From inception of the plan, the T’Sou-ke Nation has partnered in the development of the umbrella organization and the processes that have brought the Charters River Salmon Interpretive Centre into being. The Pacheedaht First Nation as well, has been consulted in the developing years of this enterprise.

A much appreciated avenue of contributions is the generous support of groups who organize derbies.  Each year since the building of the Interpretation Centre several derby organizers have made faithful cash contributions to assist the non-profit Juan de Fuca Salmon Restoration Society in paying unavoidable operating costs.

The entire operation of the Juan de Fuca Salmon Restoration society is carried out by volunteers; there is no paid staff.  Aside from this intense undertaking of volunteer effort, the main reason for the successful  progression of the environmental educational centre being developed on the Charters River has been the enormity of support provided through a great many sources.  An exhibit within the Centre attempts to list the major contributors responsible for the accomplishments – literally the contributors number in the hundreds.

We would like to acknowledge the enormous assistance of the Pacific Salmon Foundation, Western Economic Diversification Canada, and our Capital Regional District’s Integrated Water Services and to Capital Regional District Parks.

Corporations too are becoming interested in supporting the Society’s efforts, and special acknowledgement is made to LaFarge Canada for their generosity in assisting the Charters River Salmon Interpretive Centre to become established.

With the Centre now in place, sustaining corporate contributions are welcomed, and the Society especially thanks Trans Mountain Pipeline for their annual sustaining contributions initiated in 2015.

Partnerships

Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society – The Jack Brooks Hatchery

Juan de Fuca Salmon Restoration Society is appreciative of the mentoring and assistance provided by the long serving volunteers of the Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society (SSES).  SSES operated the Jack Brooks Hatchery on Rocky Creek, a remote tributary of DeMamiel Stream, from 1981 until 2019.  Global warming has been one of the factors that has resulted in a dramatic change in hatchery operations in the Sooke River watershed.  In recent years Rocky Creek experienced insufficient water supply to continue effective hatchery production. 

Creation of a new up-to-date production hatchery on a sub-leased section of the land JdFSRS leases from CRD Parks has resulted.  Matched with enormous amounts of volunteer work, the Pacific Salmon Foundation, and a wonderful group of generous corporate supporters a new Sooke River Jack Brooks Hatchery has been brought about.  SSES initiated operations in the new hatchery in 2019. 

British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF)

Evolving requirements in the world of community salmon hatchery operations has meant that a plan for scientific enhancements to these operations was required. An application to the BCSRIF for assistance was undertaken.  BCSRIF is a program intended to support protection and restoration activities for priority wild fish stocks, including salmon. The five-year program, funded 70% by the federal government and 30% by the province of BC, is designed to support projects that will ensure the fish and seafood sector in BC is positioned for long-term environmental and economic sustainability. Fortunately, our application for this enhancement project was approved and is now well underway.