September 24, 2013
VANCOUVER, BC – The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, met with British Columbia First Nations leaders today in Vancouver to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on fisheries and aquatic resources.
“The Memorandum of Understanding being signed today by the Government of Canada and the First Nations Leadership Council is a way to maintain and build positive relations between First Nations in British Columbia and Fisheries and Oceans,” said Minister Shea. “This agreement outlines a collaborative relationship to engage in joint dialogue on matters related to fisheries and aquatic resources.”
Minister Shea said the government's investment in Aboriginal fisheries initiatives has improved fisheries governance and decision-making processes, and strengthened First Nations capacity to engage on fisheries issues in British Columbia.
“Our fisheries initiatives have been instrumental in enhancing constructive working relationships between Fisheries and Oceans Canada and B.C. First Nations,” said Minister Shea. “A joint dialogue process as offered through this Memorandum of Understanding will further both our goals of protecting and conserving the fisheries resource, and ensuring sustainable use.”
First Nations leaders who signed the Memorandum of Understanding are Grand Chief Edward John, of the First Nations Summit, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, and Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould, of the Assembly of First Nations.
Under the Memorandum of Understanding, Minister Shea is committing to meeting with the Leadership Council twice annually; the Memorandum also confirms the Department’s ongoing commitment to continue to meet with the Leadership Council’s technical body, the First Nations Fisheries Council, on a quarterly basis.
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