WILD SALMON FOREVER A DECLARATION OF THE FIRST NATIONS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA We, the Indigenous leaders of British Columbia, come together united in our resolve, determination and commitment to ensure the protection and conservation of wild salmon. Wild Salmon - our relative and an intrinsic part of our territories to which we hold a spiritual and cultural connection to is integral to the culture, and well-being of our communities and families. We recognize, honour, and respect that wild salmon is sacred, and we have an inherent stewardship responsibility to take care of this resource accordance with our traditional knowledge, laws and ways of life. As Indigenous Peoples of these territories we stand together to declare: Wild Salmon is a sacred gift from the Creator that gives, sustains and nurtures our communities and families; We have Aboriginal Title, Rights and Treaty Rights to our lands, water and resources and that we will exercise our collective and inherent authorities and jurisdictions over these lands, water and resources, including wild salmon; Our rights include the right to sustainably fish wild salmon and continue with the expectation that abundance and healthy stocks will continue to benefit the generations to follow. These rights also include the right to protect the wild salmon and the aquatic habitat that supports the stocks and to share this significant resource with those who share our traditional lands and upon whom they depend; We have a sacred responsibility to protect wild salmon for our people today and for our future generations; We have an inherent stewardship responsibility for the protection and conservation of wild salmon within our respective territories; and, We endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights and Indigenous Peoples and other international standards aimed at ensuring the sustainability and protection of our wild salmon. As Indigenous Peoples of these territories we stand together to commit to the following actions: Stand united with each other in protecting our Aboriginal Title, Rights and Treaty rights to wild salmon in our respective territories; Work towards the protection and stewardship of wild salmon in the face of many challenges; Work towards a unified strategy for the protection, conservation and enhancement of wild salmon stocks, their reproductive areas and their migratory routes; Work together as the First Nations Wild Salmon Alliance and to speak with a common voice for the protection and conservation and enhancement of wild salmon throughout British Columbia; Recognize and respect each Nation’s autonomy and support each other in exercising our respective Title, Rights and jurisdiction; and, Work together to uphold this Declaration. As Indigenous Peoples we have the inherent obligation and duty to defend and protect the well-being of our communities through the protection and conservation of wild salmon within our territories. We welcome other First Nations to support this Declaration if they so choose. ubcic.bc.ca/FNWSA/index.htm#axzz3GkBD9Isy
Posted on: Tue, 21 Oct 2014 02:48:23 +0000
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