Press Release
From: Fisheries and Oceans Canada
September 25, 2024
Vancouver Island, British Columbia – Reconciliation and joint management are essential in the effort to restore salmon populations and create sustainable fisheries. The Government of Canada and the Ahousaht, Ehattesaht/Chinekint, Hesquiaht, Mowachaht/Muchalaht and Tla-o-qui-aht Nations (the five Nations) are committed to working together to advance collaborative governance processes for fisheries resources.
Today, on behalf of the Government of Canada, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, was pleased to join the five Nations in announcing a path forward with the signing of the Incremental Reconciliation Agreement for Fisheries Resources (IRAFR). This two-year funding agreement provides the framework for an effective and collaborative approach to governance, management and planning of the five Nations’ fisheries resources. The agreement recognizes that the five Nations, through their respective Ha’wiih (hereditary leadership) and elected leadership, have a role in the management of fisheries in their territories.
The IRAFR also provides funding to the five Nations for implementation, capacity building and to acquire commercial fishing access. It sets out mechanisms for a Community-Based Economic Fishery plan, including shared goals and objectives to support the development of healthy, self-reliant and sustainable fisheries for the five Nations that will contribute to the local and Canadian economy.
The Government of Canada is committed to renewed relationships with Indigenous peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. Through agreements like the IRAFR, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is actively working to achieve reconciliation and redress for losses experienced by the five Nations in the fisheries.
Quotes
“The Incremental Reconciliation Agreement on Fisheries Resources is a new chapter in the relationship between the Government of Canada and the Ahousaht, Ehattesaht/Chinekint, Hesquiaht, Mowachaht/Muchalaht and Tla-o-qui-aht Nations. This agreement paves the way for collaborative fisheries management and access, and ultimately, it will help the five Nations return to their traditional economies and governance structures that supported their families and contribute to the Canadian economy”
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
“The signing of the Incremental Reconciliation Agreement for Fisheries Resources marks a transformative step forward towards reconciliation and partnership with five Nuu-chah-nulth Nations. This agreement strengthens our collective stewardship of fisheries and honours the inherent rights of the Five Nations, enabling them to reclaim and sustain their traditional practices and economies.”
The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
“We are pleased to have finally signed this incremental agreement. For a long time, we have urged DFO to take the right steps and support us in rebuilding our fishery. As Nations, we have stood united and will continue to do so – we are here to stay. We look forward to collaborating with DFO to re-establish sustainable fisheries and view this as an opportunity to forge a renewed relationship with Canada for the benefit of our fishers.”
Wickaninnish, Cliff Atleo, Lead Negotiator for Ahousaht Nation
Quick facts
Associated links
Contacts
Andrew Richardson
Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
andrew.richardson@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Lauren Dean
Communications Specialist
Ha’oom Fisheries Society
250-703-3213
lauren@haoom.ca
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