We shared this with the premier and we will share it with DFO: There needs to be an investment in the river, and the people on the river have to be part of that process. They cannot figure this out in isolation. They've been dealing with the bass for 20 years.
From an anecdotal point of view, we'd say, “Yes, you're darn right it has impacted the salmon.” Our elders cannot enjoy that fish. Because there are so few, we're scared to take them.
I thank you very much. I'm a little all over the page in what the presentation was supposed to be, but it's hard not to get worked up when I think about the people back home and how this impacts their lives.
On the bass recovery, my final statement is that it happened on the backs of our food fishery. It happened right in our backyard, and we still struggle with being able to provide for our people. Being aboriginal treaty rights holders, we should have access to that food and to other, so that we can look after our people.
Thank you.
Wela'lioq.