We are speaking up for the wild salmon in the Chilkat Valley. Having a chest freezer full and jars of wild salmon to eat is how we live. If we have too much, we give it to elders or those in need who can’t fish.
Subsistence fishing is an integral part of our family’s lives, and has provided us with nutritious food year-round.
We feel gratitude for the resource and respect for what salmon has provided to the people and environments of the valley.
Every potluck, new parent welcome-home dinner, and fundraiser we attend always consists of a salmon dish.
The salmon runs here support our environment, our tourism and our commercial fishing fleets.
Thank you to the Chilkat Indian Village in Klukwan, Chilkoot Indian Association in Haines, The American Bald Eagle Foundation, Chilkat Forever and the many individuals for their leadership in protecting salmon species.
The hard rock mine proposed at the head of the Chilkat is just not worth the risk to our sustenance, culture, and previous way of life. We encourage our friends and neighbors to continue to speak up for salmon and our rivers.
Norm and Suzanne Smith