Deep in the upper Skeena watershed, I was on what felt like a never-ending hike through the dense forest. We had been traversing for over an hour since we left the road and climbed deeper into the woods. Branches whipped my face and clung to my clothes as I pushed through. My ankles flared from the terrible rubbing of my brand-new caulk boots, and every step felt heavier than the last. I fell behind as my co-workers, Michelle and Rebecca, along with Brian (K’uukw’lik’ii’sxw), the Lax Yip Stewardship Coordinator from our community partner Wilp Gwininitxw — moved ahead with seemingly effortless strides. My first helicopter ride! We took off from Smithers and flew for about 1.5 hours. Seeing the snow-capped ...
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