A Talk by Elder Carl Olsen about Goldstream/SELE₭TEȽ

Limited seating available, please reserve your spot with a free ticket.

A feature of the Gage Gallery charity arts exhibition “Wild Art for the Big of Heart”, Elder Carl Olsen shares his knowledge and stories in this community discussion.

Starting in February 2023, Carl stood beside the Trans-Canada Highway every Tuesday morning—rain, snow, or shine. What began as a solitary act of resistance against a $162-million highway widening project grew into a community movement rooted in the Douglas Treaty and a sacred responsibility to the salmon.

Through his talk, Carl will explore the vital importance of the SELE₭TEȽ (Goldstream River), the threat posed to its ancient trees and spawning grounds, and how his unwavering presence eventually led to a provincial pause on the project in 2026. Come hear a firsthand account of stewardship, the power of persistence, and why protecting this watershed is essential for the future of the W̱SÁNEĆ people and the region.