Marine Harvest building relationships with Canadian Aboriginals
The aboriginal tribes of Canada are commonly referred to as the country's "First Nations". Most of the 198 different First Nations in British Columbia are currently in negotiations with the Federal and Provincial governments about some form of self-governance, having never formally given up their original rights to land and natural resources. The Canadian Supreme Court has acknowledged this fact, and has encouraged First Nations and governments to negotiate treaties where the unwritten rights of natives are defined.
Treaty negotiations in B.C. have gone on for many years, with the result so far being less than a handful of signed agreements. In the meantime, the Provincial government of B.C. is reluctant to issue permits for the use of natural resources such as aquaculture licences without the expressed support of the local First Nation. This has resulted in an attempt by salmon farming companies operating in B.C. to try to develop a working relationship with the aboriginal community in the area where they have- or want to have- fish farms.
A positive model for such a relationship has been established between the central coast native community of Klemtu and Marine Harvest Canada. The local First Nation- the Kitasoo/Xai'xais band- has ownership and thus the ultimate control of the salmon farming licences being used by Marine Harvest. The band has its own processing plant that services the farms, and many band members are enjoying steady employment that wasn't there before.
In a recent release, Marine Harvest describes its relationship with B.C. First Nations as follows:
" Marine Harvest Canada and BC's First Nations: Respect, Partnership,Opportunity.
Developing strong and positive relationships with First Nations is important to our business. These relationships must be based upon respect for aboriginal history and culture and must recognize important modern day economic, social and environmental interests."
The release continues: "The Kitasoo/Xai'xais and Quatsino First Nations are examples of these mutually beneficial relationships. About 450 Kitasoo/Xai'xais live in Klemtu, some 500 kilometers northwest of Vancouver. Ten years ago, Marine Harvest Canada partnered with the Kitasoo/Xai'xais to develop Kitasoo Seafoods, an advanced salmon aquaculture program that produces 5000 tonnes a year. With an economy based on fishing, forestry, tourism and now including fish farming, this isolated community enjoys a high level of employment and active involvement in their business and economic development initiatives.
Perhaps the outcome is best described by Band Manager Percy Starr, "The relationship with Marine Harvest has been beautiful for the Kitasoo people."
On Vancouver Island's West Coast, our collaborative agreement with the Quatsino First Nations includes a cooperative multiyear study of the interactions of our fish farms and the shellfish that are an important cultural resource of the Quatsino people.
Working partnerships are also in place with the Kwakiutl and Gwa'sala-Nakwaxda'xw First Nations, Qwe'Qwa'Sot'Em Faith Aquaculture Ltd. and James Walkus Fishing Company. The results of our commitment to help these communities through providing scholarships, sponsorships and donations to First Nation service groups, sports teams and salmon enhancement societies has not gone unnoticed.
We have been contacted by several other First Nations and discussions are beginning with the promise of new agreements that may result in business opportunities or capacity building initiatives such as technical or professional training programs for these communities".
Marine Harvest Canada is a farmed salmon producer based in British Columbia, Canada. It employs over 500 people and produces 45,000 tonnes of fresh salmon annually.
