We are reflecting on the year past, and looking to the promise ahead.
It’s been a momentous year for reckoning the costs of colonialism. The Secwépemc, Syilx Okanagan, and Ktunaxa Nations leading Bringing the Salmon Home are also at the heart of the recent revelations of the uncounted children who perished at residential schools.
Our mourning is compounded by terrible losses across the Nations and local communities from this year’s massive wildfires, floods and the ongoing pandemic.
In supporting each other, we find the strength to go on.
This Initiative puts a vital Indigenous-led model for shared decision-making into action. We are working collaboratively to find solutions to complex challenges. Our Indigenous-centred process invites the participation of everyone along the Columbia River to restore habitats and enable transboundary fish passage. This work supports cultural renewal, food sovereignty and security, and ecosystem health.
By dreaming together, we create a hopeful vision. Collectively we make this vision real.
We’re proud to share that our accomplishments this year include:
- Three major technical studies led by the First Nations are underway.
- Core communications channels including our ColumbiaRiverSalmon.ca website and social media platforms were launched. Youth from each of the three Nations were mentored in digital skills to help produce the website. Artists from each Nation worked together to produce the unified design for our logo.
- Our team of Nation-based Organizers are rolling out creative cultural engagement. Over 3000 people joined our successful online Bringing the Salmon Home Festival in May 2021.
Mark your calendar for the new year!
Following popular demand, we’re planning for our second Bringing the Salmon Home Festival next May. And we’ll keep you updated on many other activities in the works.
Wishing you and yours peaceful, safe and warm holidays,
~ Bringing the Salmon Home: The Columbia River Salmon Reintroduction Initiative team
