Members of the Musgamagw First Nation speak about the impact of fish farms in their territory. Now the Laichwiltach people are invited to learn more about this topic and share their opinions about fish farms.
Four speakers are lined up to address the Nov. 30 community meeting on fish farms in the territories of the Laichwiltach peoples. A Livestream link has also been arranged for those who can’t attend the meeting in person.
The speakers confirmed are (in alphabetical order):
Ernest Alfred, Hereditary Chief from the Nagmis, Lawit’sis and Mamalilikala Nations. Ernest was involved in the occupation of a Marine Harvest salmon farm on Swanson Island, near Alert Bay.
Angela Koch, fish farm activist, and resident of Quadra Island.
Alexandra Morton, biologist and fish farm activist for nearly 40 years. Her work is documented in the film Salmon Confidential.
Bill Wilson, Hereditary Chief of the Musgamagw and one of the chiefs who met with Premier John Horgan in Alert Bay to protest net-pen salmon farms in their territories. Wilson’s work includes helping to found the BC First Nations Congress, which he chaired for a time.
The meeting will also include a video presentation from Bob Chamberlain, elected Chief Councilor of the Kwicksutaineuk Ah-kwa-mish First Nation, which has many fish farms in their territory around Gilford Island. Bob Chamberlain is also the vice-president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs and chair of the First Nations Wild Salmon Alliance.
The meeting will start at 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30 in the Thunderbird Hall with a (wild) salmon dinner. Those who cannot attend may join from computer, tablet or smartphone by going to the Livestream link: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/707342069
The Livestream password is Fall2017.
This meeting has been organized by the Wei Wai Kum First Nation as part of an initial consultation with members to discuss the status of fish farms in our territories. All members of the Laichwiltach are welcome to attend.