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SkeenaWild Conservation Trust The Stream: Your Regional Update

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May 2016

We stand together with many others in a mutual commitment to safeguard our cultural heritage and natural ecosystems of the Skeena.  This month, take your inspiration to the next level and get involved.  Read on.

First Nations Leaders Represent at the United Nations in New York

First Nations leaders from northern British Columbia took a strong stance at the United Nations on Thursday in opposition to plans to build a liquefied natural gas project in their ancestral lands. They called upon member nations of the world body to support their demand that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government reject the proposed Pacific Northwest LNG project being advanced by Malaysia’s state oil company, Petronas.

Their appearance at the UN came just two days after the Canadian government earned cheers at the 15th session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, at which Canada pledged to abide fully with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

There is still time to urge the Government of Canada to reject this ill-conceived project, which threatens Skeena salmon, disregards the UNDRIP and would increase B.C.’s GHG emissions by more than 20%.

Watch the video and add your name to the Lelu Declaration.

Read about the UN’s 15th Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Call the Minister of the Environment today to voice your concerns: Catherine Mckenna, 613-996-5322 and tweet @cathmckenna

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The SkeenaWild Fishing APP Just Keeps Getting Better

The SkeenaWild Fishing APP is getting bigger, badder and bolder with a variety of brilliant features that will tickle any angler's fancy!

Pull to Refresh your Data: Never have outdated data again
GeoBC Names: Ever wonder what that creek’s name is?  It’s in the SkeenaWild APP!  We have the name of every mountain, creek, bay, point, island, town/village, and point of interest in Northern BC programmed into the APP.
Mapped Marine Regulations: Every Rockfish Conservation Area in BC is now mapped and we show your position relative to the Rockfish Conservation Areas.  No more guessing on your paper charts whether or not you’re breaking the law.

Please Note:  These NEW updates will be available in TWO WEEKS.

Plan your next fishing adventure with the new SkeenaWild Fishing APP.  If you haven't tried it already, download yours today from the App Store and be sure to share your best kept secret with all your fishing buddies.

A fishing tool for fishermen (and women).
A conservation tool for salmon.

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7th Annual SWFF Open for Submissions

It's that time again and this year we are shootin' to make the 7th Annual SWFF the greatest outdoor adventure show this side of the Rockies!  So snap photos, shoot video and think about submitting your creative works to SWFF between May and September 2016.

There are so many reasons to enter your film or photo into this year's festival.  Here are a few of our faves:

Huge Audience Reach:  This year the Film Fest will tour far and wide beyond communities of the North into other regions of BC.

Kick-A$# Prizes: The winners will take home CASH prizes, prize packs and bragging rights.

Wild Categories:  What's cooler than Wild People, Wild Places and Wild Things ?!  Let's Bring It People!

 

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Fisheries Action

The federal Fisheries Act, enacted almost 150 years ago, is one of the oldest pieces of environmental legislation in Canada. Until 2012, this legislation empowered the federal government to protect oceans, clean water and fish habitat. When the federal Conservative government passed omnibus Bill C38, it cut a number of pieces of environmental legislation including weakening fish habitat protection. Harper made this change with no public participation, respect for First Nations rights and title, or scientific evidence.

Quite simply, you can’t protect fish without protecting habitat. 

Fortunately, Minister Tootoo’s mandate letter calls on him to “restore lost protections and introduce modern safeguards” into the Fisheries Act. This is why we’re calling on Minister Tootoo and the Canadian federal government to fix the error made during the Harper government and then move forward with engagement on other changes needed to enhance stewardship and ensure the long-term sustainability of Canada’s vibrant aquatic ecosystems.

Join Canadians across the country in supporting this call. Sign the petition.

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The Invisible Migration

Each year hundreds of millions of tiny wild salmon smolts begin an incredible journey. These young fish swim as far as 600km's through the brown, swirling waters of the Skeena river to the sanctuary of the Skeena estuary. Just because you can't see them, doesn't mean they aren't there.

Did you know over 90% of the entire Skeena watershed sockeye population comes from the Babine and 100% of all our salmon go to Skeena Estuary?

Lake Babine Nation Fisheries, Kaien Island Elders, the Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition and SkeenaWild Conservation Trust are hosting events across the watershed. Join the Celebration!

Hazelton Event with Rachelle van Zanten
Thursday, May 19th, 2016 : 6-8pm
Eagle House / 'Ksan Historical Village & Museum

- Enjoy a tasty salmon BBQ
- Listen to the world premiere of Rachelle van Zanten's new Children's Album "LITTE SPRUCE" 
- Ceremonial Blessing for smolt launch
- Lantern release to honour the migration 

Prince Rupert Event - May 27th, Details TBA

Follow The Invisible Migration on Facebook.

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Support SkeenaWild

Donations come in all shapes and forms.  A huge thanks to Ilene Wells, Nikki Villeneuve and Hugh Ormerod for their $500 donation to SkeenaWild. This group developed a business plan and sold tote bags as part of a project with the Northwest Aboriginal Canadian Entrepreneurs, a partnership between Tribal Resources Investment Corporation (TRICORP) and the University of Victoria’s Gustavson School of Business (UVic Gustavson) with the goal of enabling Aboriginal People to start their own successful businesses.

Learn more about NW-ACE.

Consider SkeenaWild as a recipient for your next donation. DONATE HERE.

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Shop SkeenaWild

Are you looking to sport some SkeenaWild?  Here are the amazing retailers who are carrying our SWAG:

Houston Chamber of Commerce
Aquabatics Smithers
Oscars Source for Adventure
Dawn 2 Dusk
Mountainside Gallery Terrace
Northcoast Anglers

And of course you can always purchase through our online store or in our headquarters located at 4444 Lakelse, Terrace.

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