Educational Event Raises $8300 for Wild Salmon

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Above: Second from right, guest speaker Ernest Alfred elected band counsellor and a teacher for Indigenous language and culture from Alert Bay, descending from the ‘Namgis, Mamalilikala and Tawit’sis First Nations

February 16, 2018

An educational event on wild salmon was held, February 16, at the Unitarian Church of Vancouver on unceded Musqueam land. More than $8300 was raised to support wild salmon and coastal First Nations calling for the urgent removal of open-net fish farms. Importantly, we also raised awareness, inspiration, hope, knowledge and commitment – to do more.

The evening began with an entrance into the Sanctuary following traditional coastal First Nations protocol. Visitors declare who they are and request permission to land (or enter) the territory of their host. Cecilia Point representing the Musqueam First Nation welcomed the visitors with drumming and song. She then lead the visitors in a grand procession to the front of the chapel.

Speakers for the evening were Cecilia Point, Ernest Alfred, Julia McIntyre-Smith and Dr. David Suzuki. Musical entertainment by Barry Truter, Michael Averill and the Re:Sisters. The entire evening was recorded and well worth watching more than once.

You’ll find event highlights below, with photos and bios of speakers and musicians. Thank you to all !


Event Highlights

Karissa and Greg holding coppers, the symbol of power, prestige and ownership and essential for important ceremonies. We were honoured to have them brought to the Wild Salmon Event. (Coppers were originally from the Copper river area of Alaska and have been part of Coastal First Nations culture for 2,000 years)

photo

Sii-am wearing a beautiful Debra Sparrow blanket

Drumming before entry into Sanctuary. This follows proper protocol of the visiting First Nation announcing who they are and asking permission to land (or enter). Cecilia Point then drummed and sang to welcome the newcomers to the Musqueam territories and led them inside and up to the front stage in a Grand Procession.

There was a great turnout and a full house.

Hereditary Chief Ernest Alfred giving a powerful speech, demanding that the urban supporters raise their game

Tamiko Suzuki event organiser and MC

Tamiko Suzuki and Ruth Walmsley


Last but not least …

Where would an event be without the kitchen crew?


Categories:

Environment • Indigenous Land and Water • Indigenous People • Social Justice • Wild Salmon