Some First Nations Show Strong support for Fish Farming

[farmfreshsalmon.org]

First Nations show strong support for BC aquaculture in new video

CAMPBELL RIVER, BC, Dec. 11, 2003

A new video released today by Positive Aquaculture Awareness tells the story of the many First Nations that are benefiting from opportunities in the BC aquaculture industry.

"I hope this video puts an end to the second-hand comments of some
activists who say First Nations don't support salmon farming in their
communities," said Percy Starr, Chief of the Kitasoo First Nation.

"We're strong supporters of BC's salmon farming industry because we know it's an industry that's providing important, long-term opportunities for our people," said Starr, who appears in the video.

Videographer Steve Wallace of Matrix Video Productions in Campbell River
said the video is being distributed to First Nations people, aquaculture
stakeholders and other political leaders across the province.

"The idea of the project was to record first-hand accounts from First
Nations working in the aquaculture industry, including key members such as the Kitasoo, Ahousaht and Kyuquot First Nations," Wallace said.

Salmon aquaculture employs members of First Nations in communities such as Campbell River, Klemtu, Alert Bay, Port Hardy, Fort Rupert, Port Edward, Kitkatla, Tofino and surrounding villages in Clayoquot Sound. The industry generates more than 4,000 jobs throughout the Coast.

"Salmon aquaculture is one of the best prospects for First Nations
employment in BC Coastal communities," Starr said.

BC salmon farming companies have signed numerous agreements with various First Nations, ensuring these communities have access to the long-term benefits of this sustainable industry.

"Too often First Nations are portrayed by activists as being negatively
impacted by salmon farming," said Laurie Jensen, President, Positive
Aquaculture Awareness.

"We were very pleased to be able to work with First Nations on this
project because they are able to articulate how unfair that portrayal really
is," Jensen said.

Jensen said copies of the new video can be ordered through her
organization's web site, www.farmfreshsalmon.org at a cost of $15 (CD-ROM), $20 (VHS), and $25 (DVD), including postage.

For further information: or for media copies of the video please contact: Laurie Jensen, President, PAA, 250-830-7615 (cell) or www.farmfreshsalmon.org

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For other stories about First Nations and Fish Farming visit
http://www.turtleisland.org/news/news-fishfarms.htm