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SkeenaWild Conservation Trust The Stream: Your Regional Update

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October 2014 - Corrected

Hi supporters,

In the newsletter we just sent out, we linked to the wrong video! This version has the correct link. We really encourage you to check out this video about the Skeena Estuary. It contains some critical facts about threats to our salmon.

 
SkeenaWild Team

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"The two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less travelled by and that has made all the difference.”  – Robert Frost (The road not taken)

Taking the trail less travelled is never easy.  There may be unforeseen obstacles, challenges, ups and downs but one thing is for sure it will take us somewhere much deeper than just adventure.  This choice forces us to go above and beyond the norm, to expose ourselves to different perspectives and to pursue our wildest dreams. 

This issue, get set to meet the trailblazers who have submitted their creative works to the 5th Annual SWFF, watch our new video and learn about how we can protect the Skeena Estuary in the face of life-altering adversity and more.

SWFF Set to Tour the Northwest

The submissions for the 5th Annual SkeenaWild Film and Photo Festival are in and let's just say that we're STOKED!  People have ventured far and wide to capture incredible images and footage of the wild people, places and things of this special place we call home.  Loaded with outdoor adventure short films, personal encounters with nature and powerful calls for conservation - one thing is for sure ... you will go home feeling inspired!  WATCH OUR NEW TRAILER!

Holiday Shopping to Boot: 
Here's your chance to buy some unique gifts for your friends and family.  We will have a variety of SW merchandise, photography, and the all-new SkeenaWild 2015 Calendar for sale! 

Mark Your Calendars:
November 12:  Old Hazelton
November 13:  Smithers
November 14:  Terrace
November 18:  Prince Rupert
November 19:  Kitimat
November 20:  Moricetown

CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE and RESERVE YOUR SEATS TODAY!

Tickets can also be purchased at Misty River Books in Terrace, Mountain Eagle Books and Interior Stationary in Smithers, Moricetown GasBar in Moricetown, Constant Cravings Cafe in Kitimat, Cowpuccino's in Prince Rupert and Mercedes Beans in Hazelton.

Special thanks to our sponsors:  Nature's Pantry, Dawn 2 Dusk, Nicholas Dean Lodge, Wild Bike & Backcountry, Aquabatics, Patagonia and Sitka.

 

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Heart of the Skeena

Watch our new film:  Heart of the Skeena.  This piece aims to inform the public of critical facts pertaining to the Skeena Estuary. Draw your own conclusions, share our link and sign the declaration.

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The Skeena Estuary

What do all Skeena salmon have in common?  The Skeena Estuary. They all use it. That’s right, whether it’s the Morice, Bulkley, Kalum, Kispiox, Lakelse , Copper, Kitwanga or anything in between, every single salmon and steelhead from every stream in the watershed use the estuary.

Petronas, the state-owned Malaysian oil company is proposing to locate the Pacific Northwest LNG facility on Lelu Island, overtop of some of the most critical salmon habitat in British Columbia. The health and abundance of wild salmon depend on intact fresh and saltwater habitats.

So what’s the big deal?  This proposed development would require massive alteration and dredging of areas that have been identified as critical to the health and abundance of Skeena salmon. A study by the federal government in 1973, as well as recent science confirms that altering or destroying these habitats will significantly damage the abundance and health of Skeena salmon.

The Prince Rupert Port Authority selected the Lelu Island site for industrial development without consultation with First Nations and Skeena communities.  We think this project needs to find a different home because Skeena salmon can’t.

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Lelu Island Poetry Prize

Write a poem for the Lelu Island Poetry Prize.  Contest closes Jan 15, 2015. 

 Submit your work to cgee@nwcc.bc.ca

 

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Best Wishes & Huge Thanks to Rod

Rod Brown, a guy with a genuine love for salmon and the outdoors followed his dream to live a life of creativity and adventure amidst the beauty of the Northwest.  Originally from Southern Ontario, Rod brought with him a passion and commitment to learn and excel in many different mediums within the realms of art, design and multimedia.  Upon joining SkeenaWild over four years ago, he has been instrumental in spearheading many initiatives including the SkeenaWild Film and Photo Contest, the SkeenaWild Film Camp, the production and development of our in-house films and much more.  Now Rod has decided to move onto greener pastures and pursue his entrepreneurial and artistic side.  We wish him all the best in his new endeavours and want to thank him wholeheartedly for his commitment and dedication while he was at SkeenaWild.  Happy trails Rod - we love your chainsaw carvings.  View Rod's work here. 

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Welcome Quinn

And with that, we would like to welcome Quinn Barabash, aka Captain Quinn to the team.  Quinn is originally from the Sunshine Coast and moved here with his beautiful family three years ago.  Quinn brings great energy, creativity and a dynamic range of experience that includes running a video production company specializing in e-learning.  Get to know Quinn!  Drop by and say hello and be sure to check out his own unique series of short films (they are 'freakin' hilarious!)  Watch Captain Quinn here.

 

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Fundraising Extraordinaire

As many of you are aware, we are transitioning from a single source of funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to a diversified strategy which depends on multiple revenue streams from a variety of sources including grants.  As much as this has been a challenge, we are over the moon thrilled with the support we have received from recent fundraisers and individual donations.

On September 27th, we hosted 75+ people who love the Skeena and Bulkley Rivers as much as we do at the "Apres Skeena Fundraiser" in Smithers.  Emceed by Flygal, April Vokey this evening was a smashing success with $50,000 raised from donations and the live and silent auctions. 

Add to that the Wild Salmon Center's Gala Fundraiser which we attended along with over 300 people in Seattle on October 24th.  Wild Salmon Center works with many partner organizations to pursue their mission of promoting the conservation and sustainable use of wild salmon ecosystems across the Pacific Rim.  As one of WSC's partners in Canada, approx. $18,000 was raised specifically for SkeenaWild.  What a great opportunity for us to connect and build relationships with such an amazing group of WSC supporters and partners.

And here's a first for SkeenaWild ... in lieu of wedding gifts April Vokey and hubby Charles, asked their guests to donate to SkeenaWild.  A heartfelt congratulations to the happy couple and a huge thanks to everyone. 

Proceeds go directly towards on-the-ground conservation, which takes many forms. Learn more.

Every type of donation matters.  Please consider donating to SkeenaWild.  Click here.

 

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Ski Swap Coming Up

SkeenaWild will be representin' at the upcoming 39th Annual Skeena Winter Extreme Ski and Board Swap.  Shop NW BC's largest new and lightly used winter gear sale and while you're there come visit us at our booth. 

Saturday, November 8th, 9am - 12pm @ Kitsumkalum Hall

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