Skeena

Skeena refers to the Skeena River, a major waterway in northwestern British Columbia, Canada. It is one of the province’s longest rivers by watershed size and is renowned for its salmon runs and ecological significance.

Geography and course: The river originates in the Skeena Mountains of the Coast Mountains and flows generally northwest to the Pacific Ocean, entering the ocean near Prince Rupert. The surrounding basin features rugged terrain, dense forests, and a network of tributaries that feed the river’s flows.

Ecology: The Skeena supports extensive runs of salmon—sockeye, Chinook, coho, pink, and chum—as well as steelhead and other freshwater species. Its lower river and estuary provide essential habitat for birds and marine life. The region lies within a coastal temperate rainforest ecosystem, contributing to high biodiversity and complex food webs.

Indigenous peoples and history: The Skeena valley has long been inhabited by Indigenous nations, including the Tsimshian, Gitxsan, and Haisla. The river and its fisheries have been central to traditional livelihoods, transportation, and cultural practices, shaping the history and governance of the region.

Communities and economy: Towns such as Hazelton, Terrace, and Prince Rupert sit along its shores or at its mouth, reflecting the river’s enduring role in settlement and commerce. The Skeena supports commercial and recreational fishing, tourism, and transportation, and its basin has seen various forestry and hydroelectric activities.

Conservation: The river’s ecosystems are the focus of fishery management, habitat protection, and Indigenous-led stewardship efforts aimed at sustaining wildlife, fisheries, and cultural rights for present and future generations.