The Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island) First Nation is speaking out as fishing fever grips anglers with the abundant return of sockeye salmon.
The First Nations community east of Agassiz put out a public call for respect as recreational fishing for sockeye salmon opens along the lower Fraser River. A rare recreational fishery opening form Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) will open fishing from the Mission bridge to Hope. Retention is two sockeye and four pink salmon per day from Aug. 22 to Sept. 1.
"Our children, elders and families are also at the river during the recreational opening," the statement from Sq'éwqel said. "We are practicing our inherent cultural right to fish and passing down traditional knowledge to our children, as people of the river. We ask for respect. Our families do not deserve to be disrespected or put in harm's way."
The community advised anglers that no parking signs have been posted and should be respected. The DFO stated that First Nations communities across the Fraser River will have food, social and ceremonial fisheries ongoing and anglers are encouraged "to minimize or eliminate any gear conflict."
– With files from Kemone Moodley and Jennifer Feinberg
