The Columbia Basin Regional Advisory Committee met for the 10^th time last October for what members described as their best meeting yet.  The group spent one and a half days together in Revelstoke, B.C. discussing ecosystems, Indigenous perspectives on the Columbia River Treaty, efforts underway to address Treaty-related community interests, issues affecting Basin hydroelectric operations in 2019, and the Canada-U.S. Treaty negotiations.  Members of the Canadian negotiating team were part of these discussions, as they are at each meeting, to make sure they heard comments from, and could answer questions directly to, CBRAC.

One of the highlights for CBRAC was hearing from representatives of the three Columbia Basin Indigenous Nations that have been official observers at the Canada-U.S. negotiations since April 2019.  Speakers from the Ktunaxa, Secwepemc and Syilx/Okanagan Nations shared their views on the Treaty negotiations, describing the experience as positive, and noting how their involvement is meaningful for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.  They highlighted that the work being done today is for past, present and future generations.  CBRAC expressed their appreciation to the speakers for sharing their thoughts and acknowledged how their participation in CBRAC greatly enhances the committee.

Another high point during the two days was a discussion with students from the Wildsight Columbia River Field School, who gave a lively and enthusiastic account of the immersive two-week program during which they travelled key stretches of the Columbia River by canoe.  The students said their experiences were valuable, not just in terms of what they learned about the Columbia River, but also how it inspired their personal and career growth.  CBRAC members welcomed the chance to speak with these students, and found it encouraging to know that a new generation was learning about the Columbia River and the Treaty.

The group continued their discussion on one of the most prominent concerns of Basin residents and Indigenous Nations: to enhance Basin ecosystems that are affected by Treaty operations. Indigenous Nations are leading in-depth work to address this and presented their progress to CBRAC (more on this work in the next Newsletter story titled “Columbia River Treaty Ecosystem Function: 2019 Update”).  CBRAC felt the work is moving in the right direction and looks forward to hearing more about specific studies.

At the end of the meeting, CBRAC reflected positively on the role of this committee.  What started out as a trial in 2014 has grown into a valuable advisory body that helps B.C. and Canada keep the interests of the Columbia Basin front and centre as they negotiate a modernized Treaty with the U.S. CBRAC’s next meeting will be in Spring 2020.

A full summary of this meeting along with materials and presentations can be found on the Province’s Treaty website. https://engage.gov.bc.ca/columbiarivertreaty/columbia-basin-regional-advisory-committee/