Gilakasla.
That means greetings and thank you in our language, Kwa’kwala.
I want to thank you, Chairman, and committee members, for undertaking this important study on closed containment and for the invitation to present to you today.
On behalf of the 'Namgis First Nation, I am here to speak about the K'udas closed containment project. I am Chief Bill Cranmer of the 'Namgis First Nation. I'm here with Eric Hobson, president of the SOS Marine Conservation Foundation. The 'Namgis First Nation and the SOS have a unique partnership that is instrumental in bringing about the K'udas project.
The 'Namgis First Nation is located on the northeastern end of Vancouver Island. We number about 1,700. Our language is Kwa'kwala, and the name of the project, K'udas, means “place of the salmon”.
The 'Namgis are an economically enterprising nation. We are partners in an $80-million aggregate quarry with Polaris Minerals and a $200-million 41.5-megawatt run-of-the-river project with Brookfield Renewable Power, and are full owners of forestry and fisheries companies.
The 'Namgis have also successfully managed the Gwa’ni hatchery on the Nimpkish River under contract with DFO since 1991.
The K'udas closed containment project fits with both our economic development plan and our desire to reduce impacts to the wild salmon. Fishing for food and fishing for a living have been at the core of the 'Namgis culture and economy for thousands of years. We recognize that salmon aquaculture provides jobs in B.C., but for the 'Namgis, the impacts of the current practice of open net-pen salmon farming on the marine environment are very real.
In our traditional territories we experienced first-hand the consequences of how the industry is regulated, the siting of farms, and the densities that are allowed. We see how open net farming practices continue to have a negative impact on our wild salmon and our clam beds. This has led to the desire to find an alternative to open net salmon farming.
The K'udas closed containment pilot project is land-based and is completely separated from the marine environment. The project will protect the marine environment and allow for continued local economic benefit. It is 100% owned and controlled by the 'Namgis and is located on 'Namgis reserve lands.
The project will create expertise and stable jobs for the 'Namgis First Nation in recirculating aquaculture systems operation, maintenance, and fish husbandry. It is expected that the project will also result in other spin-off businesses, thus providing further employment opportunities for 'Namgis.
The goal of the project is to demonstrate the technical, biological, and economic feasibility of closed containment. We believe this work will shape a new commercial industry that will provide significant economic opportunity for the 'Namgis First Nation and other coastal first nations. We believe it will also stimulate the development of a new engineering and manufacturing industry.
The desire to achieve these goals is shared with the SOS Marine Conservation Foundation. As a result, we have signed an MOU with SOS. As a partner, SOS is providing business, engineering, and legal expertise, as well as financial support.
In addition to SOS, this project is being made possible by a committed group providing financial and advisory support. These supporters include the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Sustainable Development and Technology Canada, the Province of British Columbia, Aboriginal Business Canada, and Tides Canada's salmon aquaculture innovation fund.
Eric Hobson has contributed a significant amount of his time to the K'udas project, and as an engineer he is involved in the detailed design. It is now my pleasure to pass the microphone to Mr. Hobson, president of SOS Marine Conservation Foundation.