BC First Nation takes a lead in endangered species recovery

Press Release

The Upper Nicola Band will be hosting the first-ever release of critically endangered burrowing owls on reserve lands.

The burrowing owl is a culturally and ecologically important species for the Syilx (Okanagan) people. Upper Nicola Band members have been working with the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society of BC on the first stages of a Species-at-Risk reintroduction program, with support from a local Species at Risk biologist and the Government of Canada’s Interdepartmental Recovery Fund.

The work culminates in the coming release of burrowing owls at the Upper Nicola Band’s reintroduction site. You are invited to witness this precedent-setting event.

WHO

Upper Nicola Band leaders and members

Representatives of the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society of BC

3 breeding pairs of burrowing owls

WHEN

Sunday, April 10, 2016

TIME

9:45am – Arrival at Upper Nicola Band Adminstation office

10:00am – Ceremony (opening prayer, hand drummers) and release at reintroduction site

WHERE

Upper Nicola Band Administration Office: 2225 Village Road, Douglas Lake, IR #3, 45 km east of Merritt

Douglas Reserve reintroduction site 10-15 minutes away.

AVAILABILITY

Friday, April 8 – news release, photos,  B-roll courtesy of the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society

Sunday, April 10 – Leaders of Upper Nicola Band, Burrowing Owl Conservation Society, event photos

INFORMATION

Please notify us in advance if you wish to attend. We’ll send you more detailed directions. And please feel free to contact us for any other questions.

Bernadette Manuel, BA
Cultural Heritage Project Manager
Upper Nicola Band
c 250-280-2387
ch.projects@uppernicola.com

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