First Nations Law – The Tŝilhqot’in call on Canada to establish an independent review of the Pacific Salmon Treaty and the failure by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to meaningfully represent First Nation interests, including food, social and ceremonial fishing rights, at the international table. In 2019, the Alaska catch of Chilko salmon was almost 45,000 and only 158,000 returned to spawn in the territory, which means that Alaska was responsible for taking over 20% of the run, despite the numbers being so low that conservation measures were implemented throughout B.C.

While the Tŝilhqot’in Nation has made substantial economic, lifestyle and cultural sacrifices to conserve endangered salmon, Canada has stood silent while watching the U.S. permitting overfishing our already mismanaged stocks. The Tŝilhqot’in Nation calls for an independent review of the Pacific Salmon Treaty, with Tŝilhqot’in appointed representatives’ participation, and leading to new structures and renegotiation with the U.S.