Since January of 2013, local governments have been asking Canada to conclude negotiations with five Nuu-chah-nulth Nations and implement aboriginal fishing rights for the benefit of coastal communities. See the full text of the letters by clicking on the links below:
“The Regional District’s Director’s know from past positive experience with the economic fishery on the Somass River, that dollars earned by local fishers stay and multiply within our communities.” January 29, 2013, Cindy Solda, Chairperson, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District
“In response to the Ahousaht et. al. decision of the BC Supreme Court, that was upheld by the BC Court of Appeal, the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation was allocated a small portion of the commercial fishing allocation in 2012. Council of the Village of Tahsis unanimously supports the further development and expansion of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht salmon fishery, including the commercial sale of species inevitably harvested as bycatch while trolling for Chinook salmon.” March 5, 2013, Jude Schooner, Mayor of Tahsis
“We encourage you to instruct your staff to continue to develop and expand the Nuu-chah-nulth fishery in 2013 to provide new and additional contributions to the Tofino and Clayoquot Sound economies.” March 18, 2013, Josie Osborne, Mayor, District of Tofino
“No one, including our local citizens and local governments, are well served by Canada continuing to delay a negotiated settlement of these matters.” February 2014, Cindy Solda, Chairperson, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District
“We urge Canada to conclude negotiations with the T’aaq-wiihak Nations to result in a fair settlement of these issues for both parties. The January 30, 2014 decision of the Supreme Court of Canada affirms the aboriginal rights of these five Nuu-chah-nulth Nations and no good is served by further delays to a negotiated settlement of these matters.” February 20, 2014, Josie Osborne, Mayor, District of Tofino
