MEDIA ADVISORY
July 10, 2006

What: Press Conference to discuss FNSAA AFN Resolution
When: Tuesday July 11th, 2006 at 12:30pm
Where: Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Center - 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC

VANCOUVER, B.C. – The member Nations First Nations Strategic Alliance on Aquaculture (FNSAA) will table a resolution at the 27th Annual General Assembly of the Assembly of First Nations. The resolution will call on the First Nations Leadership Council and the Province of British Columbia to form a bilateral New Relationship Aquaculture Committee to specifically address and meaningfully integrate aboriginal principles, laws and perspectives on multi-jurisdictional, technical, scientific and policy issues inherent in the management of the aquaculture industry.

Resolutions supporting the objectives of the FNSAA have recently been passed by the First Nations Summit (June 16th/06) and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (June 8th/06).

The FNSAA, founded May 8th 2006, recently met to review their membership which currently stands at 19 Nations. As founding members of the FNSAA, the Xwémalhkwu First Nation (XFN) and the member Nations of the Musgamagw-Tsawataineuk Tribal Council (MTTC) continue to invite other First Nations who may be adversely affected by open net cage fin fish farms to join the FNSAA.

The member Nations of the FNSAA resolve to collaborate on legal, political and cultural strategies to protect traditional territories from further degradation and risk from open net cage fin fish farms.

The traditional territories of the MTTC member Nations encompass the majority of the Broughton Archipelago while the traditional territory of XFN includes Bute Inlet and the Johnston Strait/Narrows area near Campbell River. Combined, these territories contain the majority of open net cage salmon farms on the BC Coast.

Speakers at this press conference will include the leadership of the FNSAA founding Nations: Chief Darren Blaney, Chief Bill Cranmer, Chief Eric Joseph and Chief Bob Chamberlin. In addition, Chief Judith Sayers of the Hupacasath First Nation, Chief Frank Malloway of the Yakweakwioose First Nation and any other Chiefs of FNSAA member Nations present will be invited to say a few words.

For further information please contact:
Chief Darren Blaney , Xwémalhkwu First Nation, 250-287-0204
Chief Bill Cranmer, Namgis’ First Nation, 250-974-8460
Chief Eric Joseph, Tsawataineuk First Nation, 250-974-4224
Chief Bob Chamberlin, Kwicksutaineuk-Ah-Kwaw-Ah-Mish First Nation, 250-974-7511