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The future of salmon depends on our collective ability to work collaboratively.

This is particularly true of the need to build relationships with First Nations leaders and Indigenous Guardians throughout the province — a top priority for the Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF). I want to recognize and thank Murray Ned and Gord Sterritt, members of PSF’s Board of Directors for their leadership and support in helping PSF build connections and working relationships with First Nations fisheries organizations, Nations, and individuals.

A feature story on page eight highlights collaborative salmon monitoring efforts underway with First Nations on the North and Central Coast. This work will continue to grow at PSF as we build and prioritize connections with Indigenous communities. We hope relationships built can help spark further collaborative action for salmon recovery, as we’ve seen firsthand through the rapid drought response work PSF’s been undertaking with First Nations, the Province of B.C., and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) this summer. With local eyes on the ground identifying climate change issues for fish and habitat, we can help salmon adapt to drought and other changing conditions.

These timely climate response initiatives highlight the benefits of working together, collaboratively, to advance work with the shared interests of salmon recovery.

PSF received another opportunity to build relationships with Indigenous communities this summer when I had the privilege of attending the Na̲nwak̲ olas Guardians and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) Tours, where we visited Campbell River, Port McNeill, Village Island, Klaoitsis Island, Minstrel Island, and the Mamalilikulla IPCA. The tours were a meaningful experience and an honour for PSF to be invited.

Our organization is fortunate to witness the leadership of member Nations in activating and running Guardians programs and leading the establishment of an IPCA that will benefit salmon and their habitats for generations to come.

Sincerely,
Michael Meneer
President & CEO, Pacific Salmon Foundation