Juniper Heights, a residential area adjacent to the Shuswap Band Reserve near Invermere, in the East Kootenay region of B.C., has historically had wildfire risk reduction treatments conducted on the landbase. The area was experiencing a shift in vegetation resulting in increased fuel loads, or combustible materials, significantly increasing the risk of a more intense wildfire. Covering approximately 80 hectares, the area was an ideal candidate for fuel mitigation treatment to increase wildfire resilience and better protect the community.
This project came to fruition through the hard work and the vision of the Shuswap Band, who have worked tirelessly to increase their workforce capacity to tackle this important work. At the forefront of these efforts is Kenpesq’t Forestry LP (Kenpesq’t), a forestry company owned by the Shuswap Band. With funding investments from FESBC, Kenpesq’t began treatment work in Juniper Heights initially with the manual cutting of small and immature trees, hand piling branches and forest debris, and burning the piles to eliminate the forest fuel from the sites. The project was completed in April 2025 when burn pile locations were grass seeded with the intent to minimize the proliferation of invasive plants in the exposed soil.
Post-treatment area after the clearing, piling, and burning were completed. Photo Credit: Aaron Lee
“The Shuswap Band is proud to take part in this vital, Indigenous-led initiative in partnership with the Province of British Columbia and Kenpesq’t,” said Shuswap Band Chief Barbara Cote. “By focusing on proactive and preventative measures, this program strengthens our collective efforts to mitigate the risks of future forest fires. It also provides a meaningful cultural learning experience that not only supports our community but contributes to the safety and well-being of the wider public, while ensuring the protection of all of our wildlife and plants for future generations.”
As a result of the project, there is a reduction in fuel loading within the Wildland Urban Interface near the community of Juniper Heights and there is now an opportunity for future cultural and prescribed burns, utilizing Indigenous forest management practices to maintain this environment in perpetuity. Additionally, these treatments serve to enhance wildlife habitat for species including bighorn sheep, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and elk.
First Nations continue to play a vital leadership role in the forestry sector of B.C. This project exemplifies the importance of Indigenous People’s knowledge and historical cultural practices, in land management. Implementation of these principles help to achieve environmental, cultural, social, and economic benefits.
To learn more about Indigenous-led projects throughout British Columbia, read the full Special Report released by FESBC, in collaboration with the BC First Nations Forestry Council.