http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_north/comoxvalleyrecord/news/92556899.html

Anti-fish farm migration passes through Comox Valley

By Renee Andor - Comox Valley Record
Published: April 30, 2010 5:00 PM
Updated: April 30, 2010 5:35 PM
“Make no mistake, this is not about saving pretty fish; it’s about saving us,” was Alexandra Morton’s message as the Get Out Migration came though the Comox Valley on Thursday.

She started her journey from her home on Sointula on Malcolm Island in the Broughton Archipelago, and has gained support on her way to Victoria, for what she hopes will be a massive demonstration at the legislature buildings on May 8.

“The Get Out Migration is an eviction notice to all industrial fish farms. Get out of the way of our wild salmon,” said Morton.

According to Morton, 92 per cent of industrial salmon farms along the B.C. coast are Norwegian-owned, and pay low wages to local workers of coastal communities. She believes they are killing off wild salmon populations due to disease and sea lice transfer. Morton wants fish farms to get out of the ocean and be contained in tanks on land instead.

The migration left Black Creek in the morning and arrived at the Sports Centre in Courtenay at 2:30 p.m., then walked down to Simms Millennium Park.

The atmosphere was positive yet relaxed, with people singing and Morton mingling in the crowd with supporters.

“It’s been enormous fun. Hundreds of people have come out, even in very small towns,” says Morton.

At 5:30 members of the K’ómoks First Nation picked Morton up in a native canoe and paddled to the Band Hall, where she was greeted by members of the band and a crowd of supporters.

“This is just wonderful. It’s a visual of how many people are concerned about our fish stocks,” said Mary Everson, a K’ómoks Band member. “I can remember, as a little girl, eating fish four or five times a week. It was our mainstay,” said Everson, adding that the fish are just not there anymore.

Supporters listened to live music by Luke Blu Guthrie and Ali Romanow while they ate wild salmon burgers.

Andy Everson and dancers followed with a native greeting ceremony to welcome Morton.

Wedlidi Speck, of the Kwakwaka'wakw First Nation, spoke about the sacred relationship between their culture and the wild salmon.

“We lose the salmon we lose our sense of self,” he said, and “when we speak for the environment we are speaking for ourselves.”

Ruby Berry, of the Georgia Strait Alliance, also spoke in support for Morton and the Migration.

The evening finished with live music by Sue Pyper, Bruce and Judy Wing, and 5Play.

“I really see a thriving future for this coast,” said Morton. She plans to have an enormous stack of signed petitions when she reaches the legislature.

“I hope there are thousands of people there, and I hope the members of parliament will meet us there,” said Morton.

Late Friday afternoon, Morton attended a rally in Fanny Bay to protest a proposed coal mine near Union Bay.

Alexandra Morton (middle) travels in a native canoe to the K'ómoks Band hall.