The Government of Canada and the Coastal First Nations are committed to working together to advance a more collaborative and efficient approach to the governance and management of fisheries resources.

“This agreement is an important step towards building a new and better path for our work with Indigenous peoples in furthering economic opportunities. We’re working together, nation-to-nation, to plan for the long-term sustainability and use of fisheries resources while preserving ecological integrity, furthering economies and enhancing the well-being of coastal people.”

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs

“Collaboration with Indigenous communities in Canada, such as the ones represented in this agreement, is critical to protecting Canada’s coasts and our ability to have economically viable fisheries while protecting our oceans for future generations.”

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., Q.C., M.P.,
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“The importance of the agreement will be the renewal of community-based and sustainable commercial fisheries on BC’s north and central coast. As well as creating opportunities in traditional fisheries, the emergence of sustainable aquaculture will lead to a healthy coastal economy. Species such as scallops, geoduck, oyster, clams and mussels all represent viable aquaculture opportunities for the Central and North Coast communities.“

Chief Marilyn Slett
President, Coastal First Nations

• Fisheries resource planning involves ocean and coastal management plans as well as that at the community level.

• The Coastal First Nations and the Great Bear Initiative is a unique alliance of Nations living on British Columbia’s North and Central Coast. Each Nation in this alliance has its own distinct culture, governance, and territory.

• Reconciliation Framework Agreement signatory First Nations, as represented by the Great Bear Initiative Society, are the Gitga’at First Nation, Gitxaala Nation, Heiltsuk First Nation, Kitasoo First Nation, Metlakatla First Nation, Nuxalk Nation, and Wuikinuxv Nation.

Associated Links

• Coastal First Nations Great Bear Initiative Society
• Ocean Protection Plan
• British Columbia Assembly of First Nations

Chief Marilyn Slett
President
Coastal First Nations
250-957-7721

Sabrina Williams
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
613-697-8316

INAC Media Relations
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160

Laura Gareau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474

DFO Media Relations
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca