The Heart of the Fraser focuses on the gravel reach of the Fraser River from Mission to Hope, British Columbia. It explains the ecological importance of the gravel reach, its historical background, and importance to both Indigenous people and settlers. The film highlights why the gravel reach is a critical part of the Fraser River, in the light of ongoing environmental stress caused by unrefulated land use changes.
Fish and wildlife in the gravel reach are impacted by continuing industrial development and habitat loss in the floodplain that has continued since European settlement began. A glimpse of the struggles the heart of the Fraser has faced in the past and is facing today make clear that with a continuing lack of action and awareness the ecosystem will collapse and become a social, environmental and economic tragedy. The Heart of the Fraser is a powerful call for change that leaves viewers both informed and inspired
