SALMON PARKS: Inside a movement to conserve Pacific Northwest old growth

March 21, 2023
The Seattle Times
By Lynda V. Mapes, Erika Schultz, and Lauren Frohne, Seattle Times staff 

Check out this amazing international coverage in The Seattle Times featuring the Nuchatlaht and Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations’ efforts to establish a number of Salmon Parks in their unceded territories that would protect hundreds of square kilometres of ancient forests, salmon watersheds, and previously logged areas in need of restoration. These Salmon Parks recognize the integral role that old-growth forests play in the health of wild salmon and are geared towards preserving the full range of habitats and ecosystems that salmon depend on, from the tops of the mountains all the way down to the ocean.

The initiative, located in the Tahsis, Nootka Island, and Gold River region on western Vancouver Island, has been underway for several years and is grounded in Nuu-chah-nulth principles of iisaak (respect), uu-a-thluk (caring), tsawalk (essential oneness), and the responsibility of the nations to look after their lands and waters. The two nations are working to ensure that the BC government recognizes and honours their Salmon Parks with corresponding legislation.

The Ancient Forest Alliance is proud to be supporting this incredible work through our partner organization, the Nature Based Solutions Foundation. Alongside our collaboration with the Kanaka Bar Indian Band on its Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area, we are increasingly working to support First Nations-led old-growth conservation initiatives across BC.

Read the full, interactive article here.