Chiefs from Saik鈥檜z First Nation, Stellat鈥檈n First Nation, Nadleh Whut鈥檈n, and Cheslatta Carrier Nation, along with the Mayor of Vanderhoof and Chair of the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (RDBN), gathered on the banks of the Nechako River in Vanderhoof on Nov. 18 to sign the renewed Nechako River Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The MOU outlines a commitment to restore the health of the Nechako River and its affected tributaries, with a particular focus on salmon and sturgeon populations facing potential extinction. The agreement emphasizes the importance of government-to-government collaboration in developing a water sustainability plan and identifying restoration measures for the damaged ecosystems of the Nechako Watershed.
Originally signed on September 29, 2021, the MOU has now been amended to include Cheslatta Carrier Nation and the District of Vanderhoof as signatories. The parties, alongside Rio Tinto Alcan, the Province of BC, Canada, and other stakeholders, aim to address the complex challenges facing the Nechako River.
The renewed MOU follows a 2022 ruling by the Supreme Court of British Columbia, which found that infrastructure operations on the Nechako River had harmed fish populations and recognized Aboriginal rights to fish in the watershed for food, social, and ceremonial purposes.
At the signing ceremony, RDBN Chair Mark Parker emphasized the unity behind the effort, stating, "Together, we will work to restore a more natural flow regime, ensuring long-term health of the Nechako River for current and future generations."
Mayor Kevin Moutray echoed this sentiment, highlighting the shared commitment to protecting the river and incorporating Indigenous knowledge in management practices.
"It reflects our shared commitment to protecting the river, ensuring sustainable management practices, and respecting Indigenous knowledge and stewardship," Moutray said.
Saik鈥檜z First Nation Chief Priscilla Mueller stressed the need for action at all levels of government to address the watershed鈥檚 challenges. "Real change will only come when all parties, from the grassroots to the highest levels of government, unite in shared purpose and accountability," Mueller said.
Nadleh Whut'en Chief Beverly Ketlo emphasized the urgency of climate action to protect endangered species. "The river is at the lowest levels we have seen in our lifetime," Ketlo added.
Stellat鈥檈n First Nation Chief Robert Michell shared the hardships faced by their community due to dwindling fish stocks, saying, "It has been devastating for our members to lose our fish harvest."
Cheslatta Carrier Nation Chief Corrina Leween, whose community is impacted by the Kenney Dam, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate on restoring the river.
"It is time to heal the Nechako River for all the communities, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous," Leween said.
