NSTC – Wednesday, July 21, 2913 – The Northern Shuswap Tribal Council through Fisheries Department Manager, Gord Sterritt, made arrangements for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans personnel from Lillooet and Prince George to transfer approximately 200 Early Stuart sockeye that were seized in St’at’imc (Lillooet) and Nlka’pamux (Thompson in the Lytton area) traditional fishing area.
The St’at’imc and Nlka’pamux made the arrangements with the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, in Prince George, to have the Early Stuart sockeye delivered to them for distribution amongst their members. In a St’at’imc Government services press release sent to NSTC by St’at’imc Fisheries Manager Janice Billy, the St’at’imc wrote:
‘The Early Stuart Run continues to be a stock of concern, and we will not fish this run until we are assured it is sustainable. Every fish counts. Historically, the St’at’imc Chiefs maintain a strong stance of conservation in support of the Early Stuart Run. While our responsibilities of conservation are the utmost important aspect for this run, unfortunately this mandate continues to not be respected by some individuals. As a result Department of Fisheries and Oceans charges are being laid and over 200 Early Stuart fish have been seized.’
The NSTC member Bands and their community members have also respected the closure of the Early Stuart sockeye run, for conservation purposes and to allow the First Nations from Prince George and to the northwest to the Stuart and Takla Lake region to be able to catch their food fish.
Williams Lake Indian Band councillor Willie Sellars, Stswecem’ Xgat’tem First Nation’s chief, David Archie and band councillor Allan Adams were on hand with Gord Sterritt at the tribal council office to assist with and to
witness the transfer of fish.
Also on hand to witness the transfer were Yvonne Smith, NSTC Executive Director, and Charlotte Morrow, NSTC Fisheries Coordinator.
For more information contact:
Gord Sterritt at the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council, by phone at (250) 392-7361 or by e-mail G.sterritt@nstq.org.
NSTC – Wednesday, July 21, 2013 – The Northern Shuswap Tribal Council through Fisheries Department Manager, Gord Sterritt, made arrangements for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans personnel from Lillooet and Prince George to transfer approximately 200 Early Stuart sockeye that were seized in St’at’imc (Lillooet) and Nlka’pamux (Thompson in the Lytton area) traditional fishing area.