Fisheries

The Stz’uminus Fisheries Department was established in 1992 and is funded annually by The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) under the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy (AFS) program. The aboriginal fisheries program was established to provide a framework for the management of fishing by Aboriginal groups for food, social and ceremonial purposes and to provide First Nation groups with an opportunity to participate in the management of fisheries. The objective is to improve upon conservation, management and the enhancement of the resources. The AFS should help to contribute to the economic self-sufficiency of Aboriginal communities and to provide a foundation for the development of self-government agreements and treaties.

Stz’uminus First Nation fisheries personnel work collaboratively with DFO Conservation and Protection officers patrolling the marine waters of Dodds Narrows to Sansum Narrows in Steward Channel on the East Coast of Vancouver Island. The fisheries staff in collaboration with DFO conduct an annual salmon enhancement program, complete a habitat assessment and patrol six streams and one river from Ladysmith BC to the Chemainus River. We are also responsible for coordinating and monitoring food, social and ceremonial (FSC) fisheries, issuing fisheries designation cards to non Stz’uminus members to fish in their territory. They also provide an educational awareness of our fisheries to the Stz’uminus youth, general SFN community and general public. The AFS program agreement is available for your review at the main administration office.