Ashley Raphael
Hydrologist Technician & Project Coordinator, Upper Fraser Conservation Alliance (UFFCA), Saik’uz First Nation,
What do they do?
Ashley, a member of the Saik’uz First Nation, is a leader in Indigenous-led conservation in British Columbia. She is deeply rooted in her community, culture, and the river systems that sustain them.
She serves as a Hydrology Technician and Project Coordinator with the Upper Fraser Conservation Alliance. In this role, Ashley leads water monitoring initiatives, collects real-time hydrometric data from over 40 sites across the Upper Fraser watershed, and champions community-based stewardship grounded in Indigenous knowledge.
She also mentors and trains youth and community members in hydrology and water science, helping to build local capacity. Her work ensures that decisions affecting water are informed by both scientific data and Indigenous priorities.
Project Gallery
Why Does It Matter?
Ashley’s work ensures that Indigenous communities have the tools and authority to monitor and protect their own watersheds. By combining scientific methods with cultural protocols, she’s helping to restore salmon habitats, hold industry accountable, and pass on critical knowledge to the next generation. Her efforts support Indigenous sovereignty, environmental sustainability, and intergenerational learning.
Ashley’s work is deeply rooted in personal experience and cultural memory. One of her strongest childhood memories is cooking fish right on the rocks by the creek.
“A big driver for me early on was making sure the next generation gets to enjoy that same memory, hopefully for many years and many generations to come. I want children to be able to sit by the river with their parents, cook a fish, and feel connected to the land. I believe it’s their right. All kids deserve clean water and the chance to enjoy fish from their local rivers.” — Ashley Raphael
How Did They Get There?
Grew up in Saik’uz First Nation, with a strong connection to the water and the land
Started her career with the Tribal Council’s Fisheries Company, gaining seven years of water quality experience
Served for six years as an Aboriginal Liaison, supporting community engagement
Continued to grow her skills in hydrology and field data collection
Now works with the Upper Fraser Conservation Alliance, leading culturally grounded watershed monitoring.
Want to Follow a Similar Path?
Ashley’s journey shows how Hydrology Technicians are playing a vital role in Indigenous-led watershed monitoring. If you’re curious about this career path—what it involves, how people get started, and why it’s so important—keep reading. The Career Spotlight below offers a closer look at the role of a Hydrology Technician working at the intersection of science, culture, and water stewardship.
What do Professional Agrologists do in Watersheds?
Professional Agrologists implementing riparian stewardship activities focus on restoring natural ecosystems and improving watershed health, especially in riparian zones along streams, rivers, and wetlands on agricultural land.
They work alongside, and often ahead of, restoration professionals by conducting detailed riparian health assessments. They evaluate the condition of the land and water systems and develop tailored prescriptions for restoration or management actions.
These recommendations are then discussed collaboratively with restoration professionals and agricultural landowners to create effective, locally informed plans that respect land use and integrate traditional knowledge. The restoration professionals then proceed to plant native species, stabilize eroding banks, and implement projects that enhance biodiversity, water quality, and climate resilience.
What's a Typical Pathway?
Most begin with a degree in environmental science, geography, agriculture, ecology, or biology. Many go on to earn their Professional Agrologist (P.Ag) designation through the BC Institute of Agrologists, which certifies their expertise and allows them to advise on land and water management practices.
Experience in fieldwork, habitat monitoring, or ecosystem assessment is common, often gained through volunteer, internship or employment opportunities with conservation groups, environmental agencies or consulting firms. Some are also trained through specialized training programs (e.g. Environmental Farm Plan Program).
Why Does This Matter?
Riparian areas are essential for healthy watersheds. The riparian area is the transitional zone of land between an aquatic ecosystem (like a stream, river, lake, or wetland) and a terrestrial (land) ecosystem. They support fish and wildlife, filter pollutants, and reduce flooding.
Professional Agrologists work with agricultural landowners to ensure that these areas remain strong and resilient, especially as climate change brings more extreme weather and pressures on the land.
Technology & Innovation
Career Spotlight
Profession: Water Tech Entrepreneur
What do Entrepreneurs do in Watersheds?
Entrepreneurs in water technology and innovation design and develop cutting-edge tools and systems that monitor, treat, and protect water resources in real time. Their work ranges from creating smart sensors and automated water treatment technologies to building data platforms that provide actionable insights for managing watershed health. These solutions are used by a wide range of stakeholders to detect pollution early, optimize water use, ensure regulatory compliance, and respond rapidly to environmental challenges. By leveraging technology, these entrepreneurs help transform traditional water management into a proactive, data-driven practice that safeguards ecosystems and supports sustainable development.
What's a Typical Pathway?
There is no one-size-fits-all path to becoming a water tech entrepreneur. Many founders begin with academic or professional backgrounds in fields such as environmental science, hydrology, engineering, software development, or chemistry. Hands-on experience working in water management, research, or environmental consulting often sparks ideas for innovative solutions. To bring these ideas to market, entrepreneurs commonly seek business skills through startup accelerators, incubators, mentorship programs, or formal education like MBAs or technology management courses. They learn to navigate product development, funding, market fit, and regulatory landscapes. Ultimately, success requires blending technical expertise with entrepreneurial agility to build scalable and impactful solutions.
Why does it Matter?
As pressures on watersheds increase, the need for innovative, responsive, and cost-effective water management tools has never been greater. Entrepreneurs in water technology are essential for bridging the gap between scientific research and practical application. They develop real-time, data-driven solutions that enhance monitoring, control, and treatment of water resources. These tools enable faster, smarter decision-making that protects aquatic ecosystems, safeguards public health, and supports economic growth. By closing gaps between technology and real-world needs, water tech entrepreneurs play a vital role in delivering timely solutions that secure resilient and sustainable water resources for the future.