First Nations, environmental organizations, and scientists are gathering to discuss the restoration of the Salish Sea’s distinct herring populations and collaborate on strategies to bring vitality back to communities for whom herring was a foundational species. First Nations communities from the Salish Sea are invited to share their knowledge about the importance of herring, voice their thoughts and concerns with current approaches to herring management, and discuss how to move forward together.

The HELIT TŦE SȽOṈ,ET (Let the Herring Live) Forum will take place on SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) territory on February 13, 2025, from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Ticket sales are live, and more information can be found below.

HELIT TŦE SȽOṈ,ET 2025 has the makings of a very meaningful, solutions-oriented event. One of the goals of this forum is to come up with concrete actions to move forward together with W̱SÁNEĆ Hereditary Chiefs and other First Nations leadership in their calls to action for letting the herring live and restoring populations.

The event will be MC’d by SȾHENEP (Adam Olsen) of TSARTLIP First Nation. We will begin with a SȾÁUTW̱ welcome to the land, followed by our keynote speaker SHULQWILUM (Ray Harris) of Stz’uminus First Nation and other knowledge keepers, including Xwulslim (Connie Crocker) of Pune’luxutth Tribe, who will introduce the film premiere of The Silver Highway. The science panel will include Daniel Pauly (UBC Institute for Oceans and Fisheries), Chrissie Chen (Fisheries Manager, Tsawout FN), Benjamin Neal (Sustainable Fisheries, UVic), John Driscoll (Fisheries Representative, Suzuki Foundation), and additional attendance from the Juanes and Ocean History labs at UVic. Dr. Eric Yoshida will introduce his groundbreaking work on liver diseases disproportionately affecting coastal Indigenous communities. After a lunch break, the afternoon will be dedicated to knowledge sharing and idea generation in themed breakout groups, wrapping up with key actions to take home.

About the Keynote Speaker

SHULQWILUM (Ray Harris)
Stz’uminus First Nation

Ray Harris is a member of the Stz’uminus First Nation on Vancouver Island (formerly Chemainus First Nation). He has a broad range of cultural, political and on the ground experience in First Nations issues. He previously served for 10 years as the elected chief of the Stz’uminus First Nation which provided him a breadth of experience in finding solutions to issues affecting his community. Mr. Harris is an active commercial fisherman who travels yearly up and down the BC coast. He has been instrumental in organizing the Coast Salish Gatherings and the formation of the Coast Salish Council which focuses on environmental and resource health in the Coast Salish Sea and region. Ray is the father of 11 children and has many grandchildren and great grandchildren. All of these experiences are guided by Ray’s deep connection and participation in the cultural traditions of the Coast Salish.

Mr. Harris was elected in 2008, 2010, 2013 and again in June 2016 as co-chair, the 2 member administrative executive of the First Nations Summit. Ray is an advisor to the Salish Sea Institute and the Q’ul-lhanumutsun Aquatic Resources Society for whom he has recently prepared an educational series on the rebuilding of Pacific Herring populations in his territory. He is also on the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority ECHO team for which he has a responsibility to the Southern Resident Killer Whales.

Ticket Information

Please secure your ticket to the event on Eventbrite. There are three tiers of ticket pricing, and we invite you to select the option that works best for you. All ticket options grant you access to the event, as well as lunch and refreshments. The pricing details are as follows:

1. General Admission: this is the ticket price we have set to cover approximately half of the expenses associated with producing this event. The remainder will be covered by donations of varying sizes from our sponsors and other supporters.
2. Sliding Scale: this gives you the opportunity to choose your price, whether lower or higher than the General Admission price. If you have already made a donation to this event, please select this ticket and enter the minimum amount ($1.00) to secure your ticket(s).
3. Free: this option exists to support those who would like to attend the forum, but are unable to pay admission fees.