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BC First Nations to release details of class action law suit adressing impacts of wild salmon farms - Environmental Communication Options/Huff Strategy

BC First Nations to release details of class action law suit adressing impacts of wild salmon farms

Feb 3rd, 2009 9:53 AM

Media Advisory Class-Action Law Suit to be launched by the Kwicksutaineuk/Ah-Kwa-Mish against the British Columbia Government to address the impacts of salmon farms on wild salmon in their territory What: Kwicksutaineuk/Ah-Kwa-Mish (kwik wasoo tea noox & ha kwa meesh) First Nation (KAFN) will release details of a Class-Action Law Suit responding to the harm done to wild salmon in their territory by open net - cage salmon farms authorized by the British Columbia Government. This is the first Class-Action Law Suit advanced by a First Nation in Canada to protect Aboriginal Rights. When: 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 4, 2009 Where: Office of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, Suite 500 - 342 Water St, Vancouver Who: The Representative Plaintiff from the KAFN, KAFN Community elders, Leaders from the BC First Nation community, KAFN Class Action legal counsel and the KAFN legal counsel Utilizing the Class Proceedings Act of British Columbia, the Kwicksutaineuk/Ah-Kwa-Mish First Nation will seek remedies from the court requiring the defendant, the B.C. Government (represented by the B.C. Minister of Agriculture and Lands) to address the decline in wild salmon in their traditional territory. The KAFN have asserted a constitutionally protected Aboriginal right to fish for wild salmon for food, social and ceremonial purposes within the Broughton Archipelago. The Broughton Archipelago is the area of bays, islands and mainland coast adjacent to the north east side of Vancouver Island. Currently 29 salmon aquaculture sites are authorized by the B.C. Government to operate in the Broughton Archipelago. It is the KAFN's position that these operations have contributed to a drastic decline in salmon stocks within the Broughton. At the Media Conference the KAFN will outline their claim, and the remedies they are seeking. The media conference will be preceded by ceremonial singing. Media Contact: Don Huff, Penasi Communications/ Environmental Communication Options 416-972-7404 / on-site (Vancouver) 416-805-7720, or email huffd(at)huffstrategy.com.