QENTOL,YEN W̱SÁNEĆ Marine Guardians

Recorded Monday, June 8, 2026, 12pm.

Presentation by Shelly Kemp, SRKW Senior Manager

This talk introduces the QENTOL,YEN W̱SÁNEĆ Marine Guardians, and our work bridging traditional W̱SÁNEĆ knowledge and modern technology to monitor the Salish Sea. Focusing on the endangered Southern Resident killer whale (KELŁOLEMEĆEN) (SRKW), we ensure W̱SÁNEĆ involvement in marine conservation and advocate for the integration of Indigenous Science into policy-making. The talk will share insights from our holistic datasets, which include habitat, baseline, and compliance monitoring, to highlight the limitations of existing federal regulations and enforcement measures. By discussing the ongoing environmental challenges facing the KELŁOLEMEĆEN, especially in the context of current management measures, we will emphasize why meaningful Indigenous inclusion in decision-making and enforcement is vital for protecting our shared marine ecosystems.

About Shelly Kemp

I grew up in Ontario on Anishinaabeg and Huron-Wendat territories, before moving to Vancouver Island to study marine biology. I completed my BSc and MSc at UVic in Geography, Marine Biology, and the Marine Protected Areas Research Group. Building on my education, I worked with the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, and Peninsula Streams and Shorelines before joining David Dick and the QENTOL,YEN W̱SÁNEĆ Marine Guardians in 2022. Now, I am honoured to step into the Senior Manager role following David’s legacy, to represent the Guardians and share ÁLI SĆȺ (all the good work).

Additional Resources

QENTOL,YEN W̱SÁNEĆ Marine Guardians
QENTOL, YEN 2 Shelly Kemp
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QENTOLYEN 3 Shelly Kemp
QENTOLYEN 5 Shelly Kemp

Useful links

Take Action

  1. Support Indigenous Stewardship. Everyone can take a proactive step toward conservation by recognizing that we live, work, and play on the traditional territories of Coast Salish nations. While the QENTOL,YEN W̱SÁNEĆ Marine Guardians program serves a specific territory, many nations have developed their own programs to protect the lands and waters their ancestors have managed since time immemorial. We encourage you to learn about the specific Indigenous stewardship initiatives operating in your local community and find ways to stand as allies. Since many guardian initiatives also face significant funding constraints, you can directly amplify the impact of their work through donations. For example, you can visit our website (www.qentolyen.com) to financially support our active field research, habitat monitoring, and protection efforts.
  2. Practice safe boating and species protection. Protecting the biodiversity of the Salish Sea requires community members and recreational boaters to understand the unique challenges facing species at risk. We ask all attendees to familiarize themselves with the endangered Southern Resident killer whales (KELŁOLEMEĆEN in the SENĆOŦEN language), and actively follow marine regulations and safe boating practices. This means adhering to fishing closures, respecting sanctuary zones, and maintaining legal vessel speeds and approach distances around marine mammals. If you are ever unsure about active local marine hazards or protection regulations, take the initiative to research regional frameworks before heading out on the water.
  3. Amplify Indigenous Science and Educate. Conservation relies on community education and active information sharing. Folks can support the Salish Sea by discussing educational materials that highlight marine science and Indigenous ecological knowledge. We encourage families, educators, and boaters to share conservation data, digital tools, and updates on species at risk. By talking to neighbours, spreading the word about the need for coastal monitoring, and sharing regional stewardship stories, such as updates from the QENTOL,YEN Marine Guardians, you help build an informed community dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems.