Kitimat River

náluxʷ

The Kitimat River originates in the Kitimat Ranges, near the sources of the Dala River, Kemano River, Atna River, and Clore River. Once a primary oolichan spawning river, our Elders tell us that at one time, the river was so full of oolichan you could almost walk across on top of them! In the early ‘70’s Eurocan began pumping effluent into the river, changing the flavour of the fish and our grease.

Kildala River

geldála waa

The Kildala River runs into the Douglas Channel and is situated near the Kildala Arm. In the early ‘80’s there was a decline in oolichan fishing and other fishing in general. This has been attributed to extensive logging in the area, and the use of chemical sprays to keep plants from encroaching on power lines.

Kemano River

yemácisa waa

The Kemano River, in the Kitimat Ranges, flows into Kemano Bay on the Gardner Canal, near the Kemano powerhouse and former townsite. In the ‘90’s the oolichan disappeared for over 10 years. This has been attributed to the hardening of the stream banks, the shrimp trawl industry and an increase in industry in general.

Kitlope River

giƛáup waa

The Kitlope River flows north for 100 km, into the head of the Gardner Canal, to the south of the town of Kitimat. Until the ‘60’s oolichan were plentiful, and oolichan here arrived a bit later, in April. Fishing happens less often now. Along with the oolichan decline, it’s location is further than Kemano so it has become costly to travel there and set up camp. And it’s difficult to see the bottom of the river, so seine nets can snag and rip on stones.

Kowesas River

qáwisas waa

Kowesas River flows north in the Coast Mountains to the head of Chief Matthews Bay. Fire-cracked rock was found in this area, indicating our presence there for a very long time. The decline of the oolichan and the cost to travel the long distance has affected it as a fishing area as well.

Gilttoyees River

géltu’is waa

The Gilttoyees River and river valley are part of the historic grease trail trade route between the Douglas Channel and the Skeena River. An error was made in identifying the Kitimat and Kemano sides of the river, affecting data collection. But we know that there was irregular and intermittent spawning in the past. Following the oolichan decline, fishing has not resumed here.

Dala River

t̓ála waa

The Dala River is located deep in our territory, and flows into the Pacific Ocean at the Kildala Arm. Similar to the Kidala River, it is difficult to fish there compared to the Kemano River, and the oolichan decline has made it less of a fishing destination at present.

Wathl Creek

wauɫ waa

Wolth Creek is located in Kitmaat Village - and in a very unusual year,in the late ‘80’s, oolichan arrived there to spawn. The story goes that James (Dub) Wilson Sr.’s son was walking with his partner’s nephew. His son asked the nephew to make the oolichan come up Wolth creek. The nephew stood on the bridge and said the magic words, “Abracadabra - Oolichan come!”...and they came. But only once!