Coastal Nations Fisheries was borne out of the landmark Fisheries Resources Reconciliation Agreement (FRRA). Signed by the eight shareholder Nations of CNF, namely Gitxaała, Gitga’at, Haida, Haíłzaqv, Kitasoo Xai’Xais, Metlakatla, Nuxalk and Wuikinuxv, as well as Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative and Canada, the FRRA is a comprehensive and unprecedented framework for co-management and co-governance of marine life in the Nations’ territories and restoration of the signatory Nations’ fishing access.
CNF is the economic hub in the FRRA’s implementation and has four core mandates:
- Supporting the Nations in implementing commercial Community Based Fisheries in shareholder Nations;
- Establishing a coast-wide sustainable boat-to-table fishing company: Coastal Nations Commercial Fishing (CNCF);
- Acquiring and distributing fishing assets as requested by CNCF and the CBFs; and
- Working with Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative to drive necessary changes in the fishing industry through regulatory reforms.
“RECONCILIATION IN ACTION, IN THIS CONTEXT, MEANS RESTORING THE RIGHTS OF OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO FISH FOR A LIVING.”
CHIEF K̓ÁWÁZIⱢ MARILYN SLETT, HAÍŁZAQV FIRST NATION
PRESIDENT OF COASTAL FIRST NATIONS
