The British Columbia First Nations Fisheries Council challenged Prime Minister Harper to address the fisheries crisis in First Nations communities in the First Ministers’ meeting and Budget last week.
The First Nations Fisheries Council is urging the Government of Canada to address the current crisis in BC First Nations communities through a $1.3 billion dollar fisheries-related investment in as a part of the federal economic stimulus package.
Downturns in the commercial fishing industry and forestry sectors have left many First Nations people without income and unable to qualify for Employment Insurance benefits. At the same time, due to a crisis in the health of fish stocks the majority of First Nations in British Columbia have not been able to gather adequate food fish resources to sustain their families and communities over the winter months.
"Fishing is an integral part of our culture in coastal and interior communities," stated Dr Michelle Corfield, First Nations Fisheries Council Member. "The Government of Canada needs to take action through supporting economic initiatives that will directly benefit First Nations communities and the fisheries resource. The package which the First Nations Fisheries Council is proposing will address this need."
Grand Chief Doug Kelly challenged Prime Minister Harper's government to work with the opposition leaders in order to develop a budget that meets the needs of all Canadians. "We have been encouraged by Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff's comments that the federal budget must meet the needs of the most vulnerable Canadians," said Mr Kelly.
"No other group faces the weight of the challenges that currently burden First Nations communities."
