Brian Holmes has served as a full time councillor in the Upper Nicola Band Council since 2011. Prior to council he served 20 years in the agricultural sector on the Douglas Lake Cattle Ranch, the biggest cattle ranch in North America. Since retiring from the ranch he has dedicated himself to conservation and water monitoring projects in the Nicola Valley. Brian volunteers his time to trap invasive Yellow Perch in both Douglas Lake and Nicola Lake. His working group has removed over 10,000 perch in 2020, and an equal amount in 2021, working weekly on this project from spring through fall.

Brian has offered support and patient guidance while integrating Indigenous Perspectives into Western Scientific water stewardship work. Furthermore, he has been very resourceful in the creation of Indigenous-led Conservation efforts in the Nicola Valley. LLC is working with Brian to update the Foreshore Integrated Management Planning (FIMP) assessment process to better acknowledge Traditional Knowledge (TK) and Values into a federal protocol, in partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Real Estate Foundation of BC (REFBC). The prioritization of TK to the FIMP framework has a multitude of benefits and will increase the success of the assessment process. The assessment allows evidence-based conservation decisions to support lake and ecosystem health.

Brian is invested in creating a better future for his watershed and the watershed of future generations. He is also an excellent storyteller, his insight and patient guidance are a source of inspiration for our team and colleagues, which inspires a collective responsibility. He inspires dedication through his autonomous dedication to his lake, watershed, family, and community.