Amid the celebration, the audio system introduced our focus again to what we’re combating for, each the great elements and the challenges. We held moments to really feel each our grief and our hope. Grief for Tokitae’s passing, grief for worlds misplaced, grief for Tahlequah and all of the orca moms who’ve misplaced their kids. Hope for wholesome orcas, hope for returning salmon, hope for a free flowing Snake River. This system opened with an acknowledgment of our gathering on Duwamish lands by Duwamish Tribal Council Member Ken Workman. His phrases went past the Duwamish, thanking the various tribes of the Salish Sea for his or her millennia of stewardship of the lands we name house at present.
With a number of highly effective audio system in between, Alyssa Macy, CEO of Washington Conservation Motion and citizen of the Confederated Tribes of Heat Springs, closed out the night with a important message. She defined that once we really feel grief and anger in regards to the state of the atmosphere, as a substitute of main us to despair, it should lead us to motion. We can not lose hope, as a result of the orca are relying on us. It’s our duty to guard them and to present them a voice.
We wish to thank Se’Si’Le, Washington Conservation Motion, and Save Our Wild Salmon for internet hosting such a wanted occasion to convey us all collectively. It highlighted the significance of uplifting and following Indigenous voices, who understand how. The Southern Residents are relying on us. You may take motion at present by writing to your representatives and urging them to assist the elimination of the Decrease Snake River Dams and by speaking to individuals in your circles in regards to the significance of dam breaching for shielding salmon and orca populations.
