The Project

The Haíɫzaqv Wolf and Biodiversity Project, a collaboration between the Heiltsuk Integrated Resource Management Department (HIRMD) and The State University of New York College of Environment Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF), supports the stewardship of wolves through a minimally invasive research and monitoring program. The project is driven by a team of researchers, Haíɫzaqv Guardians, and collaborators, coordinated by Kyle Artelle (SUNY ESF Environmental Biology Department and Center for Native Peoples and the Environment), William Housty (Heiltsuk Integrated Resource Management Department) and Paul Paquet (University of Victoria). We work with the Woodland Park Zoo and a growing network of collaborators, and are supported by Living With Wolves.

The project grew initially from the curiosity about wolves living near Bella Bella, observing and monitoring populations closest to town (dubbed the ‘Urban Pack’). As observations grew so did interest and questions, with the project growing to additional packs throughout the territory. In addition to the project growing in spatial scale, it has also grown in collaborations, now including SUNY ESF where Kyle Artelle has joined as a professor, with expanding collaborative opportunities there. We are further expanding these collaborations as additional questions and opportunities arise, with the project expanding its reach in terms of collaboration while staying grounded in Haíɫzaqv from which it was born and is based.

The approach

Minimally Invasive

This project employs a variety of minimally invasive approaches. This is a requirement of the Nation as well its collaborators, and a reflection of the respect held by the whole team for these animals. In addition to using these approaches to learn from these wolves, we are also working to advance the methodologies themselves to be applied here and elsewhere. For example, we are advancing machine learning approaches to glean maximal information from the data we collect, testing models of cameras and other devices used to ensure or advance their minimal detection (and hence disturbance) by individuals, and working to advance new technologies to continue to increase the learning possible while minimizing unintended harm.

Learning from wolves

Despite the immense knowledge already held by the Nation and its partners on these wolves, the project seeks not to be ‘experts’ of wolves, but instead students of them.

We recognize that we have likely only scratched the surface in terms of understanding this incredibly complex species relative, and take an approach of keeping an open mind towards the learning opportunities that will present themselves as we continue to move forward.



Informing stewardship: the M̓ṇúxvʔit approach

In addition to seeking to learn from the wolves, the project and collaboration by design provides stewardship-relevant information directly to HIRMD, the stewardship body of the Haíɫzaqv, to inform ongoing stewardship of their wolves and the broader territory in which they inhabit.  Guided by the Haíɫzaqv concept and term ‘M̓ṇúxvʔit’ (roughly translated as ‘becoming one), new learning adds to the existing and expansive foundation of Haíɫzaqv knowledge and governance systems. The Haíɫzaqv Nation knows its lands, waters, and neighbours (the other species who also call the territory home) best, and know best what research can add value; this project looks to add knowledge complementarily. The project attempts to avoid ‘discovering’ new information already known on the ground, but instead adapts new technologies and approaches to complement existing knowledge. This collaboration being between SUNY ESF and HIRMD itself represents M̓ṇúxvʔit, as various researchers have come together for this work, while the data collected similarly are added to HIRMD’s and the Nation’s foundational knowledge base. (Read a 2024 paper in the journal 'Conservation Biology' about this approach: White (Q̓íx̌itasu), E., K. A. Artelle, E. Brown (H̓úṃpas ƛ̓úx̌v), K. Brown (ƛ̓áqvamut), D. E. Chan, and W. Housty (Dúqva̓ísḷa). 2024. M̓ṇúxvʔit model for centering Indigenous knowledge and governance. Conservation Biology 38:e14398.)

In Memory of Chester 'Lone Wolf' Starr

This project is particularly inspired by the late Chester ‘Lone Wolf’ Starr, who was a friend and mentor to many among the team, and who instigated attention to wolves and carnivore research in his Nation and across the coast. His observations throughout his life proved central to early collaborative wolf work on the coast (including with Paul Paquet) and understanding of present-day wolves. As written as part of his memorial, “It’s hard to imagine how many lives he touched. In addition to so many people in the community, he has had a huge influence on people who visited here even briefly. Students and scientists who have met him, without fail, mention visits with Chester as a highlight of their time spent in the territory, and when recalling these visits years later their eyes still light up. Many others were able to meet Chester from afar through the movies, TV shows, and media pieces he was featured in, including one of his favourites, a movie on coastal wolves called Rainwolves. His knowledge and guidance has helped to shape science and carnivore conservation not only here but across the coast and beyond. He will live on through his family – Denise, siblings, children, grandchildren, and all his beloved relatives, and through those that he welcomed into his life from places near and far.”

Chester once told Paul Paquet, “The wolf is my family”. We are grateful he welcomed us into this family. Although he left us too early, he remains a key part of the team in spirit, and a continued inspiration.

Photo: Lone Wolf investigating a wolf skull. Photo by Paul Paquet.