Community Notice: Vandalism Threatens Wildfire Recovery Work at Bradley Creek

The Okanagan Indian Band is raising concerns about repeated vandalism to equipment involved in the Bradley Creek Wildfire Salvage Project. These illegal actions are putting a stop to critical recovery work and placing our community and lands at further risk.

The Bradley Creek project is essential to:

· Reducing wildfire risk by removing dead standing trees

· Restoring our watersheds through erosion control and soil stabilization

· Supporting the return of traditional plants and medicines

· Creating local employment opportunities for OKIB members

· Generating revenue through the Okanagan Indian Band Forest License, which helps fund important community and stewardship programs

Rooted in Syilx values, this work reflects our responsibility to care for the land, water, people, and all living things (timxw). If vandalism continues, this work may be halted—delaying healing and jeopardizing both ecological and economic recovery.

We are asking community members to:

· Report any suspicious activity in the Bradley Creek area to OKIB or the RCMP

· Talk with your family and neighbours about protecting this important work

· Support the continuation of Syilx-led recovery and restoration

Let’s stand together to protect our land, our people, and our future.

For more information, contact the Okanagan Indian Band at 250-542-4328 or okibadmin@okanagan.org.