What:
The Nuu-chah-nulth are holding a press conference to speak about the injunction hearing underway opposing the commercial roe herring fisheries within our territories on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Who:
Shawn Atleo, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, will speak on behalf of the Nuu-chah-nulth Nations.
When:
February 21, 2014 at 12:30pm to 1:00pm
Where:
Federal Court Building, 701 West Georgia, Vancouver
Why:
DFO and the commercial herring industry have proposed fisheries in B.C. totaling 19,700 tons in 2014, with 4,067 tons coming from Haida Gwaii, the central coast, and the west coast of Vancouver Island. The WCVI has been closed since 2006 by DFO to allow the herring stocks to rebuild. First Nations believe the 2014 opening is premature and that DFO should maintain the closure until stocks are more abundant.
The commercial roe herring fishers and DFO have ignored requests by the First Nations to protect the stocks in our territories and have forced the Nations to take legal action. The Nations are holding a court hearing seeking to relocate the commercial roe herring fishery from the west coast of Vancouver Island into the Strait of Georgia or Prince Rupert area where herring stocks are abundant.
Contact:
Shannon Cowan, Uu-a-thluk Outreach Coordinator
Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council
250-594-7002
