LFFA in CBC news article on flooding
Flooding is pictured in Sumas Prairie West in Abbotsford, British Columbia, on Dec., 12, 2025. Before the 1920s, the Sumas prairies were covered by a lake and now some researchers are renewing their calls to bring part of the ancient Sumas Lake back to life. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Following the recent floods in Abbotsford and on the territory of the Semá:th (Sumas) First Nation in British Columbia, some researchers are renewing their calls to bring part of the ancient Sumas Lake back to life.
The idea could mitigate the growing risk of flooding in the region. However, the restoration of floodplains raises significant economic, political, and social implications.
Under heavy rain, Kwilosintun (Murray Ned), a member of the Semá:th First Nation, whose ancestral territory is located in the Abbotsford region of British Columbia, walks along the last vestige of an ancient lake.
"This is the Sumas River. Pretty much what's left of the remnant of the Sumas Lake," says Kwilosintun, executive director of the Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance.
Recurring floods
In mid-December, flooding hit the region, surfacing memories of the catastrophe four years ago. In 2021, waters submerged roads, farms, and homes, causing more than $450 million in insurable property damage in British Columbia.
In Abbotsford, the deluge submerged many farms. But it also revealed a glimpse of the area’s past.
"It was both a bit tragic in terms of, chaos the water was creating for the people. But for me, I was able to go and kind of harmonize, take a look at what our ancestors would have seen, and maybe embrace it for a little while," says Kwilosintun.
Read the full story here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/sumas-lake-flooding-9.7026967