For over a decade, illegal fishing, damming, and habitat destruction have pushed the Atlantic salmon to the brink of extinction. These ecological violations have not only obliterated ancestral migration routes but have also disrupted sacred lifeways inherent to New England’s watersheds. As a direct result, the Pennacook Nation, who possesses generational expertise and knowledge about these waters and their inhabitants, has been consistently ignored, downplayed, and silenced. The wisdom acquired through countless generations is being overlooked, despite the fact that Indian Nations are our best and rightful stewards of the environment.

The Atlantic salmon is a crucial component of our ecosystem, contributing to the health of the marine environment and the cultural heritage of the Pennacook Nation. However, the ongoing negligence by authorities to recognize and integrate the invaluable insights of the Pennacook has aggravated the situation, further endangered the salmon and weakened regional biodiversity.

It's time to change this narrative by empowering the Pennacook Nation and acknowledging their rightful place in these conservation efforts. We must advocate for their representation and inclusion in environmental decision-making processes. They have an intrinsic understanding of their ancestral lands and waters, one that modern methodologies lack. By incorporating their knowledge, we can create robust strategies to counteract illegal fishing, regulate damming, and protect valuable habitats, ultimately fostering the recovery of the Atlantic salmon population.

I urge the state and federal governments to collaborate with the Pennacook Nation, thereby fostering a more inclusive and effective approach to conservation. Let's prioritize ecological restoration and cultural respect over short-term, detrimental activities.

Please join me in urging authorities to listen to the Pennacook Nation and adopt their sustainable, time-tested practices for the recovery of the Atlantic salmon. Signing this petition means advocating for a future where cultural heritage and ecological integrity coexist harmoniously. Sign now to support a just and sustainable future for both the Atlantic salmon and the Pennacook Nation.