Vision:

Our ancestors have passed on to us the responsibility to protect our land, waters and resources as they have before us, and to pass on our traditional values and practices to future generations. First Nations in BC will work together – based on respect for each other and the natural world – to address issues in the fishery for our common good and to enhance the well being of our communities. We will strive to maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems and species and restore them as necessary. We will work in partnership and share management responsibility based on our ownership of our territories and our right to manage the fishery. We will work with other governments and third parties to ensure recognition and respect of our title and rights and conservation and appropriate management of the resource.

Goals:

First Nations in BC have established the following seven goals for the Pacific fishery:

1. That we have healthy ecosystems that are resilient to change.

2. That, within the limits of healthy ecosystems and species, First Nations have the ability to use species and habitat to nourish their people for food, social, spiritual, educational and ceremonial purposes.

3. That within the limits of healthy ecosystems and species (and once the second goal is achieved), that First Nations have the ability to generate enough economic wealth from a diversity of resources and uses so that families and communities are healthy.

4. That within the limits of healthy ecosystems and species (and once the second goal is achieved), that First Nations have the ability to share their resources and wealth with respectful neighbours and guests, and that this sharing is reciprocated.

5. That First Nations, federal and provincial governments jointly manage aquatic species and ecosystems, and that those involved in the use and enjoyment of aquatic species and ecosystems have the responsibility and ability to meaningfully contribute and share their knowledge, experience, and energy towards achieving the above goals.

6. That First Nations, federal and provincial governments, with the help of others, ensure aquatic species and ecosystem users and managers are held accountable if they are not respectful of the above goals.

7. That there is a high degree of certainty that we can continue to achieve these goals over time.

Principles:

First Nations have established the following eight principles to guide actions relating to the Pacific fishery:

1. Ecosystem Approach

Species and their habitat are managed through an ecosystem approach. An ecosystem approach looks at the role that a species, habitat-type, or activity plays in relation to other species, habitats or activities, and in relation to their broader ecosystem. It also looks at the cumulative effects of different activities. Finally, it includes understanding broader processes and dynamics driving change at smaller scales.

The protection, maintenance, and rehabilitation of aquatic resources, their habitats, and interconnected life support systems, take precedence in managing aquatic resources. For species and ecosystems to continue to produce benefits, we must protect their diversity and resilience to impacts and changes. In making decisions, it is important to respect the limits of our knowledge and understanding of aquatic systems, especially given current uncertainty about environmental change. Resource managers and users should therefore err on the side of caution when making decisions. According to this precautionary principle, where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent harm to aquatic species and their habitat.

2. Conservation

The protection, maintenance, and rehabilitation of aquatic resources, their habitats, and interconnected life support systems, take precedence in managing aquatic resources. For species and ecosystems to continue to produce benefits, we must protect their diversity and resilience to impacts and changes. In making decisions, it is important to respect the limits of our knowledge and understanding of aquatic systems, especially given current uncertainty about environmental change. Resource managers and users should therefore err on the side of caution when making decisions. According to this precautionary principle, where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent harm to aquatic species and their habitat.

3. Sustainability

Aquatic resource use should be conducted in an environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable manner. Asking whether an activity can continue to produce similar benefits for future generations is one way of determining whether an activity is sustainable. This test should be applied in the context of prior knowledge, our limited ability to predict the future, and an ecosystem approach that looks at the activity in relation to other activities or broader dynamics. Full-cost accounting that integrates social, ecological, and economic costs and benefits should also be used when making decisions related to aquatic resources.

4. Shared Responsibility

A central First Nations role in management is necessary, based on Aboriginal and Treaty rights and title. First Nations, Federal, and Provincial governments should have primary responsibility for the management of aquatic species and habitat. Local governments, fishers, communities, and the public at large should have opportunities to contribute meaningfully to management.

5. Accountability

Aquatic resource managers and users should be accountable for the results of their decisions and actions. Accountability involves establishing desired outcomes, establishing rules of conduct in achieving outcomes, monitoring rules, evaluating whether outcomes are being achieved, and implementing meaningful corrective action.

6. Diverse Approaches and Benefit

We respect the cultural diversity among BC First Nations and the importance of continuing and supporting each other’s traditional practices. Diversified benefits and participation in management are important in garnering support for protecting aquatic species and ecosystems. Within the framework of a common vision and principles, different approaches and institutions should be nurtured in different geographic or sectoral communities in BC. Diverse approaches should be independently and transparently evaluated according to a common framework. This can provide incentives for innovation and the ability to test and adapt management strategies.

7. First Nations Ownership

First Nations rights and title arise from prior use and occupation of the land and ocean spaces, and include rights to utilize and manage aquatic resources. We will respect the rights and title of other First Nations and support each other to advance those rights.

8. Stewardship

The use of aquatic species and their habitat should carry with it the responsibility to treat them with respect and ensure their continued and unimpaired use and enjoyment by future generations.