In March, what had been anticipated as a potential $6-million harvest for the Heiltsuk Nation was cancelled, reflecting market upheaval as a result of COVID-19 and the challenges of physical distancing on small fishing boats.Around this time of year, British Columbia’s Heiltsuk Nation would usually be wrapping up its roe-on-kelp fishery, a short, seasonal harvest that is a cultural mainstay for the Heiltsuk and has also become a major source of income for the community.
The decision affected about 700 Heiltsuk Nation members and left the community worried about the economic impact of cancelling the fishery and whether their members would qualify for government aid. Heiltsuk leaders are uncertain whether people taking part in the roe-on-kelp fishery will meet the income and other thresholds set under existing aid programs, including the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.
“You can imagine how gut-wrenching that was, to make the decision not to go,” said Mr. Brown, who’s been fishing for decades. Last year’s salmon runs were poor, making the roe-on-kelp even more important for the community and making it essential for governments to take a flexible approach to COVID-19 aid with the principles of reconciliation in mind, Ms. Slett said,
I lived in that community 35 years ago and I’m sorry for the people there to lose such an important part of their livelihood
Good news for the crashing herring population, anyway.
heiltsuk_paleo Very sad! :(