Sqwa First Nation councillor Eddie Gardner has had his sights set on seeing the removal of open-pen fish farms in B.C. waters since he founded the Wild Salmon Defenders Alliance 12 years ago.
Now Gardner is thrilled to be inviting everyone to the 2024 Wild Salmon Defenders Alliance Fundraiser and Celebration on Aug. 18 in Chilliwack, in part to herald the noteworthy accomplishments of wild salmon warriors.
"This will be an amazing and meaningful event for wild salmon as they face many challenges," Gardner wrote in his invitation. "We as Xwelmexw depended upon wild salmon since time immemorial, now wild salmon depend on us! Let’s give them a chance to thrive once again!"
The federal fisheries minister Diane Lebouthillier announced in June she was granting an extension of fish farm licences until 2029 when they're expected to close or shift to inland closed containment pens.
"Open-net pen fish farms will do irreversible harm to wild salmon if they are not immediately banned from the B.C. coast," he said.
Over the years wild salmon supporters have protested fish-farm products outside big-box stores, and held wild salmon "caravan" events to "open people’s minds and hearts to the magnificent spirit of wild salmon."
The federal government had decided that it would be renewing more than 60 licences, before the B.C. ban comes into effect in 2029.
Gardner views it as "irresponsible" that the feds are opting to wait that long to finally prohibit open-net aquaculture, particularly along the B.C. migration routes of declining, at-risk salmon stocks.
"Legislation needs to be in place to disallow open-net pen Atlantic salmon farms on the B.C. coast," the local Indigenous elder said. "Unless this takes place, fish farmers will continue to have their way at the expense of wild salmon and the biodiversity that depends on them."
The fundraiser runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a silent auction and arts and crafts sale, along with speakers and more.
"This event will feature a musical extravaganza of drumming, singing and Good Medicine Songs, a slide show of extraordinary people who contributed towards the well-being of our sacred salmon, amazing items on the silent auction, arts and crafts, good food to share, and a break out of joy and all sorts of uplifting feelings!"
Part proceeds from the event will go to Namgis and Kwikwesut'enuxw Haxwa'mis First Nations' legal case attempting to overturn DFO's decision to extend fish farm licences since it infringes upon Aboriginal Rights.
"Caring for wild salmon in this way means caring for us, biodiversity and the future!" Gardner said.
The 2024 Wild Salmon Defenders Alliance Fundraiser and Celebration on Aug. 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Skwah Community Hall, 630 Lower Landing Road, Chilliwack. Free admission. Everyone welcome.
