A note from the author

The Last Salmon Run was created out of the desire to produce a visually-led, accessible story that educates audiences on the causes and impact of Pacific salmon decline, from both a scientific and Indigenous knowledge perspective — giving a voice to some of those who care most deeply about the survival of the foundation species.

I have not attempted to include all of the reasons for dwindling salmon populations (where would you stop?), but to touch on some of the many reasons, and in doing so, I hope to illustrate the complex nature of the decline, and its fatal implications on the ecology and Peoples in British Columbia.

I am so grateful to the people and communities that offered me their time and advice throughout this journey. If I attempt to list you all, I'll only forget someone, but I would like to mention Kwantlen Nation for inviting me to their First Salmon Ceremony; Dr. Andrea Reid for her general wisdom and for introducing me to wonderful Bobo; Dr. Scott Hinch for loaning me a book that had great influence in the early days on this project; Dr. Kristi Miller and her lab for having me along on field trips and explaining the science to me over and over again; and finally Dr. Gideon Mordecai for his never-ending support and encouragement without which, I wouldn't have considered this project possible.

Photography as a form of communication knows no boundaries, and though this story necessitates explanation through words, it is driven by photographs with the hope that I am able to communicate a complex narrative to diverse audiences of multiple age groups.

I hope you enjoy.

Amy