Native Band elects aquaculture supporter as Chief
In a move not unusual in the political situation within native Indian Bands in Canada, the new Chief of the Homalco First Nation near Campbell River on Vancouver Island is pursuing a different strategy than the former Chief. On October 11, 2008 Richard Harry was elected Chief and thus beat the former Chief, Darren Blaney in the election processs. Mr. Harry is a former Chief of his Band, having served 20 years as Chief until he stepped down 6 years ago in order to form the Aboriginal Aquaculture Association.
The Homalco Band under Chief Harry's leadership had built a salmon enhancement hatchery in its Traditional Territory along Bute Inlet east of Campbell River. This is still in operation today, churning out Coho, Chum and Chinook salmon smolt for the benefit of local sport fishermen and commercial fishers up and down the coast. The band also ventured into a salmon farming operation when the industry first started in B.C., but a downturn in the industry in the late 80's caused the closure of its only farm.
When Mr. Harry stepped down as Chief in 2002, the new Chief decided not to pursue opportunities in salmon farming that had been identified by the former Chief and Council. A deal had been worked out with one of the salmon farming companies operating out of Campbell River where the Band members would be provided with jobs and business opportunities in an expanding industry. Licenses would be held mutually.
One of the first things that Chief Darren Blaney did after he was elected was to reverse course on salmon aquaculture and walk away from the opportunities for economic development that salmon farming represented for the Band and its members. Instead, an agreement was signed for co-operation with one of the many anti-salmon farming environmental organizations in B.C.- the Georgia Strait Alliance. In 2007, Chief Blaney travelled to the AquaNor conference in Norway on support from the Provincial Government, where he was interviewed by Norwegian media about his anti-salmon farming position.
Richard Harry's main purpose for running for Chief was to try to alleviate the rampant poverty now prevalent among Band members. Previously established activities of economic development have fallen by the wayside, or been squandered by outside consultants and lawyers hired to fight fish farms. The agreement between the Band and the Georgia Strait Alliance has not resulted in any visible benefits to Band members. An important part of a new economic revitalization plan will more than likely involve some activities within the sustainable aquaculture industry in B.C.
