Background
In a remote mountainous region of northern British Columbia lie
the Sacred Headwaters – the birthplace of three of BC’s most important salmon rivers, the
Stikine, Skeena and Nass. This region supports one of the largest predator-prey
ecosystems in North America and is the traditional territory of the Tahltan
First Nation. Largely unprotected, more than 1000
coalbed methane wells, and numerous proposed mining developments also threaten the
water, wildlife and culture of this land. A nursing ground and year round
habitat for a unique flock of Stone Sheep is particularly at risk from proposed
open pit mining operations. A recent interview with Wade Davis, illustrated by
Paul Colangelo’s stunning photographs, is found at: http://paulcolangelo.com/2012/08/wade-davis-on-the-sacred-headwaters/
The Sacred Headwaters area gifts the rest of us with its many
offerings: a landscape rich with wildlife and beauty to take
your breath away – one that cries out to be painted or enjoyed for: hiking,
climbing, horseback riding, fishing, photography and mountain biking on a vast,
abandoned rail grade in the wilderness.
Who knows what will come of people doing good while they do what they
love? See how you can participate in Events.
All art forms are welcome. The following poem is a moving example, waiting to be turned into song. With thanks to its creator, Baba Rum Fred.
Inviting all musicians to put this to music!
We Are the River
Talthan Elders understand
Salmon spawn in waters clean
We are the rivers, we, the land
Skeena, Nass, and sweet Stikine
Before our fathers fathers came
Salmon spawn in waters clean
Before they gave these rivers names
Skeena, Nass, and sweet Stikine
Mother Earth her bounty shared
Salmon spawn in waters clean
Today, her bounty's in our care
Skeena, Nass, and Sweet Stikine
Talthan Elders understand
We are the rivers, we, the land
- Baba Rum Fred
