
Restoration work began in 2021 on two parcels within the river’s floodplain. Areas heavily affected by invasive reed canary grass were replanted with native and culturally significant species to support habitat diversity and improve conditions for salmon and other wildlife. Work has also included the creation of off-channel wetted habitat to support overwintering kwóxweth / kʷəxʷəθ (coho salmon).
As of fall 2025, seven of twelve identified parcels along the corridor have been restored or are under active care. This work includes more than 16,500 native plants in the ground and over 13,000 square metres of restored natural area along the river, including stabilization of 60 meters of bank using nature-based solutions.
Care for the corridor continues through ongoing maintenance and monitoring. Future restoration is guided by site conditions, relationships within the corridor, and long-term goals for habitat health and cultural food systems.
Shared focus for the sc̓e:ɬxʷəy̓əm corridor
- Supporting habitat for salmon and other species through riparian and floodplain restoration.
- Caring for culturally significant plants and food systems, guided by Knowledge Holders.
- Maintaining and monitoring restored areas to support long-term function and stability.
- Strengthening relationships among Nations, landholders, Land Guardians, and technical contributors involved in care for the corridor.
