Pauquachin First Nation Releases Reports Aimed at Restoring Shellfish Harvest in Coles Bay, BC 

Pauquachin First Nation has taken a crucial step towards addressing the closure of shellfish harvest in Coles Bay, British Columbia, with the release of three comprehensive reports. The reports shed light on the challenges faced in reopening the bay for shellfish harvesting and propose potential solutions to restore this vital resource. The reports encompass perspectives from both the provincial and North Saanich municipal governments, emphasizing the urgent need for collaborative efforts to rectify the longstanding closure. A forthcoming report focusing on federal responsibilities is also expected to be released soon. 

Background: 

Shellfish have played a central role in the lives of the Pauquachin people for generations. However, since 1997, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has imposed a closure on shellfish harvesting in Coles Bay due to concerns over sanitary pollution. This extended closure has had a devastating impact on the community, depriving families of a critical food source, increasing food budgets, and negatively affecting community health and nutrition. The closure also disrupts traditional gatherings, cultural practices, and the transfer of traditional knowledge from Elders to the youth. 

Government Inaction and Contrasting Approaches: 

Despite the significance of shellfish harvesting to the Pauquachin community and numerous other Indigenous communities along the BC coast, governmental efforts to address the pollution and facilitate the reopening of shellfish beds have been minimal. The lack of priority given to the restoration of traditional harvests by the Province of British Columbia, local municipalities, and the federal government has been disheartening. In stark contrast, Washington State has exemplified an effective approach through its "Shellfish Initiative," which has facilitated collaboration between tribes and various government agencies to rehabilitate polluted shellfish beds. 

Call for Action: 

Pauquachin First Nation is eager to work in partnership with municipal, provincial, and federal authorities to initiate a pilot project aimed at fully restoring the shellfish beds in Coles Bay. This project would adopt a co-governance approach to shellfish management, focusing on restoration and remediation. On Indigenous Peoples Day, the Chief of Pauquachin urges the Canadian government, British Columbia, and local authorities to acknowledge treaty rights to fish and establish a province-wide "Healthy Shellfish Initiative." Coles Bay would serve as the first trial site for this initiative, demonstrating the potential for a new path forward in reconciliation and food sovereignty. 

The release of the three reports by Pauquachin First Nation represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of restoring the shellfish harvest in Coles Bay. By addressing the challenges and proposing solutions, the reports provide a foundation for meaningful action and collaboration between Indigenous communities and government bodies. Implementing a comprehensive Healthy Shellfish Initiative across British Columbia would not only contribute to the well-being and cultural practices of the Pauquachin people but also serve as a model for environmental restoration and justice throughout the BC coast. It is an opportunity for Canada to demonstrate a tangible commitment to reconciliation and make positive strides in implementing the rights of Indigenous Peoples. 

Copies of all reports can be found below: 

Municipal Level Report: https://elc.uvic.ca/publications/cleaningupcolesbay-municipalshellfishreport/

Provincial Level Report: https://elc.uvic.ca/publications/cleaningupcolesbay-provincialshellfishreport/ 

Federal Level Report: https://elc.uvic.ca/publications/cleaningupcolesbay-federalshellfishreport/

Huy tseep q’u siem