Five organizations back Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation in call for reversal of Imperial Metals’ Tranquil Creek permits

VICTORIA / UNCEDED LEKWUNGEN TERRITORIES — Environment groups comprising the Clayoquot Sound Conservation Alliance (CSCA) condemn the recent permits issued by the BC NDP provincial government to clear forest and build exploratory drill pads in unceded Tla-o-qui-aht territory in Clayoquot Sound.

These permits were given to Imperial Metals last month, and allow for 22 drill pad sites, six trenches, and three helipads in the Tranquil Creek watershed, which is designated as a Tribal Park by the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.

The CSCA, which includes Canopy, Friends of Clayoquot Sound, Sierra Club BC, Stand.earth and the Wilderness Committee, is calling on the BC NDP government to rescind the permits and commit to honouring the land use vision of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.

“Clayoquot Sound is no place for mining, and it’s absolutely shameful for the government to approve exploration in a Tribal Park against the wishes of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.” — Associate Director for the Wilderness Committee, Torrance Coste.

He adds, “The BC NDP is choosing the interests of mining corporations over rights and title, and that’s unacceptable for any government, let alone one that claims to care about reconciliation.”

BC NDP must change course

Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation has declared mining as a non-permissable activity within its tribal parks, and has opposed the renewal of these exploration permits, which were originally granted more than a decade ago. Previously, the BC NDP took steps to respect the land use visions of the Tla-o-qui-aht and other First Nations in the Clayoquot Sound, most notably through a series of conservancies finalized in 2024.

“These permits undermine the tireless work of generations who have defended rainforests, clean water and salmon to support prosperity without industrial exploitation,” said Jens Wieting, Senior Policy and Science Advisor for Sierra Club BC. “British Columbia has made far‑reaching commitments to uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples, protect the environment, and modernize land‑use planning in ways that support both, and decisions like this erode those commitments. The province needs to change course, starting in Clayoquot Sound.”

Permits Granted to Mount Polley Company

CSCA organizations support Indigenous-led conservation and the ability of First Nations Rights and Title holders to manage their territories, and will continue to work in support of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and others to protect their territories from old-growth logging and mining.

“It is disrespectful to First Nations and endangers local livelihoods for the B.C. government to issue work permits for Imperial Metals, a corporation responsible for the Mount Polley disaster that polluted prime salmon habitat in the Fraser River watershed with 25 billion litres of toxic mine tailings,” said Jeh Custerra, Director with Friends of Clayoquot Sound. “We are sending a clear message to the B.C. government to do the right thing and cancel these permits.”

The groups are calling on the BC NDP to prioritize and invest in supporting Indigenous-led conservation in Clayoquot Sound and across B.C., in order to advance reconciliation and efforts to protect biodiversity and fight climate change.

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11th ANNUAL FESTIVAL EVENT SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS

Salmon Fest Kickoff Concert featuring Sonic Alley & Sangria

Friends of Clayoquot Sound and Tuff City Radio present Caleb Hart’s new band Sonic Alley, and Sangria to kickoff the Festival with a night of celebration and dancing under the stars.

Friday, August 29

The Village Green

Free Event, 6-10PM

Upstream Shakedown Party featuring Nesto, Parab Poet, & Friends

A fun night of music featuring Nesto and Parab Poet – 2 upbeat DJs whose raw energy will get you moving and grooving co-presented by Friends of Clayoquot Sound and Tofino Tea Party.

Friday, August 29

The Maq

$5 @ the Door, 10PM-1AM

Salmon Forest Big Tree Trailbuilding & Restoration Excursion

Join Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks and Friends of Clayoquot Sound to build and restore the iconic Big Tree Trail on Meares Island and learn about the local ancient salmon forest ecosystem. There is limited space for this special excursion so registration is required.

Saturday, August 30

Big Tree Trail on Meares Island

Free Event, 10AM-3PM

Family Fun Beach Day Sand Castle Competition with Music & Beach Clean

Tuff City Radio is organizing a fun day on the beach building sand castles. You can celebrate Clayoquot Salmon Festival by helping us build a big salmon or cleaning the beach with a silent disco headset. There’ll be food vendors, music, and prizes for the best sand castles and most marine debris collected.

Sunday, August 31

Cox Bay

Free Event, 9AM-5PM

Spawn Til Dawn Dance Party featuring Tofino Tea Party

Friends of Clayoquot Sound team up with The Maq and local legends Tofino Tea Party to bring you a fun evening of the most danceable music. And for your get down, it’s all free!

Sunday, August 31

The Maq

Free Event, 9PM-12AM

Salmon Printingmaking Workshop

Come learn from Tla-o-qui-aht artist Ivy Cargill-Martin 1pm-4pm to design, carve, print your very own salmon. Create a print or card for the love of salmon. Supplies are provided and this workshop is for all levels of experience. Space is limited so registration is required.

Monday, September 1

Tofino Community Hall, Multi-Purpose Room

Free Event, 1PM-4PM

Voices for Salmon, Tla-o-qui-aht Cultural Group

Witness the Tla-o-qui-aht Cultural Group sharing songs, stories, and dances about salmon, their interconnected role in a healthy ecosystem, and important perspectives on salmon protection and solidarity.

Monday, September 1

Anchor Park Totem Pole

Free Event, 7-8:30PM

Salmon play an integral role for coastal livelihoods, cultures, and ecosystems in Clayoquot Sound. And they lead incredible lives, starting in freshwater then migrating to the ocean. Salmon stay at sea for years before their homing instincts guide them back, to the freshwater systems they were conceived in, to reproduce. Celebrating this magnificent species that provides that backbone of this coast is what inspires Friends of Clayoquot Sound to organize the annual Clayoquot Salmon Festival and this marks the 11th Annual!

From August 29 – September 1 there will be a variety of events, with something for everyone. The Clayoquot Salmon Festival is timed to coincide with the return of the salmon for spawning on the west coast. Anyone who has witnessed salmon hurling themselves upriver and over obstacles during the spawn knows their tenacious and inspiring drive to give life to the next generation. The Festival always prioritizes celebrating the salmon return together as a community with creative spirit. For the 11th Annual Clayoquot Salmon Festival, we have an awesome lineup of music including Sonic Alley (Caleb Hart’s new band), Nesto, Parab Poet, Sangria, Tofino Tea Party, and definitely a couple surprises.

Clayoquot Salmon Festival aims to offer residents and visitors an opportunity to reflect upon, and build an active appreciation for, the irreplaceable value of salmon in Clayoquot Sound. Salmon are essential to protecting a way of life rooted in the Pacific northwest environment, which is why salmon protection is a central theme for the Festival. Register for our special excursion with Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks at the Big Tree Trail. Come learn about the salmon forest ecosystems and throw down for some trailbuilding and restoring.

At least 137 different species depend on the marine-rich nutrients that wild salmon provide. As a keystone species, salmon support coastal life including orcas, bears, wolves, and eagles while providing nutrients to the ancient rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. Celebrate your love of salmon by creating your own salmon print during a workshop Ivy Cargill-Martin.

Salmon are also under significant stress in the environment from climate change and water pollutants from industry. As a coastal community, it’s critical for us to protect salmon by keeping the ocean and local beaches clean. At the Beach Day and Sand Castle Building Competition hosted by Tuff City Radio, you can help build a big salmon and participate in our beach clean. Shoutout to all the local businesses providing prizes for the best sand creations, as well as the most marine debris collected.

Indigenous Nations continue to lead society in upholding a vibrant, life-sustaining relationship with salmon. In 2024, Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation introduced conservancies, nearly doubling the protected forest area of Clayoquot Sound to over 60%. These remaining intact salmon watersheds are composed of free-flowing rivers and dense forests that shelter clean drinking water for Tofino and absorb global carbon emissions, helping to guard against the most severe impacts of climate change to us humans, salmon, and all life. The ancient salmon-forest ecosystems of Clayoquot Sound and across the west coast need to be protected. On September 1, at Voices for Salmon, Tla-o-qui-aht Cultural Group will share songs, stories, and dances about salmon, their interconnected role in a healthy ecosystem, and important perspectives on salmon protection and solidarity. This is not to be missed!

Thanks to the District of Tofino, contributing organizations, and all the sponsoring businesses. To stay up to date about events and location specifics, please check the Festival website or Clayoquot Salmon Festival on Facebook. And to volunteer for the Clayoquot Salmon Festival contact the organizers at salmonfestival@focs.ca or (250)725-4218.

See you there!

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From August 23 – September 2 there will be a variety of events, with something for everyone. The Clayoquot Salmon Festival is timed to coincide with the return of the salmon for spawning on the west coast. Anyone who has witnessed salmon hurling themselves upriver and over obstacles during the spawn knows their tenacious and inspiring drive to give life to the next generation. The Festival always prioritizes celebrating the salmon return together as a community with creative spirit. For the 10th Annual Clayoquot Salmon Festival, we have an awesome lineup of live music including Handsome Tiger, Downtown Mischief, Wave Dalton, Crazy Fish and DJ Cypress Che, Mountain of Wires, Kieran Campbell, Brothers, Berlin, a night for the poets, and probably a couple surprises.

Clayoquot Salmon Festival aims to offer residents and visitors an opportunity to reflect upon, and build an active appreciation for, the irreplaceable value of salmon in Clayoquot Sound. Salmon are essential to protecting a way of life rooted in the Pacific northwest environment, which is why salmon protection is a central theme for the Festival. Come learn about the salmon forest ecosystems during a Guided Salmon Forest Walk with Raincoast Education Society. Come participate in a Washed Up Wednesday Beach Clean, and learn about ocean protection with Surfrider Pacific Rim.

At least 137 different species depend on the marine-rich nutrients that wild salmon provide. As a keystone species, salmon support coastal life including orcas, bears, wolves, and eagles while providing nutrients to the ancient rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. But salmon are also under significant stress in the environment from climate change and water pollutants from industry. We are offering free screenings of some incredible films – called “Coextinction”, “Warrior Spirit”, and “Salmon Warriors” – about salmon protection for a special presentation of the Tofino Night Market’s Gust of Wind series.

Indigenous Nations continue to lead society in upholding a vibrant, life-sustaining relationship with salmon. This year, Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation introduced conservancies, nearly doubling the protected forest area of Clayoquot Sound. These remaining intact salmon watersheds are composed of free-flowing rivers and dense forests that shelter clean drinking water for Tofino and absorb global carbon emissions, helping to guard against the most severe impacts of climate change to us humans, salmon, and all life. The ancient salmon-forest ecosystems of Clayoquot Sound and across the west coast need to be protected. On September 2, at Voices for Salmon, Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks will share songs, stories, and dances about salmon, their interconnected role in a healthy ecosystem, and important perspectives on salmon protection and solidarity. This is not to be missed!

Thanks to the District of Tofino, contributing organizations, and all the sponsoring businesses. To stay up to date about events and location specifics, please check the Festival website www.focs.ca/salmonfestival or Clayoquot Salmon Festival on Facebook. And to volunteer for the Clayoquot Salmon Festival contact the organizers at salmonfestival@focs.ca or (250)725-4218.

See you there!

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Friends of Clayoquot Sound Outreach and Development Coordinator.

Location:

Pacific Rim based with home/remote work, as well as FOCS office access in Tofino.

Mission and Work of Friends of Clayoquot Sound:

Friends of Clayoquot Sound is the original environmental justice non-profit organization in the Pacific Rim region. Founded in 1979, our mission is to be peaceful, courageous advocates for culture and biodiversity in Clayoquot Sound. Our work has focused on advocating for Clayoquot Sound to be protected from unsustainable resource extraction and toxic contamination related to old-growth logging, salmon farming, mining, and fossil fuel proliferation. Our work also involves social justice issues including Indigenous solidarity, economic equity, and disaster prevention. Our approach to organizing includes collaboration, arts, culture, education, and advocacy. Friends of Clayoquot Sound is also a primary contributor to numerous local annual events including the Clayoquot Salmon Festival, Trees and Seas Festival, and Hands Across the Sand.

Job Summary:

Friends of Clayoquot Sound have a part-time Outreach and Development Coordinator position available. The Outreach and Development Coordinator will work with the FOCS Staff and Board to help promote the work of Friends of Clayoquot Sound and manage financial development.

Compensation and Benefits:

Competitive salary $30/hour for approximately 15 flexible hours a week, including 3 weeks of flexible paid vacation time and another 2 weeks granted around the Solstice-New Year holidays.

Outreach Responsibilities (approximately 10 hours per week):

• Maintaining communications with allies, public, and media around programs, campaigns, and other issues of relevance and community concern in Clayoquot Sound, both online and in person.
• Developing social media communications for Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube including original content.
• Contributing to the organizing of community events including Clayoquot Salmon Festival, Hands Across the Sand, Trees and Seas Festival, and more.

Outreach Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Clayoquot Sound and local environmental and social justice issues.
• Experience with working with social media platforms and developing content.
• Skills with video, photography, and digital design are ideal.
• Experience working with non-profit organizations in volunteer or paid roles.

Development Coordinator Responsibilities (approximately 5 hours per week):

• Managing financial contribution systems for donations, grants, and retail sales, from credit cards, EFTs, cheques, and cash.
• Assisting with program, campaign, and grant development when necessary.
• Checking office phone, email, and mail as required.

Development Coordinator Qualifications:

• Care for Clayoquot Sound, and local environmental and social justice issues.
• Experience with banking portals and online payment processors.
• Proficiency in financial management spreadsheets.
• Proven trustworthiness with handling private financial information.

Challenges and Opportunities:

This Outreach and Development Coordinator position offers the chance to be a crucial part of a passionate organization working for a vital cause. Contributing to social and environmental justice and conservation efforts – while managing multiple tasks, having the opportunity to improve processes, and developing new initiatives – presents the opportunity for meaningful,
challenging, and rewarding work supporting all inhabitants of this globally respected region.

To Apply:

Send your cover letter and CV/resume to office@focs.ca and include at least 2 references. Starting March 18th, interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Everyone is invited to apply, thanks for your consideration!

Download a PDF of this job opportunity here.

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• Indigenous Nations Facilitate $1.1 Billion Nature Agreement with Governments Aiming to Protect 30% of Land and Sea in BC by 2030

• New Film “Rematriation” Explores Canada’s History with Logging as an Extension of Colonialism

• Trees + Seas Festival Makes Community Connections on the West Coast

• How the Wanačas Hiłhuuʔis Blockade Protected Tofino’s Water & Inspired Innovative Approaches to Environmental Justice Since 1984

• Celebrating the Frontlines of Environmental Conservation Movement Building & Actions for 45 Years!

• First Nations Coalition Supports Fisheries Minister’s Decision Closing 15 Salmon Farms in the Discovery Islands

• Salmon Farms Quietly Expanded in Clayoquot Sound? DFO’s Conflict of Interest Exposed as 2025 Salmon Farm Removal Date Nears

• Building Community + Remembering What’s Important at the Clayoquot Salmon Festival

• Salmon Story Reflections with Michael Mullin Friends of Clayoquot Sound Founder & Director

• Understanding the Social and Environmental Impacts of War Provides Motivation to Advocate for Peace

• UN Climate Summit Highlights Need for Fossil Fuel Phaseout

Read the FOCS 2024 Winter Newsletter here.

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