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Swanson Occupation: The Fight to Save Wild Salmon
There are 34 active fish farms in British Columbia, and for years biologists have been noting the risks these operations pose to wild salmon runs. First Nations such as the ‘Namgis have been fighting to ban the farms, which they say have led to dramatic declines in wild sockeye and chinook.
Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans says between 60 and 80 percent of the West Coast farms’ Atlantic fish are infected with piscine reovirus, which originates in the North Atlantic and is brought to BC waters via fish farms.
In a detailed investigative article and video production at Cascadia Magazine, journalist Mychaylo Prystupa describes the efforts of ‘Namgis Heredity Chief Ernest Alfred to draw attention to the dangers of fish farms. For 284 days, chief Alfred occupied a small island near Marine Harvest’s operations, and now his people may have succeeded in changing BC fish policy…
Read the article and watch the exclusive video online at Cascadia Magazine.
Immigrant and father seeks sanctuary in Seattle church
Lilly Fowler at Crosscut has the story of Jose Robles, a husband and father who has been in the US for 18 years, and was to be deported to Mexico–but sought and received sanctuary in a Seattle church to avoid being separated from his three daughters. Seattle Globalist has more on the story. Meanwhile, protests continue at a Portland ICE facility, which remained open.
White resident calls police on campaigning OR legislator
In another case of white people calling the police on black people going about their lives, a white resident of Clackamas, Oregon called the police on black state legislator Janelle Bynum, who was campaigning door to door. Meanwhile, middle school prized by Portland’s black community has received a warning that pollution from nearby I-5 is so bad, the children shouldn’t play outside.
Protesters against pipeline suspend from Vancouver bridge
According to 604 Now, protesters against a new Trans Mountain pipeline across British Columbia suspended themselves from the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge in Vancouver. In related news, the Vancouver Sun reports on the Alberta First Nations that have signed on in support of the pipeline.
A big, bad wolf researcher tangles with Washington ranchers
Christopher Solomon, writing for the New York Times has a fantastic feature on Rob Wielgus, a cigarette-smoking, Harley-riding wolf biologist who’s waded into one of the West’s most bitter feuds: how to recover wolves in Washington state while protecting them from angry poachers.
Eastern Oregon’s problem with weeds
High Country News reports on a weedy problem in eastern Oregon caused by genetically-modified grass resistant to Roundup that escaped the putting greens and is now choking rangelands and the fields of hay growers.
Native American artist RYAN! Feddersen shatters stereotypes
Seattle-based artist RYAN! Feddersen, who’s a member of the Colville Federated Tribes, is an artist working in various media who tries to explode stereotypes about contemporary Native Americans. A feature at Crosscut describes some of her work, including a mural of twisting oil pipelines, and a “anthropology” study in which visitors take selfies and are assigned labels.
Painting people on the margins in Vancouver
The Tyee profiles young Vancouver artist Alex Vandvoss, who creates hyper-realist portraits of people on the margins in the city’s Downtown Eastside. “I feel that these individuals are often shut out due to their difficult situations. Through these paintings, I hope to remind viewers that we all belong to one global community. Their beauty needs to be seen.” Her gallery show opens 6 p.m. Friday, July 6, and 20 percent of proceeds will be donated to organizations helping the homeless and people with addiction.
That’s today’s news, arts, and culture from across Cascadia. Have a lovely evening. –Andrew Engelson Photo credits: “Rodney,” and “Pat,” by Alex Sandvoss. Follow the artist on Instagram at @sahdahtay; underwater image of fish farm by Tavish Campbell, ‘Namgis protesters by Alexandra Morton, protesters at ICE detention center in SeaTac by Jody Dahl, wolf courtesy US Fish & Wildlife.