Kelly Thomas

Hen̓łeʔ | Way̓ | Hello, my name is Kelly Thomas, and I am a proud member of the Upper Nicola Band. Since June 2023, I have been an integral part of the Scw’exmx Tribal Council (STC) team, initially joining as a Field Technician.

In my role as a Field Report Assistant and a member of the Indigenous Advisory Monitoring Committee (IAMC), I have had the privilege of engaging in various field activities aimed at preserving and safeguarding our cultural heritage and natural resources. This includes participating in shovel testing alongside archaeologists and conducting surveys of Preliminary Field Reconnaissance (PFR) blocks to identify Cultural Artifacts, Cultural Heritage resources, species at risk, invasive plants, streams, and wetlands.

Additionally, I have collaborated with our fisheries department, contributing to initiatives aimed at enhancing the habitat for salmon, such as creating pools and expanding river channels to improve their chances of survival. Through these experiences, I have had the opportunity to work alongside and learn from many remarkable individuals, both within our organization and throughout our projects.

I am deeply passionate about environmental stewardship and am committed to continuously learning and adopting better practices to care for our land. The opportunity to be part of the STC team fills me with excitement and gratitude, and I am eager to embrace every opportunity for growth and learning.

Kʷu kʷukʷstpʷ