I am on my 24th year working in the aquaculture industry: six years at a salmon enhancement facility (Gwani hatchery), and now 18 years working as a salmon farmer. Salmon farming has always been my source of income, it has helped me raise my family and without it I would probably be on welfare due to lack of work here in the community of Alert Bay. I have turned it into a great career that I love, support, and take great pride in. But recent activities by some people around my workplace — who don’t appreciate my career like I do — have been picked up in media headlines, and I find myself wanting to speak up for those, who like me, have chosen aquaculture as a career but don’t often get a voice in the headlines.
As business projects in British Columbia are developed or reviewed, First Nation people can choose how they wish to participate in this process. Will it be through a consultative process, through the courts, or by direct action and intimidation?
I am a First Nation person working as a manager at a salmon farm near my home town of Alert Bay. During my 18 years working on a salmon farm, I have seen all three options exercised against my worksite, all with very different degrees of success.
Maurice Isaac – Vancouver Sun – January 22, 2018.
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