Salmon farmers welcomed by First Nation

The Hereditary Chiefs of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation have asked the association to hold its 31st AGM next year in Tofino.

“This is an historical moment for BC’s salmon farmers and says a lot about how far we have come in our relationships with First Nations, and about the inclusive and sustainable manner in which we raise salmon in BC. Our members have gained tremendous knowledge of the oceans through relationships with First Nations. This respectful coming together in the traditional territory of a coastal First Nation, that has moved from a place of strong opposition to one of formal partnership, is a milestone for our industry,” said Jeremy Dunn, Executive Director, BC Salmon Farmers Association. 

“Our 30th Annual General Meeting, held September 25th in Campbell River, was an inspirational look at the future of salmon aquaculture in BC  Our members are very positive about the future and we are very much looking forward to sharing that with the Tla-o-qui-aht in Tofino next year.”

“The Tla-o-qui-aht have not always been welcoming of salmon farmers, but we’ve now established our protocol agreement with Creative Salmon,” said Tla-o-qui-aht Natural Resources Director Saya Masso. “With that agreement we’ve been able to work toward recognition that activity in our traditional territories must respect Hishuk ish ts’awalk [everything is one].  We look forward to sharing that as we host the BC Salmon Farmers Association at our Tin Wis Resort Hotel next year.”

Under the Tla-o-qui-aht’s formal partnership agreement with BCSFA member Creative Salmon, both parties have appointed members to a Fish Farm Committee for regular and ongoing dialogue.  Creative Salmon is North America’s only producer of Certified Organic Chinook Salmon.  The company employs 50 people who live in Tofino, Ucluelet, and west coast Vancouver Island First Nation communities.

“Creative Salmon and the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation have a mutual desire to respect the land, waters, and watersheds where Creative Salmon operates and to conduct those operations in a manner that means minimal environmental impact,” said Tim Rundle, Creative Salmon General Manager.  “This approach has always guided Creative Salmon’s operations, and now in formal partnership with Tla-o-qui-aht, we will continue to pursue sustainable approaches, best practices, and social and economic benefits for local communities.”

Members of the BCSFA are currently partnering with coastal First Nations on 17 economic and social partnerships and are working toward many more. This is exemplified by new site applications underway with both the Ahousat First Nation in Clayoquot Sound, the Tlatlasikwala First Nation on Hope Island.