Documentary Reflection

April 26, 2025 By: Jessica Kampen

Environmental Topic Article:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/fraser-river-island-purchase-salmon-1.7257260

 

This article speaks to the loss of spawning grounds within the Fraser River (specifically the region from Mission to Hope). It cites that development has affected 90% of the shoreline, dramatically impacting the availability of safe spawning places. By the Nature Conservancy of Canada purchasing Carey Island, it is believed that one spawning ground will be protected from further degradation. I fully support the conservation efforts that this purchase represents. Mark Angelo speaks to how it is “one of the most productive stretches of river on the planet”; this is a powerful reminder of the important ecological habitat that needs to be protected. This purchase represents tangible efforts made to protect the spawning grounds and can serve to remind that while the challenges are significant, through collaboration and dedicated action, there can be progress in conservation. I especially appreciate the collaborative efforts where the federal government, private donors, and the local First Nations worked together.

Civil Disobedience:

Originally, I was going to say that civil disobedience can work to bring about positive change; however, based on my own definition of these changes, I now believe that it cannot.

Yes, civil disobedience can result in positive change depending on the criteria for success. Success is often defined as raising public awareness and shifting opinions; sometimes, there can be influence on policy change if public awareness is heightened enough. One positive example would be the Warner Creek protest. The area was saved from logging and is now thriving. However, this is only one area, and a blockade is not always successful. The Wet’suwet’en is an example of this. The hereditary chiefs fought against the pipe’s installation and even inspired nationwide protests, yet they could not prevent the pipeline from cutting through their unceded territory.

Civil disobedience creates changes that are not long-lasting, and the public will be influenced by the media to move on to a new topic. Raising awareness does not, in my opinion, mean that it is a successful tactic for positive change; Greta Thunberg would be an example of this. For several years, she was a constant face in the media pushing for environmental activism; however, once again, the public easily forgets.

I believe that civil disobedience alone is not enough to create enough positive change. There needs to be a plan to create political change on a larger scale for long-lasting environmental success. Civil disobedience, while not useless, feels short-sighted alone.

Reference:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-51452217