Trekor Talks

In August, Trekor and Gibraltar Mine were honoured to gather with members of the Xatśūll First Nation and local communities at the Xatśūll Cultural Heritage Village to conduct salmon sampling for 2026 – commemorating the program’s 10-year anniversary.

The Fraser River Salmon Sampling Program launched in 2016 in partnership with Gibraltar Mine, Xatśūll First Nation and Environmental Dynamics Inc. to provide valuable information to local communities about the health of salmon harvested from Xatśūll traditional fishing sites on the Fraser River.

The partners have come together year after year to take samples, utilizing traditional salmon dip-netting, that contribute to a deeper understanding of fish health and nutrition, while also enjoying a community BBQ.

The continuity of the program reflects the ongoing commitment of Xatśūll First Nation, Gibraltar Mine and Environmental Dynamics Inc. to salmon sampling and long-term data collection on the Fraser River. Ten years of sampling provides an important body of information that can help identify changes over time and contribute to a better understanding of the salmon harvested by Xatśūll members.

“As we mark the 10-year anniversary of this important community partnership, we’re most proud of the longevity of the program and what we’ve been able to accomplish together,” said Kosta Sainis, Manager of Indigenous Engagement and Regulatory Affairs at Gibraltar Mine. “We look forward to continuing to build on the program in the years ahead.”

“As Xatśūllemc, our relationship with the Fraser River and salmon goes back generations. Salmon are not simply a food source; they are an important part of our culture, our way of life and our responsibilities to the land and water,” said Kukpi7 (Chief) Rhonda Phillips. “This sampling gives our Nation important information about the salmon our people harvest and helps us understand changes over time. Continuing to gather that information is important to ensuring our members can make informed decisions and to supporting Xatśūll in carrying out our responsibilities to future generations.”

Trekor is proud of what the program has achieved over the past decade. Thank you to Xatśūll First Nation for your collaboration and commitment to the Fraser River Salmon Sampling Program.

Watch the video to learn more about the 10^th Anniversary Salmon Sampling: