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 is what inspires Friends of Clayoquot Sound to organize the annual Clayoquot Salmon Festival!
From August 30 – September 7 there will be a variety of events, with something for everyone. The 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. At least 137 different species depend on the marine-rich nutrients that wild salmon provide. Millions of people around the Pacific rely on salmon as a healthy and reliable source of protein. Pacific salmon fuel a multi-billion dollar industry, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and local economies and communities around the Pacific Rim.
Salmon are essential to protecting a way of life rooted in the Pacific northwest environment, which is why salmon protection is a central theme of the Festival. Surfrider Pacific Rim is hosting a Beach Cleanup and Traditional Salmon BBQ on Mackenzie Beach with yoga and music. Central Westcoast Forest Society will lead the Centennial Stream Restoration. Cedar Coast Field Station and Tofino Resort and Marina are hosting a Salmon Monitoring Demonstration. Raincoast Education Society will lead a Salmon Forest Walk to help us to better understand their ecological significance of the backbone of the coast.
Throughout Clayoquot Sound, the remaining intact salmon watersheds are composed of free-flowing rivers and dense forests. They provide clean drinking water and absorb carbon, helping to guard against the most severe impacts of climate change. To generate continuous discussion about salmon, and their integral role in a healthy ecosystem, we have prepared a Salmon Stories film night to educate people on the current challenges salmon are facing. We have compiled a few films for this event.
“Beyond Climate” narrated by David Suzuki, is a film that discusses the causes and effects of climate change. Diving into the direct negative impacts our logging and extraction practises have had on salmon habitat. We will also show a couple of short films. Illustrating how sea lice are affecting wild salmon smolts and how fish farms are harming and polluting the natal streams wild salmon return back to at the end of their life cycle. The final film is called Aquacultural Revolution, it is a collaboration of voices from First Nations communities and scientists who speak their minds about fish farming.
As a keystone species, salmon support wildlife such as orcas, bears, wolves, and eagles while providing nutrients to the ancient forests of Pacific Northwest. But salmon are also under significant stress in the environment from climate change and water pollutants. Indigenous Nations continue to lead and uphold a vibrant, life-sustaining relationship with salmon.
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 drive to give life to the next generation. The Festival has prioritized celebrating the return of the salmon together as a community with a creative spirit and 9 days of awesome music.
To kick-off of Clayoquot Salmon Festival, a launch party on Friday the 30th and Saturday the 31st at The Maq featuring Music by Fever Feel. Fever Feel is a modern take on rock & roll, based in Victoria BC, the group incorporates 60’s psychedelia with a laid back west coast style. Following the launch party, on Sunday, September 1st, Music by “Michael Jennings and Friends” will be playing at the Love your Beach Clean on Mackenzie Beach. Join Audrey Nadeau, a young Canadian cellist who plays between 6:30 pm and 9:00 pm for a relaxing evening of live music at the Driftwood Café, off Chesterman Beach in the Wickaninnish Inn’s Beach Building. Music continues into the weekend with a Locals End of Summer Party at The Maq Featuring local talents such as Alle Bernardi, Joel Gray, Mike Jennings, Steve Bick, Katherine Stares, Sam Billington, Grego, and more. To finish off this incredible week of talent and education we are very excited to have “The Royal Youths” playing on the last evening of Clayoquot Salmon Festival at the Legion. “The Royal Youths” bring constant passion and enthusiasm to their stage performance. A soulful Reggae group that will surely get you on the dancefloor.
To volunteer for the Clayoquot Salmon Festival contact the festival organizers at salmonfestival@focs.ca or (250)725-4218. To stay up to date with location specifics, participating businesses, and updates, please check the festival website www.focs.ca/salmonfestival or Clayoquot Salmon Festival on Facebook.
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Clayoquot Salmon Festival and The Maq are hosting a launch party with music by Fever Feel. An island band whose music is influenced by the psychedelic era of Rock & Roll. Building the high vibrations for Clayoquot Salmon festival we will be dancing and cultivating conversation about the upcoming week. For more information visit:
https://www.facebook.com/clayoquotsalmonfestival/
Friday, August 30th & Saturday, August 31st
The Maq
10$ Entry, Doors @ 8PM
with Mack Barlett & Peter Dick
For more information visit:
https://www.facebook.com/clayoquotsalmonfestival/
The Float Plane Dock, Tofino Resort & Marina
Saturday, August 31st
Free Event, 2 – 3 PM
Hosted by Surfrider Pacific Rim.
Come and celebrate the annual Clayoquot Salmon Festival, hosted by Surfrider Pacific Rim and the Friends of Clayoquot Sound. Traditional Salmon BBQ will be coordinated by Surfrider Chair Jason Sam. Erin Hamilton will lead an EcoKarma Beach Yoga Flow at 1 pm and Mike Jennings and Friends will close the afternoon with music at 2 pm. Refreshments also provided, remember to BYO mug! For more information visit:
https://www.facebook.com/clayoquotsalmonfestival/
Sunday, Sept.1st
Makenzie Beach
Free Event 12 – 3 PM
Beyond Climate is a documentary film narrated by David Suzuki that discusses the causes and effects of climate change. It examines our fossil fuel-based economy and reviews the negative effects our current way of life has on Canada. For more information visit:
https://www.beyondclimate.ca/beyond-climate
+ The screening of “Fish First”, & “Aquacultural Revolution”
Monday, Sept. 2nd
Clayoquot Sound Community Theatre
By Donation, Doors at 8 PM
The Voices For Salmon Speakers Night with the Nuu-chah-nulth Salmon Alliance, Salmon Nation, and Tribal Park Allies. Spend an evening listening to voices advocating for the protection of wild salmon. For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/clayoquotsalmonfestival/
Tuesday, Sept. 3rd
Clayoquot Sound Community Theatre
Free Event 6 – 9 PM
Come join The Funkee Wadd and Friends getting it all kinds of dancey with good people and tight vibes. The Funkee Wadd has come to the western coast of British Columbia to bring one thing, and one thing only, Bass.
For more information visit:
https://www.facebook.com/clayoquotsalmonfestival/
Tuesday, Sept. 3rd
The Legion
Free Event 9 PM – Late
This guided walk draws on both scientific and cultural perspectives to provide a unique understanding of the globally significant salmon related ecosystems of the region. From the rare coastal rainforests to the rich marine environment to the impressive wildlife migrations, this Raincoast Education Society guided walks explore the incredible diversity of flora and fauna found in the Clayoquot Sound Region. For more information visit:
https://www.facebook.com/clayoquotsalmonfestival/
Wednesday, Sept. 4th
Tonquin Trail
Free Event 1 – 2:30 PM
Join Surfrider Pacific Rim to get informed about current campaigns and projects. They will have speakers, snacks and beverages. For more information visit:
https://www.facebook.com/clayoquotsalmonfestival/
Wednesday, Sept. 4th
Botanical Gardens
Free Event 6:30-8:30 PM
An evening of music by Audrey Nadeau, a Canadian cellist who graduated from Juilliard with a Bachelor and a Masters in Music in 2013. Who not only has a classical presence but also incorporates alternative genres into her music. For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/clayoquotsalmonfestival/
Thursday, Sept. 5th
Driftwood Cafe, Wickaninnish Inn’s Beach Building
No Tickets Required
Centennial creek flows directly through the town of Tofino. Once a productive, fish-bearing creek that supported wild salmonid populations including cutthroat trout and coho salmon, Is now degraded due to urban development. The goal of the Centennial Creek Restoration Project is to restore the ecological integrity of this watershed.
For more information visit:
https://www.facebook.com/clayoquotsalmonfestival/
Friday, Sept. 6th
District of Tofino
Free event 1:00-4:00
For more info visit:
https://www.facebook.com/clayoquotsalmonfestival/
Saturday, Sept. 6th
The Maq Pub
10$ Cover, Doors at 8:00 PM
Come and wrap up this week of education and protection with some celebration! “The Royal Youths” are bringing a soulful funky reggae party with an incredible night feel-good vibes and music featuring special guests: Morien Jones Trio.
For more info visit:
https://www.facebook.com/clayoquotsalmonfestival/
Watch their magic here:
Sunday, Sept. 7th
The Tofino Legion
9:00 PM-Late
To volunteer for the Clayoquot Salmon Festival contact the festival organizers at salmonfestival@focs.ca or (250)725-4218. To stay up to date with location specifics, participating businesses, and updates, please check the festival website www.focs.ca/salmonfestival or Clayoquot Salmon Festival on Facebook.
See you there!
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