Bighorn Sheep Research: K’en T’em & Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly Uphold Wildlife Stewardship

K’en T’em Limited Partnership collaborated with nłeʔképmx Guardians of the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly (CNA), Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia, Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Phyla Consulting and Wild Sheep Foundation to strengthen wildlife management efforts of bighorn sheep herds within the nłeʔképmx territory.

The first step of this initiative was to conduct a baseline herd health assessment and GPS collar bighorn sheep of the Spatsum and Lower Thompson herds in December 2025. 

The “Spatsum herd” spans along the east side of the Thompson River from Ashcroft towards Shackan. The “Lower Thompson herd” ranges from Cook’s Ferry along the east side of the Thompson River towards Lytton.  

The baseline herd health assessment provides information on overall herd health including presence and absence of disease or pathogens. The GPS collar data provides information on seasonal ranges, movement corridors and potential herd-herd interactions with domestic or other bighorn sheep.  

A pathogen called Mycolplasma ovipneumoniae (M.ovi) has greatly impacted many bighorn sheep herds across British Columbia, causing major die-off events. These herds live in close proximity to infected herds, and it’s important to monitor them closely for potential interactions. Additionally, domestic sheep and goats can also transmit these pathogens to wild sheep populations.  

K’en T’em envisions a thriving future grounded in nɬeʔképmx identity, culture, traditions, values, and principles. Guided by our sacred responsibility as stewards of tmixʷ, “xʷiʔkt moqʷix eks ʔeskʷenstm tekm e tmixʷ.”   

“We will gather to look after all the land.”