Vancouver, BC — At noon this Monday, October 25th, activists from all over the province will gather on the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery to demand justice for wild salmon. This date coincides with the opening of the Cohen Commission of Inquiry into the decline of the 2009 Fraser River sockeye salmon run which will be investigating the collapse of last year’s sockeye run and making recommendations on how to move forward with managing wild salmon.

What: Rally for Wild Salmon

When: Monday, October 25th, 12:00 Noon

Where: Vancouver Art Gallery.

Who: The Wilderness Committee and Salmon are Sacred.org are hosting this event which will feature dynamic speakers including Alexandra Morton, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip (Union of BC Indian Chiefs), Chief Bob Chamberlin (Kwicksutaineuk-Ah-Kwaw-Ah-Mish First Nation), Chief Marilyn Baptiste (Xeni Gwet’in First Nations Government) and Tria Donaldson (Wilderness Committee).

Why: Environmentalists and First Nations who are concerned about the impact fish farms are having on wild salmon will take a stand to make it clear to Justice Cohen that thousands of people are watching his decisions, and supporting him in this difficult job.

The rally is the culmination of a five-day “paddle down the Fraser River” to raise awareness about the impacts fish farms are having on wild salmon. Over a hundred people, including Dr. Alexandra Morton, Mayor Gregor Robinson, First Nations leaders and politicians of all stripes will have participated in the five day paddle.

For more information please contact:

Tria Donaldson, Wilderness Committee Pacific Coast Campaigner, 1-250-686-9249

Don Staniford, Salmon are Sacred.org, 1-250-230-1172