Internship Dispatch: Danilo Piljevic

During the last week of May, I had the pleasure of observing, filming, and participating in the salmon conservation facilitated by Fort Folly First Nation through the Fundy Salmon Recovery program. Over the course of four days, I was able to take part in several key stages of their unique conservation process including the transfer of salmon smolts from a hatchery facility to marine cages, the release of hatchery raised salmon fry into the Petitcodiac river watershed, and even got a tour of one of their research stations on a tributary of the Petitcodiac.  Through these experiences, I learned more about the role of the Fort Folly Habitat Recovery team in ensuring the continued presence of salmon of all life stages in the Petitcodiac river, and the immense level of dedication and perseverance it takes to ensure effective conservation and restoration.

The Petticodiac River. Photo by Danilo Piljevic

My ability to attend these important events was a direct result of my summer internship with Cloudberry Connections, as I am working to create a short documentary on the relationship between Fort Folly First Nation and salmon; highlighting the benefits that Indigenous knowledge, leadership, and environmental stewardship provide to co-managed conservation practices. After returning from the first of several planned trips to Fort Folly, my views on our responsibility to the environment have already expanded, and I have begun to consider how I can more meaningfully connect with the ecosystem that surrounds me.  The demonstration of protecting and restoring the environment, as embodied by the members of the Fort Folly Habitat Recovery team, was directly responsible for causing my new introspection, and I am excited to share their passion to others through the documentary I aim to produce.

Looking out into the Bay of Fundy on Fort Folly First Nation’s traditional territory. Photo by Danilo Piljevic.

Importantly, this trip would not have been possible without the tremendous generosity and hospitality of the members of Fort Folly Habitat Recovery, and their unending patience and accommodation to include me in their impactful work. My excitement for both this documentary project, and the future of salmon in the Bay of Fundy has grown since visiting Fort Folly First Nation, and I eagerly await my next visit. 

Looking across Dark Harbour on Grand Manan Island. Photo by Danilo Piljevic.

Thank you to Nicole Porter, Tim Robinson, Alanah Bartlett, Sam Allanach, Jim Dobson, Maegan Burtt, and Carys Trenholm of Fort Folly First Nation and the Fort Folly Habitat Recovery Team, as well as my supervisors Dr. Hannah Harrison and Dr. David Borish for their support, and for making this first experience so positive.