Leading up to Truth and Reconciliation Day, First Nations leaders gathered on Sept. 27th at the Union of BC Indian Chiefs offices in Vancouver for a media conference, hosted by Chief Dr. Robert Joseph. Joined by BC commercial fishers, tourism groups, and allies from various sectors, they called for the following:

1. The prompt release of a comprehensive Transition Plan that aligns with the federal government’s 2019 commitment to remove open-net salmon farms from BC waters by 2025.

2. Reliable, long-term funding to support salmon restoration efforts.

“There has never been a coalition so large or so diverse in terms of politics, interests and professions calling for action on an environmental issue in B.C.,” said Karen Wristen, Executive Director of Living Oceans Society. “The government needs to move on this file now!”