Province improves access for Indigenous anglers at Okanagan Falls dam

Mischief believed tied to a property dispute over native access to Okanagan River below Okanagan Falls dam has diminished following an act of support for the fishery by the province.

On July 21, a government official was at the dam to oversee removal of a section of fence on Crown Land adjacent the east side of the river.

The opening allows for safe passage to the fishing site, away from adjacent private land and an ongoing high water mark dispute that has pitted the landowner against the anglers since 2016.

Ministry of Forests, Lands Natural Resources Operations spokesperson Tyler Hooper said in an email the province recognizes the value of the Okanagan fishery to the Syilx people.

The province also recognized the existence of a corridor of Crown Land that runs proximal to the east side of the Okanagan River, near the dam.

“The province commits to working with the adjacent property owner and the office of the Surveyor General to resolve an ongoing boundary dispute,” Hooper said.

Former Penticton Indian Band Chief Jonathan Kruger says mischief experienced by fishermen at the site last week has since abated.

Anglers found nails scattered in the parking area, and fencing and gates covered in sticky insect attractant with prickly pear cactus needles embedded in it.

“We cleaned up the area yesterday and held a peaceful rally at the opening, with drumming, singing and prayers,” Kruger said. “We’re thankful to the province, the department of fisheries and the RCMP for their cooperation. They understand our inherent right to fish and that we need safe access."


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Steve Arstad

I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

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