Why Contribute to Salmon Homecoming?
A few comments by Billy Frank, Jr.:
Billy Frank, Jr., chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, is one of the primary advisers and leaders of Salmon Homecoming. He is a legend and inspiration to tribes throughout the country, and they all know him as the spokesman for the salmon. Let’s ask him why it is important for you to support Salmon Homecoming:
“There are so many reasons. People need to understand that whoever they are and whatever they do, they are dependent on salmon. It doesn't’t matter whether they fish or not. We all depend on salmon.”
Salmon begin their lives in the headwaters of our rivers. They swim out to sea where they travel thousands of miles over 4 to 6 years, then return to their rivers of origin to spawn. They depend on free-flowing, cool and clean water throughout their incredible journey, past lands of all ownerships
“We depend on these things, too,” Billy says. “They are the measuring stick of our health, our spiritual strength and our sustainability. Salmon Homecoming brings people together—from tribal and non-tribal communities. It gives us a way to work together.”
We need your help:
Salmon Homecoming provides outstanding opportunities for all comers to learn about the long-term legacies and values of the Pacific Northwest. Through its various activities, programs and events, it fosters fellowship and offers educational experiences to benefit people of all ages, vocations and ethnic origins.
The level of success of this effort is dependent on the input, acceptance and support it receives from every individual, agency and organization that chooses to embrace it. So, the Salmon Homecoming Alliance invites you to come forward and become a part of Salmon Homecoming. Whether your contribution takes the form of active participation, financial support--or both-- it will be welcome. It will also be worthwhile.
The Alliance is a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation, established to organize, plan, develop and facilitate programs and events associated with Salmon Homecoming. Board members represent a variety of governments, associations, foundations and industries.
Individuals:
We need you. You don’t have to be rich, or be part of a large corporation to help. Just attending the Salmon Homecoming Celebration, and the Forum, will help. If you want to do more, call Salmon Homecoming President Gerald James at (206) 724-6586.
Want to Donate? Your financial contribution, of any size, will help Salmon Homecoming succeed. Make checks out to Salmon Homecoming Alliance and mail to:
Gerald "G.I." James
President, Salmon Homecoming Alliance
2800 Leeward Way
Bellingham, WA 98226
Want to volunteer? Contact Laura Austin at (206) 386-4329 or email laura.austin@seattle.gov .
Corporations, Foundations, Government Agencies, etc.:
If you have room in your budget to support Salmon Homecoming, it is certainly encouraged. It is our intent to continue the tradition of an annual ceremony in Seattle. Salmon Homecoming has been celebrated there every fall for the past 15 years.
We are proud of the award-winning legacy of Salmon Homecoming, and we will be proud to welcome you to our team.
You can make a general contribution, sponsor a particular component (Forum, Pow Wow, Environmental Fair, etc.). Just call and ask.
Following are some facts about Salmon Homecoming you might find interesting as a potential sponsor:
Founded as an Incorporated Non-Profit in 2001, The Salmon Homecoming Alliance grows out of Salmon Homecoming Celebration and Salmon Resource Forum, hosted annually by The Seattle Aquarium and the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission since 1992. The celebration honors the fall return of the salmon and introduces local families to Native American culture by providing traditional celebrations and a holistic program of related environmental educational activities.
By late 1990’s the celebration was drawing 40,000-50,000 children, parents, students and others, placing increasing financial, staffing and other demands on the Seattle Aquarium and The Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. By Spring, 1999, it became clear that the celebration needed fiscal and organizational independence if it were to continue, and so the Salmon Homecoming Alliance was created with the support of the tribes, the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, The Seattle Aquarium, and other stakeholders.
The Salmon Homecoming Celebration and the Salmon Resource Forum are the primary vehicles the Salmon Homecoming Alliance has to build stronger relationships between tribal and non-tribal communities and promote better understanding of salmon stewardship and knowledge of water quality and marine protection issues that are impacting the Northwest Salmon. Roughly 500,000 people have been exposed to the issues of water pollution and marine protection issues, and projects that are trying to solve those issues, through Salmon Homecoming. In the process of conducting these events, Salmon Homecoming has been the subject of numerous television specials and countless print articles. The program has produced videos, curricula, publications and posters…all with one thing in mind—bring people together to learn how they can cooperate in the protection and restoration of the critical salmon resource.