Caption: Indigenous Nations continue to lead society in upholding a vibrant, life-sustaining relationship with salmon. At the 2023 Clayoquot Salmon Festival, the Tla-o-qui-aht Cultural Group shared songs, stories, and dances about salmon, their interconnected role in a healthy ecosystem, and important perspectives on salmon protection and solidarity. #DEFENDWILDSALMON
In September, Friends of Clayoquot Sound coordinated the 9th annual Clayoquot Salmon Festival. Across the peninsula, we celebrated this magnificent species because salmon play an integral role for coastal livelihoods, cultures, and ecosystems. The Clayoquot Salmon Festival continues to offer residents and visitors an opportunity to reflect upon, and build an active appreciation for, the irreplaceable value of salmon on the west coast. With salmon protection being a central theme, the Festival included the Love Your Beach Clean at Mackenzie Beach with Surfrider Pacific Rim, as well as the Salmon Fun Run Fundraiser with Redd Fish Restoration.
The Village Green hosted a Salmon Solidarity Film Night as well as the Strawberry Island Marine Research Society in constructing the skeleton of a real orca while learning about the biology, ecology, anatomy, evolution, and conservation of killer whales and other marine mammals who are part of the salmon ecosystem. Due to the road closures caused by the Cameron Lake wildfires in the summer that postponed some of the Tofino Jazz Festival, for the 2023 the 2 festivals collaborated for 2 nights for free live music events. The celebrations culminated with a dance party curated by Tofino Tea Party at the Village Green. Thanks to all the contributing organizations, activists, artists, festival goers, sponsors, and supporters including the District of Tofino, Hotel Zed, Long Beach Lodge, Pacific Sands Beach Resort, Tofino Time, and Tuff City Radio. We’re already stoked for 2024!
