Semá:th Territory, Abbotsford, BC, July 15, 2022 – Summer 2022 marks the third year of Sumas First Nation’s comprehensive five-year Conservation, Guardianship, and Harvest Plan. This ongoing effort is focused on the preservation and revitalization of salmon stocks, balancing interim harvesting measures and monitoring activities at the Sumas-Chilliwack River terminal fisheries. Utilizing advanced Adaptive Resolution Imaging Sonar (ARIS) technology, technicians from Sumas First Nation are actively tracking salmon abundance and catches within the Lower Sumas-Chilliwack watershed. Nets used in the study will be clearly marked with corks and buoys, and local water users are urged to take precautions accordingly.
The harvested salmon will meet the Food, Social, and Ceremonial (FSC) requirements of the Sumas Community, a right protected constitutionally, while also gathering crucial data on the 2022 status of the Summer terminal salmon run. The selective fishing approach is designed to target specific salmon species, ensuring the conservation of vulnerable stocks like Cultus Lake sockeye. This strategy serves as an alternative to the Fraser River mainstem fisheries, especially considering the current presence of concern-worthy stocks like Interior Fraser Coho and Steelhead, coupled with the lingering effects of the Big Bar landslide, affecting Fraser River migrations.
The evaluation of the Sumas-Chilliwack River salmon fishery integrates Indigenous knowledge systems with contemporary scientific methodologies, drawing on significant historical insights from Sumas First Nation Fishers. This approach combines cutting-edge stock assessment techniques with traditional wisdom, enhancing the understanding of annual variations in salmon runs and enabling near-real-time adjustments to harvest schedules.
The ARIS project, situated at the Vedder Crossing Bridge, operates during critical Summer and Fall periods, observing the upstream migration of adult salmon (Chinook, Sockeye, Pink, Chum, and Coho) towards their spawning grounds. These operations facilitate the estimation of adult salmon abundance and their distribution by species and week. Additionally, activities near and downstream of the sonar are captured annually. The resultant information is shared with First Nations, recreational anglers, the Province of British Columbia, and the DFO, fostering accountability, transparency, and trust, all in the pursuit of conserving and safeguarding the salmon resource for future generations.
The Conservation, Guardianship, and Harvest Plan is grounded in supporting Sumas First Nation to reclaim their stewardship over the Semá:th S’ólh Téméxw salmon resource and implement the Semá:th Declaration. Sumas First Nation contributes to the sustainable development of the inland salmon fishery in the Sumas First Nation territory. Tracking and monitoring stocks in the area to conserve and protect fisheries is guided by the principles and values in:
- The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;
- Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act;
- Semá:th S’olh Temexw Conservation and Harvest Plan;
- Semá:th Declaration;
- Aboriginal rights and title;
- And Inherent laws and obligations.
The Sumas First Nation honours, conserves and protects salmon and non-salmon. The intent is to restore and enhance Indigenous fisheries management and cultural practices within our traditional territory.
“S’ólh Téméxw te íkw’élò. Xólhmet temekw’ stám ít kwelát. This is our land we must look after everything that belongs to us. This work not only helps us connect as an Indigenous community, but as well with our neighbouring communities and stakeholders. Sumas First Nation is a robust Indigenous Community located near Abbotsford, BC. Sumas has approximately 350 members and currently resides on a reserve land base of approximately 600 acres.
Let’s Emo:t – One Heart, One Mind
Media Contact:
Ida Dutt, Communications Officer
media@sumasfirstnations.com
604-996-8523
