A-Tlegay Member Nations and the federal government have signed a 20-year reconciliation agreement for fisheries resources.
It aims at improving access to commercial fishing licences and quotas, supporting sustainable shellfish aquaculture and providing training and business development in commercial fishing.
The A-Tlegay Member Nations include the K’ómoks, Kwiakah, Tlowitsis, We Wai Kai and We Wai Kum First Nations.
According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the agreement will support diversification and economic development for the A-Tlegay Member Nations by enabling them to acquire commercial fishing assets through an open market process.
The agreement also includes a commitment to establish a collaborative fisheries management governance structure with Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
“The A-Tlegay member nations have been managing these fisheries for a long time,” said fisheries minister Joanne Thompson. “This agreement recognizes that, creates real economic opportunity and puts a collaborative governance structure in place to support the work going forward.”
The A-Tlegay Member Nations said in a statement they are proud to have worked together and with Fisheries and Oceans Canada to achieve the milestone.
“Our fisheries have sustained each of our nations for generations and we have endured as our long history of sustainable fisheries management has been disrupted in the last century,” the statement said. “This agreement will support us in building upon the considerable track record of the A-Tlegay Fisheries Society in fisheries governance and management and to re-establish the important balance between economic opportunities and stewardship.”
According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the agreement will enable a more collaborative, co-ordinated and efficient approach to the governance and management of fisheries resources, including associated economic opportunities.
The agreement was signed Feb. 19.
