Caring for the spirit of Chilliwack’s Hope Slough

March 27, 2023

By: Meghan Rooney

Engagement Manager Roxanna Kooistra

Today we share a story of Hope. Since time immemorial, the Hope Slough in Chilliwack was a place of safety, connection and nourishment for the Pelólxw Tribe. When the waters of the Fraser River rose, the slough was used as an alternative transportation route between their villages at either end of the slough. We’ve heard stories that one could go to the slough each day and pick which type of fish to have for dinner! Over the years, the land changed; forests were cut down, slough banks were hardened and runoff from development and agriculture seeped into the water. Fish numbers slowly dwindled and the slough has all but dried up in the summer months. But the story does not end here. 

A movement has been growing in Chilliwack called Friends of Camp/Hope Sloughs. This group, supported by Watershed Watch, consists of hundreds of volunteers, leaders and elders and youth from the Pelólxw Tribe. During a large community gathering last November, an announcement was shared about an incredible new project titled Shxwlistexw te Sqwá:la ShxweliCaring for the Life Spirit of the Hope Slough led by the Pelólxw Tribe. The project includes extensive restoration work, including efforts to improve flow into the slough, a water quality study and restoration of Chinook and coho spawning beds!

There is much work to be done and we are looking for community members to join in. If you are interested in attending future meetings please email to let us know. Be sure to join Friends of Camp/Hope Sloughs on Facebook as well to hear about our upcoming spring canoe tour, future events and volunteer opportunities.

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Caring for the spirit of Chilliwack’s Hope Slough

March 27, 2023

By: Meghan Rooney

Engagement Manager Roxanna Kooistra

Today we share a story of Hope. Since time immemorial, the Hope Slough in Chilliwack was a place of safety, connection and nourishment for the Pelólxw Tribe. When the waters of the Fraser River rose, the slough was used as an alternative transportation route between their villages at either end of the slough. We’ve heard stories that one could go to the slough each day and pick which type of fish to have for dinner! Over the years, the land changed; forests were cut down, slough banks were hardened and runoff from development and agriculture seeped into the water. Fish numbers slowly dwindled and the slough has all but dried up in the summer months. But the story does not end here. 

A movement has been growing in Chilliwack called Friends of Camp/Hope Sloughs. This group, supported by Watershed Watch, consists of hundreds of volunteers, leaders and elders and youth from the Pelólxw Tribe. During a large community gathering last November, an announcement was shared about an incredible new project titled Shxwlistexw te Sqwá:la ShxweliCaring for the Life Spirit of the Hope Slough led by the Pelólxw Tribe. The project includes extensive restoration work, including efforts to improve flow into the slough, a water quality study and restoration of Chinook and coho spawning beds!

There is much work to be done and we are looking for community members to join in. If you are interested in attending future meetings please email to let us know. Be sure to join Friends of Camp/Hope Sloughs on Facebook as well to hear about our upcoming spring canoe tour, future events and volunteer opportunities.

Share This Story!

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One Comment

  1. Eddie Julian March 29, 2023 at 8:52 am - Reply

    Hope river or slough is a very important wild coho spawning grounds and juvenile rearing habitat. Historically the headwaters were excellent coho spawning habitat personally witnessed 54 years ago.

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