Christine Smith-Martin is CEO of Coastal First Nations. Marilyn Slett is Chief Councillor of the Heiltsuk Tribal Council and President of Coastal First Nations.
The historic Fisheries Resources Reconciliation Agreement – signed by the Government of Canada and eight First Nations along the North Pacific Coast – is a prime example of reconciliation in action. A major step forward in co-governance and shared decision-making, the FRRA will ensure First Nations play a lead role in revitalizing coastal fisheries and in rebuilding depleted fish stocks throughout our territories.
Our siblings, grandparents and children have all spent time together along the shoreline during salmon runs. As a community, we gather to harvest, feast and preserve the salmon that sustains us; drying, curing, canning and freezing this rich food to be enjoyed throughout the year. No edible part of the fish is ever wasted.
In short, Canada’s coastal fisheries and ecosystems have been pushed to the brink, just as climate change and other stressors continue to strain ecosystems.
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This should be touted as great benefit to all Canadians of rebuilding fisheries and wild fish stocks not just as reconciliation for coastal First Nations.