The majority of grasslands in BC that fall under federal jurisdiction are Indian Reserves.  Indian Reserves encompass 9.7 percent of BC's grassland in total; however, in the Okanagan and Similakameen Valleys, nearly 25 percent of the grasslands occur on Indian Reserves, the highest percentage of all grassland regions in the province.  Less than one percent of BC’s grasslands are under Federal jurisdiction that are not Indian Reserves than these are parks and protected areas.

The grasslands have significant value to the First Nations in BC.  Historically, the climate of the grassland ecosystems provided easier winters, earlier springs, and a great diversity of plants, which in turn supported traditional root crops and healthy populations of ungulates.    Currently, First Nations communities are undergoing pressure similar to other municipalities and local governments to realize the economic rewards that can be obtained from commercial or residential development and intensive agriculture on grasslands.  

As with other grassland stewards, First Nations are aware of the consequence of ecosystem loss to their communities.  A unique value of grasslands to First Nations is the archaeological sites that exist as physical evidence indicating use of a greater surrounding area.  Plants such as bitterroot (lewissii redivivia) that are considered important to aboriginal cultures are generally not recognized as being important by many other resource managers.  In 2002, the Osoyoos Indian Band began implementation of a range restoration plan in which riparian areas on reserve land will be protected for Yellow-Breasted Chat.

For more information on Ranching and Grassland Stewardship, click here.

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