Potlatch for Migratory Salmon

Hundreds of hereditary chiefs, matriarchs, fishing families, youth, Indigenous knowledge holders, and culture keepers—along with friends of migratory salmon, government representatives, scientists, and allies—gathered on Tseshaht and Hupačasath Territories for the Potlatch for Migratory Salmon. The event was hosted by Ḥupač̓asatḥ Ḥawił Tsu Tsii In (Alton Watts) and Ḥiškiiʔatḥ Elder and artist Aniičačist (Tim Paul). The hosts were Hupačasath supported by Hesquiaht.

Over two days, participants came together to strengthen cultural teachings and share good feelings while raising awareness of challenges and opportunities facing Indigenous communities working to protect their rivers, streams, and creeks. Among the key issues discussed were the impacts and the harms associated with open-net fish farms.

A new report by biologist Alexandra Morton offers compelling evidence that the removal of open-net salmon farms in British Columbia is leading to significant recoveries in wild salmon populations. After 40% of the province’s farms were closed along key migration routes, wild salmon—particularly sockeye, pink, and chum—showed marked rebounds in abundance and survival.

Open-net farms, which primarily raise Atlantic salmon, have long faced criticism for spreading pathogens and parasites that threaten juvenile Pacific salmon. Diseases such as Piscine orthoreovirus (PRV), Tenacibaculum bacteria, and infestations of sea lice are among the most damaging.

These findings mirror what many coastal First Nations have observed: wild salmon are returning to traditional waters once fish farms are removed. Advocates say the evidence underscores the urgent need to reduce industrial aquaculture’s impacts to restore the health and sustainability of wild salmon runs across British Columbia.

Learn more at First Nation Wild Salmon Alliance – #fishfarmsout

Photography: Christopher Roy | @christopherroy