Salmon Steward

12 2016 psf.ca q As a new member of the pacific salmon Foundation Board of Directors, can you provide readers with some details on your background? A As a partner with Mandell Pinder LLP, it has been an honour to work with First Nation governments on Aborigi- nal title and rights, modern (self ) government, natural resource management and economic develop- ment. Over the years, I have assisted in various types of negotiated agreements and settle- ments, including helping the St'at'imc Chiefs Council reach their historic agreement with BC Hydro and the Province of British Columbia, and acting as senior counsel for the First Nations Coalition in the Cohen Inquiry on Fraser River Sockeye. q why did you want to get involved with the Foundation? A Having worked with Aboriginal people on fisheries governance and management since early in my career, I have been taught many things about the power of salmon to bring us together for the better. In many ways, I see my ešorts as being in service to salmon and the ecosystems on which they rely. As a result, I was honoured when asked to become part of the Pacific Salmon Foundation. q The pacific salmon Foundation has identified increased focus on First Nations relationships as part of its new strategic plan. why do you think that is important? A First Nations have indigenous and constitutional rights and responsibili- ties around the governance and management of salmon. So it just makes sense that, as the Pacific Salmon Foundation increases its work in support of salmon and salmon habitat, it does so in a respectful relation- ship with First Nations. There is so much to be done to help ensure salmon for future generations; by collaborating and working closely together, we can get more done and avoid duplication of ešorts. q From your work, how would you describe the importance of salmon to First Nations? A First Nations in British Columbia con- sider their relationship to salmon as a sacred responsibility. Salmon are fundamen- tal to who they are, their culture, their food, their economies and their way of life. There really is no separation between First Nations and salmon. It is a direct and continuous relationship, complex and spiritual, whether in the past, present or future. q what opportunities do you think there are for collaboration between the Foundation and First Nations? A In a word – lots! For example, the Pacific Salmon Foundation's research ešorts, its work on salmon habitat, its communications with governments, communities and stakeholders – all have potential collaboration opportunities. In terms of specifics, I am still relatively new to the Pacific Salmon Foundation, so will wait to learn more about what is currently being done before making specific recom- mendations. q what did you learn from your experience representing the First Nations coalition at the cohen commission and what do you think happens next? A The First Nations Coalition worked hard to contribute to the work of the Cohen Commission. Our ešorts were focused on getting recommendations that help us to move into action regarding the precious ecosystems these salmon rely upon. It was a significant piece of work that resulted in powerful recommendations. It also confirmed how important it is that governments (federal, provincial and First Nations), non-profits, universities and all others involved in salmon, work together, as it is a complex web of habitats, relationships and interactions. In terms of next steps, currently I am envisioning that Minister TooToo's mandate to implement the recommendations could result in a multi-government, multiple-stakeholder committee charged with developing and implementing a plan that is serious about getting on with – and doing – the work that is needed for Fraser River salmon. No time like the present. Since 1989, the Pacific Salmon Foundation has granted $5.6 million to 249 First Nations projects with a total value of $17.4 million. Brenda Gaertner PACIFIC SALMON FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER, ADVISOR TO FIRST NATIONS GOVERNMENTS Collaborating with First nations – a key part oF the Foundation's new strategiC plan who CareS about sAlmoN?

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