Since 9/11, there have been many changes in this country, not the least of which has been severe undercutting of funds desperately needed to protect and restore our rivers, marine waters and the many habitats that sustain fish, wildlife and our own future well-being. There’s also developed a wider divide between people from different walks of life.

I’m asking you, my brothers and sisters of all communities, to turn this situation around.

Let’s do all we can to save and protect our natural heritage and let’s do all we can to do it together.

The investments we make in fish, wildlife and a clean environment, as well as the respect we hold for each other, are actually investments in our children. If this country permits fear of terrorism, or anything else, to deter focus and funding away from the land that sustains us, the battle is lost.

That’s why the Salmon Homecoming Alliance, which has encouraged united efforts to restore fish and wildlife habitat through its celebrations in Seattle over the past 16 years, has adopted a very special theme this year: “The drum beats for everyone.”

It’s a simple statement that says a lot. It says that regardless of your ethnic background, vocation, income, age or religion, you are part of this land.

The Salmon Homecoming Forum and Reception at the Seattle Aquarium on Sept. 11 will produce a Unity Accord aimed at pledging all of us to work toward political solidarity and cooperative stewardship. It’s a landmark event to send a message of peace and stewardship and I hope you will attend, and participate. You can find out more at www.SalmonHomecoming.org.

Pollution, climate change, overpopulation and overzealous upland development all contribute to the destruction and diminishment of habitat required by salmon and all forms of life. These are critical challenges that we can resolve — but only if we work together. Through this Accord, I hope we will acknowledge that our own lives are connected with and dependent upon all other life forms, as are our quality of life and sustainable economies.

We the people who hail from near and far must pledge to work with, and encourage, our local, state, federal and tribal governments to do the things necessary to achieve environmental justice for all.

Let’s all work together to turn the tide on habitat degradation and commit ourselves to the reduction of our carbon footprint, more judicious use of water, energy and other resources, the promotion of clean industry and energy, the elimination of pollution and the coordinated political action needed to protect our food source for generations to come.

Let’s not kid ourselves. Such an effort won’t be achieved simply with a pledge or accord. There must be more regular contact with one another and sharing of ideas. There must be greater understanding and follow through.

There is no goal more pertinent or important than our respect for Mother Earth. The drum does beat for everyone.

Billy Frank, Jr., is Chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, which serves the treaty Indian tribes of Western Washington. Their website is at www.nwifc.org.