Coastal First Nations who support salmon farming say they’re tired of their perspectives being passed over for politics.
The Coalition of First Nations for Finfish Stewardship is in Ottawa this week along with salmon farmers from BC to speak out against the federal government’s promise to remove net pens from BC waters by 2029.
“This ban will sink us. This will sink the North Island,” said Isaiah Robinson, deputy chief councillor of the Kitasoo Xai’Xais First Nation, who was part of the gathering.
Dallas Smith, spokesperson for the coalition, says Indigenous communities that have reduced poverty and social issues thanks to the economic benefits from salmon farms will be hurt the most, and have been left out of the conversation.
“We’re tired of the federal government talking to us about the decisions they’re making in our territories,” he said Thursday morning at an event in Ottawa. “They are listening to activists and ministers… who are continuing to interfere with our rights and self-determination.”
Robinson echoed Smith’s concerns.
“I’m tired of repeating the same points to new politicians on the so-called aquaculture transition plan that has bounced between groups,” he said. “But mostly I’m tired of the pseudo-consultation which proves only to exclude Indigenous communities on the coast while determining the fate of this overall industry.”
Robinson said salmon farming isn’t just about jobs in his nation, it’s the backbone of First Nations communities up and down the coast. He said it provides food security, year-round employment, and pride for communities that previously struggled with poverty and social issues for decades.
“How can we put a price tag on suicides, addictions, overdoses, domestic violence, and increased strain of our already overwhelmed rural health care system?” he said. “How do you answer children who are growing up watching their communities crumble under poverty? These are real and measurable costs that will impact across our nations and will be impacted by this transition.”
The coalition and salmon farmers released a new economic impact report which estimates the federal plan to transition the BC industry out of the ocean will cost taxpayers more than $9 billion.
The full report is available here.
The CPAC press conference is available here.
