This National Indigenous Peoples Day, B.C. First Nations call on Ottawa to listen, show respect, and uphold their right to farm salmon in their traditional territories.
Commentary
By Katie Maximick
Originally published in Aquaculture North America
First, I want to be clear that although the topic of this op-ed is my viewpoint from supporting First Nations working with salmon farming in their territories, I am not Indigenous, nor do I speak for First Nations or Indigenous peoples. This is my opinion and observation based on my first-hand experience working with First Nations and their participation in Canada’s imposed transition of salmon farming in British Columbia.
For the past few years, I have been a communications and government engagement coordinator for First Nations in British Columbia (B.C.) who united to fight for their right to decide as sovereign Nations whether, if, and how they host salmon farms in their coastal territories.
Many of these Nations’ socioeconomic well-being is tied to salmon farming and is therefore tied to decisions about the sector made by politicians 5,500 km away. Up to 60 percent of a Nation’s total revenue can stem from salmon farming. Revenue from partnerships with salmon farming companies, meaningful jobs, and Indigenous-owned businesses (like net-washing and water taxis) all directly benefit these communities and the social health of their people.
As you can imagine, the Government of Canada’s unilateral decisions and deadlines for the sector (based on activism rather than science) are a literal threat to these remote communities and their people.
This critical dialogue between these Nations and the Government of Canada has taken me to Ottawa many times since 2022 where my role as a note-taker in meetings has shown me the underbelly of the federal government. I learned the hard way how, regardless of party, politicians must tow their party’s line on salmon farming even if their personal opinion and values vary from their party’s stance – even if that party’s stance will hurt people.
More than a few meetings turned heated, and many more grew emotional as Indigenous leaders shared their Nation’s history, the ongoing impacts of colonization on their communities, states of emergencies due to suicides and overdoses, and what would happen if the government simply shut down the salmon farming sector in their territories against their will. As tough as these topics were to hear for many politicians (some would openly cry), they have the privilege of not having to experience it first-hand.
It has been more than difficult for me to watch this unfolding. I’ve seen a hypocritical lack of empathy, respect, and understanding from many politicians, particularly those whose parties tout reconciliation with First Nations.
To say that I have been disenchanted by how our government operates would be an understatement. I have often felt helpless over the years, but I’m inspired by the resilience of the Indigenous leaders I am proud to know and support. I’ve also come to realize that I can help by using my skills and my voice to help amplify theirs.
Due to the impacts of ongoing colonization, many First Nations (particularly remote ones) lack the capacity to fight back against the government or outside influences like wealthy, urban activists. It’s a lopsided fight, to say the least.
So how can non-Indigenous people help First Nations and Indigenous groups fight for their economic self-determination (regarding salmon farming and beyond)?
Be active allies, or as Chief Crystal Smith of the Haisla Nation urges, be accomplices. Speak up. Step up. Use your privilege if you have it. Pressure Ottawa and provincial leadership to invest in building capacity for these Nations so they can fully manage their communities, participate in Canada’s economy, and pull themselves out of government-caused poverty.
Remind politicians that reconciliation with First Nations cannot be cherry-picked to suit opinions on a Nation’s choice of how they participate in the economy.
Salmon farming meets Canada’s goals of increasing food security and affordability. With the current trade war between Canada and USA., Canadian consumers are looking for Canadian products in the grocery store. B.C. farmed salmon is not only Canadian-grown, but 100 percent grown in partnership with First Nations.
The recent federal election and new cabinet under Prime Minister Mark Carney provide the Government of Canada an opportunity to finally do right by these First Nations and the sacrifices they’ve made fighting for their right to farm salmon in their traditional territories. Prime Minister Carney, fisheries minister Joanne Thompson, and other federal decision makers can turn the page on the bleak B.C. salmon farming story to a brighter and more promising, respectful, and collaborative chapter.
With the current geo-political uncertainty we’re seeing unfold in the world and attacks on the sovereignty of nations, what is timelier than endorsing Canadian-grown food while protecting the sovereignty of Canada’s First Nations?
Katie Maximick is a communications professional grateful to be born and raised on the unceded territory of the K’ómoks First Nation. She started out in aquaculture in 2018 before transitioning to support First Nations engaging with the federal and provincial governments on the future of salmon farming in their traditional territories. Elbows up.
(Main image shows a Press Conference by the Coalition of First Nations for Finfish Stewardship – Photo: Katie Maximick)