Come rain, snow or shine, Tsartlip First Nation elder Carl Olsen never misses a Tuesday at his post by Goldstream Provincial Park on the Trans-Canada Highway.

Tucked safely behind a concrete barrier next to Finlayson Arm Road, Olsen – whose given name is ZAWIZUT – holds up placards with the slogan, “Save the salmon,” in protest of the province’s plan to widen the highway.

He has been a familiar face for Malahat drivers since early 2023, supported by a grassroots group of activists named the Goldstream Protectors, who share the same fears as him – that the project will threaten the Goldstream River’s salmon-spawning grounds and cause long-lasting harm on the surrounding ecosystem.

They meet every Tuesday from 10 a.m to noon, attempting to rally support and raise awareness for their caus

See Full Page