Tseshaht First Nation has called for an emergency meeting with Fisheries and Oceans Canada to deal with a number of issues stemming from the “significant drought coupled with very high temperatures” and the serious impact on water flow in many of Vancouver Island’s rivers and streams.
In a letter today to Regional Director General Sue Farlinger, Tseshaht Chief Councillor Hugh Braker, Vice-President of the First Nations Fisheries Council of B.C., said a number of First Nations chiefs from Vancouver Island are in favor of an emergency meeting to:
~ To receive an update on the current state of fish returns to Vancouver Island rivers
~ To examine possible remedial actions that can be taken
~ To discuss plans or options for aboriginal fisheries
~ To exchange information on initiatives being pursued on Vancouver Island to deal with this issue.
Braker suggests three dates—July 17, 23 or 24—and asks Farlinger to attend to provide the information. Tseshaht and Cowichan have offered to host, with Tseshaht taking the lead to organize the meeting wherever it will be held. All First Nations on Vancouver Island are invited to attend, with several aboriginal provincial organizations indicating interest in attending. Several First Nations have agreed to exchange information.
“The Department’s attendance is vital to the success of the meeting,” reads the letter. “Approximately thirty First Nations are affected by the drought. The drought will not end until there are several days of heavy rain. I would suggest that you may wish to have members of your department familiar with each of the regions on Vancouver Island to attend.”
Braker believes this situation to be an emergency.
“This drought may be the worst in memory for many areas of Vancouver Island,” writes Braker. “I remain of the view that only through co-operation and information sharing can we try to ease the effects of the drought.”
