The Assembly

Claude Angelo // Ocean Connections

As part of a National Geographic Virtual Photo Camp, I observed how Kelowna is connected to water and why sustaining our water source is important. Syilx Okanagan Peoples work together with those of Western science and contribute their Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) to maintain our waterways’ health. We say what goes around, comes around, but it’s no longer the case with Mission Creek, as it was re-routed by the massive influx of people moving into Kelowna. Many problems faced today require solutions that take environmental factors into account. One is building a dyke to prevent flooding. Another is a man-made spawning channel for Kokanee Salmon, a species that plays a niche role in its ecosystem, and is cherished sustainably even after death from spawning season, giving up their life for not only a new life for their population, but also other lives that depend on them as a food source.