Connecting Past and Present
March 7, 2024 By: Melissa English
Assignment #3 Connecting Past and Present
Conservation –
The documentary, “The Heart of the Fraser” evoked a profound reflection on a quote by David Suzuki, as cited in Neil Forkey’s book, “Canadians and the Natural Environment to the Twenty-First Century”: “The Fraser River’s Sockeye Salmon are in trouble. And when the salmon are in trouble, we are all in trouble.” This connection to the salmon, the Fraser River, and conservation resonates deeply, particularly as Indigenous peoples have long shared the importance of preserving this vital resource. Since the arrival of the first settlers, there has been a shift in perception regarding salmon, from a sustenance food requiring conservation to a commodity ripe for exploitation. This trend extends beyond salmon to include the utilization of other natural resources, such as lumber and oil, from early settler times to the present day. Despite the efforts of First Nations to advocate for the respect and conservation of salmon and their habitats, there is a disregard for the irreversible consequences of their depletion. It leaves me questioning: when will we recognize that conservation efforts not only sustain the land and waterways but also yield profound lessons beyond surface growth?
Bibliography:
Forkey, Neil S. 2012 “Canadians and the Natural Enviroment of the Twenty-First Century” Toronto: University of Toronto Press.
Urbanization –
Urbanization is a phenomenon that surrounds us and is driven by the want for larger and more impressive urban areas. However, at what expense? Bob Weber, in his newspaper article, “Long-term Stats Canada Research Shows Cities Across Country Losing Green Space Shared a Concerning Trend”: “about three-quarters of large and medium-sized cities were less green in 2019 than they had been 20 years earlier.” This loss of green spaces is a significant consequence of urbanization. This article, as well as the readings in the course, show the impact of urbanization. As cities expand, they consume valuable natural resources. This challenges me and makes me reflect on whether history is repeating itself as societies pursue urban landscapes at the cost of their land and what many perceive as limitless resources. The more I read into this topic, the more questions arise about the sustainability of such practices.
The documentary reflection connects deeply with an article I found about the proposed fishing closure in Port Renfrew, Vancouver Island. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/port-renfrew-fishing-closure-dfo-1.7181011 They highlight the intertwined relationship between human activities, conservation efforts, and the preservation of vital natural resources, particularly salmon. The documentary’s reflection on the significance of salmon to ecosystems and communities resonates with the concerns raised by residents and fishing guides in Port Renfrew about the fishing closure’s potential economic and social impacts. I felt this article may provide hope in your question of conservation efforts going beyond simply sustainability. People are beginning to recognize and stand up for our environment. It may be slow, but there is hope.