Returning each year, salmon have been a significant part of Campbell River,

from the Indigenous people’s ancient use to present day fishing and tourism ventures. Most people in the world only know salmon as something on a menu. The people of Campbell River are lucky to know salmon on a more intimate basis.

   The film looks at the local Indigenous people’s usage of salmon throughout the ages in food and ceremony and how integral to their survival salmon have been.

 Campbell River has a long-held pride as a fishing mecca, going back to the earlier part of the 1900’s when the Tyee Club was first forming, and Roderick Haig Brown settled here and wrote about the river and its fish. 

The rise in sport fishing has developed a major part of the town’s identity and has contributed to CR being a world-wide tourist destination.

 A shift has been taking place in people’s awareness and connection to the natural world, and with this, an increase in eco-tourism. Instead of coming to Campbell River just to catch salmon, many people come from near and far for other experiences and to view the other forms of wildlife connected to salmon that abound in the area. 

  The goal of this film is to showcase how, throughout time, salmon have been the common thread woven into the fabric and culture of this community, and how they will continue to be long into the future.

Salmon Capital Campbell River- full film.