As Terra Madre Day 2016 nears the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) would like to take
the opportunity to thank Slow Food Thompson Okanagan, Slow Food Canada, Slow
Food Turtle Island and Slow Food International’s continued support in sharing the story
of the return our sc’win and advocating for indigenous food sovereignty in general.
At the core of our connection with Slow Food is a set of shared values around the deeper
significance of food and food systems, not only for sustenance, but for the well-being and
resilience of people, cultures and ecologies. The key tenants of Slow Food “good clean
and fair” food resonates with our indigenous perspective and experience, particularly
regarding social justice, conviviality and the sacred nature of food that connects all of us.
On Terre Madre Day the Syilx Nation acknowledge the importance and significance of
this day set aside for reflecting upon our actions. We stand with our sisters and brothers
around the world in our hard work advancing food security efforts for our beautiful
peoples, beautiful lands, resources, and sacred waters. We look forward to collectively
furthering these practices in the year to come.
As we gear up to celebrate Terra Madre Day here in the Okanagan and abroad, we wish
to briefly share with you a story that may contribute to the Slow Food theme of “Love the
Earth, Defend the Future”. In 2016 around 342,391 Okanagan sockeye returned to the
Columbia watershed, three times as many as were originally forecasted. This unexpected
bounty was a cause for celebration, and was in deep contrast to the previous year’s fishery
closure due to the effects of climate change. This return is deeply connected to our
collective cultural ceremonies and prayers, and provides the opportunity to carry out a
successful food fishery that put one of our key first foods, sockeye salmon, into
thousands of our community member’s homes. Such an experience affirms the “Love
(for) the Earth”, and that we must continue to “Defend the Future” for the generations
that come ahead. For more information please visit our website or check out the video:
We recognize the importance that advocacy and communication plays in shifting
perspectives and attitudes, and greatly appreciate all the opportunities that have been
provided by Slow Food over the years. We look forward to continuing to collaborate in
future.
Lim ‘limpt
OKANAGAN NATION ALLIANCE
Thank you for sharing news about the outstanding 2016 salmon harvest. It was a treat to see the video you offered.
At a time when our Commons Heritage is being destroyed non stop to make way for corporate profits, your story is a small light in a very dark and miserable tunnel.
May you continue to experience outstanding salmon harvests for years to come.