Story #1
How the Wild Salmon Defenders Alliance Came To Be
Eddie's Story
Coming soon...
Terry's Story
In 2014 I brought some friends to a rally at Peace Arch Park where I heard Eddie Gardner speak for the first time. He said, “The health of the Salmon is the barometer of the health of the planet, and if the salmon go extinct so do we.” This singular statement stuck with me from that day until today and feeds my passion for the work we do. I joined with the Wild Salmon Defenders right away, and soon thereafter became the Secretary-Treasurer for the Organization.
In the early years, I was honoured to travel extensively with Eddie, promoting the Wild Salmon Caravan, an annual event where we travelled from the Headwaters at the congruence of the Thompson and Fraser Rivers all the way down to the Pacific Ocean in Vancouver. Prior to each year’s event, we would travel to the many different Indigenous Communities from Chase, down the Coast, through the Fraser Valley and over to the Klahoose Nation on Cortes Island, and beyond to Namgis (Alert Bay) and Ahousaht (Tofino). During these travels, I met and befriended many wonderful Indigenous friends and allies, most of whom remain friends and supporters of WSDA today.
When Covid hit in 2020, things slowed down due to the cancellation of our events. We were able to maintain sales of our wonderful hoodies, t-shirts and other swag by advertising online and expanding our marketing area. We have people wearing our swag as far away as Australia, Kuarna traditional lands in Adelaide, S.A., Germany and India.
Good Medicine Songs
Shxwelí (Life Spirit)
The Good Medicine Songs project showcases the power of song and storytelling in bringing the Halq’eméylem language and culture alive. The traditional Stó:lō stories and teachings are directly connected to ecological issues that are being taught in schools today.
Story #2
Salmon Origin Story
About
At Wild Salmon Defenders Alliance, we believe that stories have the profound ability to connect us to the essence of who we are and the land on which we live. This section is for sharing the stories about our alliance and the importance of embracing culture to honour the Salmon.
We invite you to explore these stories that not only inform but also inspire us all to rally together in defense of our precious salmon populations and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Story #3
The Creation of our Logo
Coming soon: the name of the artist and the story behind the logo design
Our Board
Ed sχəpχeyləm Hall
President
Terry Wilkinson
Secretary-Treasurer / Marketing Manager
Liz Ellis
Marketing Assistant
Sarah Armstrong
Member
Karla
Member
Eddie Gardner
Previous President
Calista Thirsk
Halq'emèylem Language / Indigenous Support
Emilie Darbey
Member
Jakob
Member
Paul
Member
Ed sχəpχeyləm Hall
Ed "sχəpχeyləm" Hall, a proud Coast Salish, Sto:Lo leader, has deep roots in the Scowlitz and Kwikwetlem communities, reflecting both the upriver Halq’emeylem and downriver hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ dialects.
A former Chief and long-serving council member of the Kwikwetlem First Nation, Ed is well-known across the Tri-Cities and beyond for his dedication to community engagement and advocacy. Passionate about supporting vulnerable populations and protecting the environment, he actively serves on multiple boards and advisory committees within the nonprofit sector.
Ed also contributes to educational initiatives, including multi-lingual school district projects and the revitalization of the endangered hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ dialect. With extensive public speaking experience, a background in business, and a commitment to collective progress, Ed continues to drive meaningful change for the environment.
Eddie Gardner
(T’ít’elem Spath – Singing Bear)
Eddie Gardner is a member of the Sqwá (Skwah) First Nation. Eddie achieved intermediate fluency and is actively involved in the revitalization of the Halq’eméylem language. In November 2020, he was elected as a Councillor serving the people of Sqwá First Nation. In November 2023, he was re-elected as councillor for another three-year term. On June 11, 2024, the University of the Fraser Valley bestowed an Honorary Doctoral Degree upon him at the UFV Convocation ceremonies in Abbotsford.
Eddie has worked for a variety of federal, provincial, First Nation and private sector employers in designing, coordinating, directing and delivering a broad range of programs and services from an Indigenous world view. Eddie is the former president of the Wild Salmon Defenders Alliance which is devoted to ensuring their habitats are restored, preserved and protected, and that collaborative efforts result in avoiding this keystone species from going extinct.
Eddie conducts Sweat Lodge purification ceremonies in his Sqwá community which is open to all who respect the protocols of this spiritual practice. T’ít’elem Spath leads the annual January 1 ceremonies at the Vedder River called “S’íwes te Téméxw – Teachings of the Earth.”
Terry Wilkinson
Terry Wilkinson’s lifelong passion for First Nations culture and ancient prophecies, coupled with her outreach work with residential school survivors, led her to join the Idle No More movement, where she connected with Eddie Gardner. Inspired by Eddie’s advocacy for Wild Salmon, Terry became deeply involved with the Wild Salmon Defenders Alliance (WSDA), contributing to rallies, event planning, and public relations.
Over the past decade, she has served as Secretary Treasurer on the WSDA Board, overseeing marketing, fundraising, and community engagement efforts, including youth education and recruitment. Terry’s experiences traveling to First Nations communities have deepened her understanding of Wild Salmon’s cultural, ceremonial, and ecological importance.
With a background in banking and school board administration, Terry brings organizational expertise to her role, alongside a deep commitment to public education and collaboration. Her drumming, singing, and dedication to protecting Mother Earth continue to inspire her work with WSDA.
Calista Thirsk
Ey swayel Calista telsqwe. Tel litsa kw Cayuga. My name is Calista and I am from the Cayuga First Nation. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree Majoring in Indigenous Studies and Minoring in History. I also have a Proficiency and an Advance Proficiency Certificate in the Halq’emeylem language. My deep connection to the land has been a lifelong passion, instilled in me from an early age. Advocating for our ancestors and our relatives the Animal People is both an honor and a responsibility I cherish.
One of the meaningful opportunities I had while pursuing my education was creating a film that highlighted the significance of revitalizing the Halq’emeylem Language.
Alongside my commitment to language and cultural revitalization efforts, I have dedicated over eight years as a Head Coach for a competitive rep fastpitch team and continue to organize softball clinics independently.
I firmly believe in the power of community and the necessity of unity for our collective prosperity. Lets’emót…Lets’eth’ále – may we move forward with one heart and one mind.
Liz Ellis
Liz Ellis is a dedicated community advocate and a passionate proponent of self-advocacy. Her entrepreneurial achievements include owning and operating several successful businesses, such as Liz’s Place Great Fish ‘n Chips in Mission, BC; Ellis Enterprises in Courtenay, BC; Aura Massage & Bodywork in Mission, BC; and Liz Ellis Studio, specializing in calligraphy and photo art.
In her senior years, Liz earned her yellow-striped belt in Taekwondo and continues her fitness journey at the Mission Leisure Centre. She is a proud associate of Dallas Yellowfly and 3 Crows Productions, actively contributing to the path of Truth and Reconciliation.
More recently, Liz has been instrumental in marketing and promoting The Wild Salmon Defenders Alliance, providing management support to Terry Wilkinson. Known for her passion, care, and determination, Liz embraces lifelong learning and thrives on new challenges.
Sarah Armstrong
Ey Swayel meku watt, Sarah telsqwe. Hello everyone my name is Sarah. I am an Indigenous (Soowhalie and Cree) poet, and spoken word artist that resides on the stolen traditional unceeded territories of the Kwantlen and Katzie First Nations located in what some may know as “Maple Ridge”.
I currently have a diploma in Child and Youth Care, and am currently working towards my bachelors! I am is also an Indigenous Youth Worker in my community and, of course, a strong WSDA advocate.
Stemming from roots, and ancestral stories of The Salmon People, I was drawn to WSDA where I found community, learned more about myself and finally found culture. I was featured recently in a film called “The Salmons Call” where I share a poem made for WSDA, share my story and my relationship with Salmon. On most nights, I’m trying to find just any cozy coffee shop with an open mic to perform at!
I use poetry to bring awareness to Indigenous related issues here in Canada and to advocate for the protection of Wild Salmon such as its importance due to its vital life course for Indigenous people and for our ecosystem.
I am passionate and believe in Youth engagement and advocacy and I hope to bring this into WSDA through spoken word, representation, and awareness.
Our Nation Partners
Coming Soon...