Fraser Basin Streams of Dreams 2008

Many people are still unaware of how their homes, properties and streets are connected to Fraser River salmon habitat and of how their actions affect salmon survival. The objective of the Fraser Basin Stream of Dreams 2008 project was to use the Stream of Dreams watershed education and community art program to increase awareness of these issues for at least 5000 Fraser Basin residents and to encourage them to change behaviours to reduce pollution and conserve water for salmon and people.

From April 1, 2008 to the end of March 2009, the Stream of Dreams program was presented to more than 6300 participants at twenty-four elementary schools and at two festival/summer camp events in the Fraser Basin from Prince George to Delta. We used stories, props, maps and painting wooden salmon to educate participants who learned how we can all prevent pollution into waterways via storm and sanitary sewage systems and through groundwater and surface runoff. Participants were encouraged to take the message home to their families and neighbours to help others understand these connections to salmon habitat.  We encouraged the following behavioural changes: do not allow anything but rain to go down storm drains; wash cars in a fish-friendly manner; use environmentally safe products indoors as well as out; reduce water consumption; reduce use of cars (both for stream protection and reducing impact on global climate).  Twenty-six new Stream of Dreams fish fence murals speak to thousands of people in each community about the importance of salmon.  In this way our younger generation is helping to educate their community.