The Province of British Columbia and the ‘Namgis, Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis and Mamalilikulla First Nations  are extending their formalized talks regarding salmon aquaculture tenures in the Broughton Area, following significant progress this summer.

“We are united in our commitment to ensure the protection of our wild salmon and believe that this government-to-government process will allow us to accomplish that goal,” said Bob Chamberlin, Elected Chief Councillor of the Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation. “While we want this work to happen quickly, we must take the time to do it right.”

The parties have been working as a formalized table since June of this year, to reach agreement related to historical concerns regarding outstanding open-net pen salmon farms tenures with the Broughton Archipelago.

“The participants at the Broughton Table have been working hard, tackling difficult issues and making progress,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture. “It’s necessary that they have the time they need to conclude this important process.”

Throughout the summer, the First Nations and the Government of British Columbia have maintained a strong partnership and received presentations from the fish farm industry. They are considering submissions from the industry.

Based on the significant progress made to date, the First Nations and the Province have chosen to extend their mandate 60 days to continue their work.

The original mandate from the letter of understanding (LOU) signed by all parties in June 2018, set out a 90-day period to develop consensus recommendations, as well as short-, medium- and long-term actions related to salmon farming in the Broughton Archipelago.

In June, the Chiefs of the three First Nations, as well as three ministers of the Province had signed the LOU: Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development; Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture; and Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.

Learn More:

To read the letter of understanding, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/consulting-with-first-nations/agreements/lou_broughtonfn_27june2018.pdf