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Wild Fishmas event in Chilliwack Sunday for salmon defence

It’s a fish-focused festive fundraiser Dec. 8 at the UFV Indigenous Student Gathering Place
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Eddie Gardner and members of the Wild Salmon Defenders Alliance are planning a Wild Fishmas festive event Sunday, Dec. 8 in Chilliwack. (Black Press Media photo)

Wild Fishmas is a fish-focused festive fundraiser set for Sunday, Dec. 8 at the UFV Indigenous Gathering Place in Chilliwack.

“Wild salmon are under grave threat,” said Eddie Gardner of the Wild Salmon Defenders Alliance.

The Fishmas gathering will be a chance for the public to help the defence effort on a provincial level.

READ MORE: Optimism with removal of farms from migration corridor

“Wild Fishmas will be a cultural experience and a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the protection of this precious, iconic species,” Gardner said. “Awareness has been growing steadily about the increasing threats to wild salmon populations.’

The festivities include an eco art corner for kids of all ages, drumming and singing, and ‘Cedar, Bears & Water’ a Metis performance.

Although it’s geared to being festive, it’s also an opportunity to raise funds to offset legal costs of salmon defenders.

READ MORE: A cautionary tale for wild salmon

“The Wild Fishmas Event is an opportunity for people to contribute to the strategic action undertaken by the Dzwada’exnuxw people to have fish farms removed from the Pacific coast,” Gardner added.

Proceeds will go towards the ‘Wild Salmon Defence Fund’ set up by the Dzwada’exnuxw First Nation. They’ve hired Jack Woodward, as legal counsel, who won the ground-breaking Ts’ilqo’tin Supreme Court of Canada Decision.

Anyone unable to attend the event can send a cheque made out to Wild Salmon Defenders Alliance, and send it care of: Eddie Gardner, #213 - 46693 Yale Road, Chilliwack, V2P 7Z4.

There will be Spirit Bear coffee and tea, and delicious wild salmon and vegan chowder, arts and crafts sale, and a silent auction of unique nature-related items.

Wild Fishmas is Sunday, December 8, 2019; 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., 45190 Caen Ave, Chilliwack, UFV Indigenous Student Gathering Place, entry by suggested donation, $10 Adults, $5 Students/Youth and free for kids 12 and under.

READ MORE: Festive events like the Fishmas Gathering


@CHWKjourno
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Jennifer Feinberg

About the Author: Jennifer Feinberg

I have been a Chilliwack Progress reporter for 20+ years, covering the arts, city hall, as well as Indigenous, and climate change stories.
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