Salmon Steward

Willie Charlie (left) and brother Kelsey (right) spearhead the Sts'ailes band's stewardship of the Harrison River. THe First Stewards A ccording to ancient stories passed down through the generations, the people of the First Nations Sts'ailes band originally settled on the banks of the Harrison River thousands of years ago, specifically because of its rare abundance of Pacific salmon. Long before anyone had uttered the phrase "salmon steward," they knew the importance of tending their resource. "We have stories from our elders about how they looked after the salmon," says former Sts'ailes Chief Willie Charlie. "[They] knew that when the beavers were there, they [needed to] break the dam and let the fish in to spawn." Today, the threats to a healthy salmon population are much greater, to say the least. It's because of this that Willie and his younger brother Kelsey, as leaders of the Sts'ailes Development Corporation, fought so hard to have their river designated as B.C.'s first Salmon Stronghold in 2010. Strongholds are a North America-wide conservation effort that priority-ranks the healthiest remaining wild Pacific salmon ecosystems because they make the greatest contribution to regional conservation goals. Harrison salmon support other species as far north as Alaska, and the world's largest wintering population of bald eagles. The designation results in a management plan of "salmon-friendly" practices for the disparate groups that impact the watershed. It also provides a centre of communication so groups can collaborate and ensure efforts aren't being duplicated or occurring at cross-purposes. The Pacific Salmon Foundation helped secure a $25,000 grant for the initiative and is providing scientific expertise for development of the management plan. The Stronghold initiative remains a top priority, but just as integral is ensuring the next generation approaches its stewardship with the same fervor. Kelsey identifies their Fisheries Forum, a frequent meeting of Sts'ailes fishermen, as a key tool for passing on the spirit of conservation, giving the elder fishermen a chance to impart their years of wisdom to young anglers. Willie recalls an encounter with his own grandfather when he was a young man. "He started to tell us that when the fish comes in on the Harrison, the water turns kind of milky; that's when you know the fish are [spawning]. That's when you be careful where you fish. [He had] this great understanding of the ecosystem and how it's all interconnected. We've been very fortunate that a lot of that's been passed on." Of course, the message doesn't always get through, and several members who've opted to cast their nets during spawning season have actually been banished. It's certainly an extreme measure, but one they're willing to take if it means future generations can enjoy the Harrison's bounty. "My first-ever memory was on that river," says Kelsey. "I was fishing with my dad and four older brothers. Now I take my sons and I do the same thing… It's our responsibility to ensure that our children have the same things that we do, and that includes the salmon." n salmon Steward Newsletter 3 SS Oct newsletter.indd 3 13-10-25 9:53 AM

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