Crucial B.C. wetland restored thanks to Katzie First Nation guardians, partners – The Narwhal

May 15, 2026

Dikes were installed throughout the Fraser River to pursue agriculture — now, reverting Xwíʔləm̓nəc to its natural state is restoring biodiversity, culture and connection

Summary

Historically, First Nations in B.C. who lived near floodplains respected tides and lived nomadically, until settlers disrupted water flow, creating dikes to pursue agriculture and urban development.
Xwíʔləm̓nəc, or Addington Point Marsh, has been restored to a wetland after three years of collaboration led by Katzie First Nation.
Restoring wetlands brings life to countless species and helps restore Indigenous people’s connection to their traditional territories. The marsh is part of Canada’s largest salmon-bearing watershed.

On a late April morning, a group of Katzie First Nation land guardians, conservation workers, government representatives and others trek down to Xwíʔləm̓nəc (Addington Point Marsh).