The SKH will establish meaningful spaces for dialogue and knowledge exchange through its Annual Salmon Ceremony and Gatherings, hosted on the land in partnership with Yukon First Nations. These gatherings will serve as platforms for intergenerational learning, with Elders imparting traditional knowledge to youth, thus safeguarding cultural practices and ecological stewardship for the future. Youth will also share their knowledge allowing a two-way knowledge flow as would occur at traditional fish camps. These gatherings offer opportunities for knowledge transfer and place-based connection during periods of no salmon fishing.
The SKH will also strengthen connections between YFNs, academia, NGOs, and industry by developing action-based salmon restoration projects. These projects will braid Traditional Knowledge and Scientific Knowledge, ensuring they align with both salmon conservation and the needs of YFN communities. Similar to the Annual Salmon Ceremony and Gatherings, these projects will provide space for place-based intergenerational knowledge transfer from Elders to youth, thereby uplifting First Nation ways.
Salmon stories shared during the Annual Salmon Ceremonies and Gatherings underscore the urgent need for action-based initiatives aimed at healing both salmon populations and communities. Leveraging the diverse perspectives present at these gatherings, a document was crafted on salmon research priorities to steer research efforts. For instance, the increasing impact of climate change and rising water temperatures emerged as a prominent research priority due to its negative effects on salmon migrating through the Yukon River drainage. Moving forward, the SKH will continue its collaborative approach with knowledge holders to develop action-oriented conservation and restoration initiatives from these priorities. This may include the development of best practice guidelines to inform broader restoration initiatives. Through these projects, the SKH aims to address critical threats to salmon in the Yukon River drainage while fostering resilience within communities that rely upon salmon.
In addition to action based research, the SKH will support a salmon youth advocacy initiative. By uplifting Yukon First Nation youth we will ensure continued support and stewardship of salmon and future generations which increases well-being within First Nations communities.
The SKH mobilizes knowledges by bringing people together on the land which promotes knowledge sharing by Elders, youth, academics and others. This knowledge will be shared through various means such as: salmon culture camps, storytelling engagement through digitization and video, and incorporating Indigenous language into all research areas. Further to these knowledge sharing scenarios, traditional academic modes of communication, such as peer-reviewed papers and oral presentations, will be included as opportunities for student training and capacity building.
The SKH will enable knowledge sharing across First Nations and will solidify aboriginal rights to steward salmon and their habitats. Inclusive participation also contributes to decision-making authorities of Yukon First Nations by upholding different approaches to salmon stewardship/management; particularly for government representatives.
