After seven years in the making, a new welcome centre opened at the Snootli Creek Hatchery in the Bella Coola Valley on Thursday, Aug. 22.
The hatchery was built in 1978 and needed some upgrades to keep it more viable, efficient and effective.
With the newly reburbished facility, hatchery staff will help to educate and engage the local community and visitors about enhancement, the role of hatcheries in the effort to protect and support wild Pacific salmon stocks, noted a news release from Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
The centre features dynamic and interactive displays written in three languages: Nuxalk, English and French, to highlight the importance of salmon to Nuxalk people and affirm their deep and historic connection to salmon and rivers in their traditional territory.
The Hatchery also serves as a focal point for salmon education and watershed stewardship in the area through its work with the Nation, volunteers, streamkeepers, schools and community partners in helping to support the protection of the Bella Coola Valley’s unique cultural and natural heritage.
Nuxalk Chief Councillor Samuel Schooner said in the news release true reconciliation includes reconcili-ACTION; resulting in projects and initiatives on the ground that make a real difference in our communities.
"By collaborating with us on this important project, Fisheries & Oceans Canada has demonstrated their commitment to continue building their relationship with Nuxalk through shared values and mutual respect. On behalf of Nuxalk Chief and Council, I offer my congratulations to everyone involved in this incredible Welcome Centre.”
Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, said the federal government is committed to a renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership.
"Our collaboration with Nuxalk Nation and local community members to create such a dynamic and visually stunning Welcome Centre is an important step in advancing this commitment," Lebouthillier said. "The renewal and modernization of the hatchery itself further demonstrates our ongoing efforts to ensure the long-term protection of Pacific salmon, and helps to underscore that education and public awareness are crucial to the future of this iconic species.”
Dr. Snxakila (Clyde) Tallio, Cultural Director, Nuxalk Nation, said the project is a step forward in honouring Nuxalk knowledge, language, and culture, and shows how much can be accomplished when working together in a truly inclusive way.
"For Nuxalk, protecting our salmon is akin to protecting our way of life, and this common vision has united us all to care for and preserve our salmon for our Putl’lt, those yet unborn," Dr. Tallio said. "This Welcome Centre will help inform both visitors and locals and inspire students about the role Nuxalkmc have always played in the stewardship of our salmon, and how this hatchery and its personnel are helping to continue this important work.”
Christina Tessier, president and CEO, Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation, the museum is beyond thrilled to be reaching residents and visitors in the Bella Coola Valley with Ingenium's brand of story-telling.
"Our partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada continues to bring fascinating and timely science to people everywhere, and we are so very grateful for the opportunity to collaborate on this project with the Nuxalk First Nation. The Nation has offered and shaped an exciting narrative to be discovered in the Snootli Creek Hatchery Welcome Centre, a site privileged to be operating on the lands of the Nuxalk Peoples.”
The hatchery enhances chum, Chinook, sockeye and coho salmon.
