March 25, 2015

Jim Pattison Group
Suite 1800-1067 West Cordova St.
Vancouver, BC V6C 1C7
Via facsimile: 604-687-2601

OPEN LETTER TO JIM PATTISON, CHAIRMAN & CEO OF THE JIM PATTISON GROUP

Dear Mr. Pattison

We are writing in strong support of the Heiltsuk Nation and other First Nations that will be impacted if the herring fishery continues. Many First Nations have declared their opposition to the herring fisheries, specifically because of the lack of herring abundance and persistent low returns of herring. Herring stocks have not recovered from years of overharvesting. This message has been relayed on a number of occasions to government and to industry and we reiterate the call for you as chairperson to provide notice that your company will comply with the 2015 closure.

The UBCIC recently passed resolution 2015-12, “Support for Opposition to the 2015 Commercial Roe Herring Fisheries in the Waters of Haida Gwaii, Central Coast and West Coast of Vancouver Island,” which states unequivocally our support for the Haida, Heiltsuk and Nuu-chah-nulth Nations and their concerns regarding the commercial herring fisheries in their territories.

As noted in the March 20th open letter from the Heiltsuk Tribal Council, we must allow the herring stocks to recover and we call upon you to insist that you ensure that commercial fishers to not engage in fishing this endangered stock.

On behalf of the UNION OF BC INDIAN CHIEFS

[Original signed]

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip
President

Chief Robert Chamberlin
Vice-President

Kukpi7 Judy Wilson
Secretary-Treasurer