The First Nation Wild Salmon Alliance (“FNWSA”) brings together like-minded First Nations to work in partnership to identify and explore ways of protecting and enhancing wild Pacific salmon stocks, and encouraging recovery and restoration of salmon stocks and habitat. I had the opportunity to work with the team at Wild First to capture this meaningful series of interviews with Bob Chamberlin, Chair of the First Nation Wild Salmon Alliance. Visit www.firstnationwildsalmonalliance.ca to learn more.
In 2009, poor wild Pacific salmon returns to the Fraser River triggered the Cohen Commission. In 2016 and 2020, salmon returns were further devastated, reaching unprecedented lows. During 2024, the Chilcotin River landslide has once again blocked salmon returns. Watch to learn more about the true status of wild Pacific salmon in BC.
In 2022, Dr. Andrew Bateman, Manager of Pacific Salmon Foundation's Salmon Health program and participant in four of the nine Discovery Islands risk assessments, testified before the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (FOPO). He stated that the findings of "minimal risk" failed to reflect the current state of knowledge and the true scientific consensus. Watch to learn more about how DFO ignored the conservation status of wild sockeye stocks.
By implementing First Nations independent oversight and monitoring leading up to the ban of open-net pen salmon farms in 2029, the FNWSA would be embracing the Government's commitment to redevelop trust and transparency in DFO science and management decisions. Watch to learn more about how the FNWSA can assist the Prime Minister's mandate to DFO.