United for Wild Salmon
Celebrating Unity and Commitment to Protect Our Sacred Gift
Though I couldn’t attend the recent Feast and Evening of Culture and Information Sharing, I was deeply moved by the accounts shared by those who were there. My heartfelt thanks go to my friend Emilee Gilpin for capturing the essence of this powerful gathering. Her presence and support allowed me to feel connected to the event’s spirit and purpose, even from afar.
The event took place on May 24, 2025 in Qualicum. It brought together community members, hereditary and elected leadership, knowledge holders, and long-time wild salmon defenders from across the coast. Organized with care and vision by Ḵ̓ix̱t̕łala Laura Cranmer — a proud ‘Na̱mg̱is and Haida woman — the gathering was backed by ‘Na̱mg̱is Chief and Council, amongst several nations and hereditary chiefs.
You could hear it in the background of the recordings — the warmth of laughter between teachings, the rhythm of drums underscoring powerful words, the clinking of plates as people shared a meal. Even from afar, the spirit of community and ceremony carried through.
It was more than just a gathering: it was a call to action, a celebration of resistance, and a reaffirmation of Indigenous law and responsibility.
Honouring Legacy and Interconnectedness
Our connection to salmon is profound, going beyond mere sustenance to being a core part of our identity and spirit. The evening began with words honouring those who came before us, reminding us of the legacy they left and our responsibility to carry it forward.
“When we come together with open hearts and innovative ideas, we advocate for this sacred gift… Who would we be if we didn’t carry this forward for future generations?”
These reflections underscore the duty entrusted to us by our ancestors — the aunts, uncles, and grandparents who sustained our communities for over 10,000 years.
From the Salish and Nuu-chah-nulth to the Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw, Heiltsuk, Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Haida, we honour our deep roots and our enduring duty to these lands.
Resistance, Recovery, and the Fight Ahead
The removal of fish farms in our key territories has rekindled hope, with ecosystems showing signs of revival. But the struggle is far from over.
“We’re entering another battle with the fish farm industry and government… We’ve removed 17 from our territory, but we must keep up the pressure.”
— Victor Isaac, ‘Na̱mg̱is Elected Chief
The evening’s message was clear: protecting salmon safeguards our ecosystems, food security, and sovereignty. Every pen removed is a step toward healing — but the work is ongoing.
Lifting Up the Voices Behind the Work
Laura Cranmer’s unwavering dedication and organizational skills have been crucial to our efforts. Her passion drives our mission forward.
“I still receive 20 emails a day from Laura — she tells me, ‘We’ve got to do this, Victor!’”
— Victor Isaac
Her tireless work exemplifies the power of passionate leadership grounded in community and cultural responsibility.
Law, Language, and Knowledge
The stories shared that night were not just scientific; they were deeply cultural and personal, enriched with teachings passed down through generations. Indigenous law, grounded in natural law, was interwoven into every speech and song.
“You don’t need a university degree to understand the impact of open-net pens. It’s just common sense.”
— Ernest Alfred
These truths remind us of our inherent knowledge of living harmoniously with the land — knowledge that has long been ignored by colonial systems, but remains alive in our communities.
A Vision Forward: For the Salmon, and for Us All
As the evening unfolded, a unified vision emerged: our commitment to protecting salmon is vital for all life — from the orca to the eagle, the forests, the rivers, and the generations yet to come.
One speaker shared their grandmother’s wisdom:
“You care because you’re here.”
This sentiment highlights the importance of presence and responsibility within our communities. Showing up — to feast, to listen, to speak — is itself an act of care.
The gathering concluded with a powerful reminder to keep showing up, speaking out, and standing for what’s right.
“We know what will help wild salmon; it’s time to act and make that change a reality.”
What Comes Next
The work continues — in our communities, in our governance, and on the land. Whether it’s supporting Indigenous leadership, uplifting youth, challenging decisions, or simply sharing a story about salmon, each action matters. We all have a role to play.
The road ahead is long, but we walk it together — with songs in our hearts, teachings in our minds, and salmon in our souls. For those who came before, those here now, and those still to come, we commit: to protect, to remember, and to act.
In unity and with resolve, we continue to stand for our sacred gift — for wild salmon, for our communities, and for future generations.
Photos
All event photos featured in this post were taken by Emilee Gilpin, unless otherwise noted. You can check out more of the photos from the event here on her Facebook page.
