Submitted by Katie Beach
Central Region Biologist
Feb. 15, 2007
Ucluelet First Nation is taking steps to make sure that fishing remains
a part of the community's way of life. On Jan. 31 and Feb.1, Ucluelet
First Nation community members, the fisheries committee
and Uu-a-thluk staff met in Ittatsoo for two days to develop a strategic
plan for a renewed Ucluelet fisheries program.
Ucluelet, like other Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, has always been a community based around fishing and the fishing industry. Today, however, the community has many other priorities and employment opportunities, and some people fear the loss of the fishing way of life.
The problem is compounded by obstacles to fishers, such as costly licenses, quotas, boats and equipment, reduced opportunity and resources, and complex licensing restrictions. The Ucluelet fisheries strategic planning session was designed to address these concerns and to plan for increased participation in the fishing industry, both for commercial and home use.
The first day of meetings informed and updated the community about their current program and other relevant fisheries issues in Nuu-chah-nulth ha-houlthee. Participants brainstormed ideas addressing various local issues, ensuring that their ideas will be incorporated into the program's strategic plan.
Meeting facilitator Josie Osborne applauded the contributions, saying "Participants provided excellent advice on issues ranging from research and monitoring priorities, to economic development opportunities, to capacity building initiatives that would increase local access to fish."
On the second day, the Ucluelet First Nation Fisheries Committee prioritized the suggestions from community members and began setting work plans for implementation. People noted that emphasis should be to develop a fisheries program that delivers capacity building opportunities and employment in fisheries related jobs.
Priorities included developing monitoring programs for fish resources (such as salmon and crab) and environmental quality (such as stream habitat and water quality).
Meeting chair Bob
Mundy said he was "impressed by the motivation and enthusiasm of
participants." Local fisher Don Mundy acknowledged that the process
gave him "hope, especially now when many of us feel deflated because
of the low stock returns and expensive obstacles to fishing." All
participants agreed that the meeting was much needed and a helpful motivator
that will spur the development of a useful strategic fisheries plan for
the community.
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of this article or photographs, in whole or in part, is illegal without
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