BC First Nation asserts sovereignty.
The ongoing debate over ocean-based salmon farming in British Columbia has reached a new height, with Kitasoo Xai’xais Deputy Chief Councillor Isaiah Robinson pushing back against calls for external oversight and the removal of farms.
In an open letter issued on Friday, Robinson criticizes groups like Wild First Canada, emphasizing the importance of First Nations’ sovereignty over their lands and resources. “These are not scientists; they are activists with a vendetta against fish farms,” Robinson said, responding to proposals for increased monitoring.
He further highlighted that every remaining fish farm in BC operates in partnership with First Nations, reinforcing their commitment to sustainable stewardship. Robinson stressed the significance of respecting these partnerships, asserting that decisions about the future of fish farming should be made by those directly involved rather than external groups.
Read the full statement below:
Kitasoo Xai’xais’ Response to Wild First Canada’s Call for Independent Oversight and Removal of Ocean-Based Salmon Farms
Decisions about our fish farms should come from those directly involved, not from activists unfamiliar with our work. In British Columbia, 100% of fish farms operate in partnership with First Nations, underscoring our commitment to sustainable stewardship.
It’s remarkable that those who have never run fish farms in their territories, and have repeatedly declined our invitations to visit the Kitasoo Xai’xais fish farms, now feel entitled to dictate the transition process. They haven’t seen firsthand our innovation, technology, or the quality of our fish. These are not scientists or veterinarians; they are activists with a vendetta against fish farms, using them as a scapegoat to distract from real threats to wild salmon-issues like climate change, overfishing, and sport fishing, in which Wild First Canada founder Tony Allard has a vested interest.
So no, I don’t agree with Bob’s stance that “independent monitoring and oversight… will help the federal government in its goal of rebuilding trust in the science and decision-making.” You know what will rebuild trust? The government respecting our Rights and Title by keeping their hands out of our sovereign operations, our decision-making process, and our right to self-governance and self-determination. It’s crucial to understand that 100% of the remaining fish farms in BC waters operate in partnership with First Nations, reflecting our stewardship and commitment to sustainable practices. Respecting these partnerships is the only way the government will earn the trust of the coastal First Nations who have chosen to enact their sovereignty through responsible aquaculture in our unceded territories.
We are committed to working collaboratively, but the focus should be on partnering with the Nations that know their waters, steward their resources, and have everything to lose if this industry-one that is rapidly improving-is unjustly dismantled. Meanwhile, other sectors that favour the wealthy and harm the environment continue to get chance after chance. They are given the luxury of time, while remote coastal communities like ours are put at risk for the sake of political showmanship.
