Accomplishments made by the LFFA so far…

Reflecting on the lifespan of our previous Strategic Plan (2020-2023) we are proud to share some of our significant achievements. These successes not only demonstrate the continued momentum, ever-increasing capability, and innovation of the LFFA, they are indicative of the leadership of our Executive Committee and the commitment and guidance of the Delegates of our member Nations.

Fisheries Management

• We are addressing the gap between Indigenous decision-making and policy in fisheries management

• We advocate for the inclusion of an indigenous knowledge perspective with the already existent western science knowledge

• Robust Tier 1 structure: 23 Nations in the Alliance

• Tier 2 engagement with the Province is improving – LFFA has increasing dialogue, especially as a result of the eulachon and sturgeon projects

• LFFA sits at a range of Tier 3 tables to stay connected to what is taking place, and keep ears and eyes on Tier 3; LFFA is working to improve relationships and establish a presence within Tier 3 groups

• Through our work we are exerting more policy influence, changing the way DFO analyses were done and, this year, we changed the eulachon fishery

• LFFA has proven its ability to manage fisheries; LFFA effectively produces results, data, and co-management and LFFA projects are pushing research that impacts management

Financial Position

• LFFA has achieved good financial standing with DFO, with an enhanced agreement for core funding

• DFO funding is flexible, allowing for carry-over and less rigorous reporting / timing

• LFFA is in a good position for new funding because we are achieving core funding targets

Our Reputation

• LFFA is taken seriously as a group in terms of technical expertise on fisheries management

• We have high credibility with Crown governments

• Based on the reputation of LFFA, funding is no longer a challenge; the next targets will be proper funding management and sustainability of funding

Our Work with RELAW

• RELAW supports the integration of traditional knowledge and Indigenous Law in LFFA practice.

• RELAW is supporting us build a case for Reconciliation into Action.

Incubation of the Emergency Planning Secretariat

• Supporting the development of Nation-led emergency preparedness for and management of events connected to the Lower Fraser watershed, EPS is working to support mainland Coast Salish expertise, direction, and resilience for emergencies.

Organizational Growth and Success

• LFFA has grown in size and scope of work; expansion includes RELAW and Emergency Planning

• The Biology and Habitat departments have grown significantly, with 4x the staff, 10x the money

• LFFA launched the Lower Fraser Enterprises Limited Partnership, which now includes a Commercial Fishing Enterprise

• LFFA is now leading new research and analysis

Our Projects

Our team recently learned how to complete a specialized analysis of otolith extraction and examination – we are leading new research with this process and this could become a valuable and marketable type of analysis.

• Eulachan Assessment Project; massive success

• Established the Otolith Program in new lab space

• Bank stabilization project

• Selective fishing development project is being relied upon and utilized by government

• Lower Fraser Coho Assessment

• Development of Lab space

• LFFA prioritized opposition to indiscriminate harvesting of Chinook by recreation sector

• At the table on the Sturgeon, effecting decision-making

• Currently seen as the go-to provider for habitat restoration projects

From co-management to decision-making

When LFFA was founded in 2010, our primary intention was to work towards co-management and shared decision-making of the fish resources. Since that time, the context of our work has been evolving and changing quickly and significantly.

Our fish are in crisis and the Nations are in crisis because they cannot practice their fisheries. Fish stocks and fishery opportunities have declined drastically. The cumulative effects of climate change, commercial and recreational fisheries, and industry activities across the mining and energy sectors have decimated fish populations. There is little indication that this will improve under the current imposed fishery management regime from DFO.

The Tier 1 Process has developed over the years due to the hard work of Lower Fraser Nation leadership, working together. Our role is to provide communication and coordination to the Tier 1 and Tier 2 fishery management process for Lower Fraser First Nations to engage with DFO.

However, a limited Tier 1 capacity seems to benefit DFO over the Nations, by reducing their engagement requirements and not leading to notable benefits to the fishery.

DFO has asserted that “co-management” is being implemented. It is not. Tier 1 and Tier 2 processes, as currently implemented, allow DFO to dictate all fishery management decisions in-season.

Fishery representatives have limited or no authority, and limited negotiating influence, on management decisions.

DFO comes to the in-season negotiating table with pre-determined fishing places and mandates. As a result, there are no negotiations, merely the implementation of DFO decisions coming from the Fraser River Internal Management Team (FRIMT) within DFO.

The decisions of FRIMT are connected to the Pacific Salmon Treaty and Fraser Panel process. First Nations are not engaged in these processes, nor are they consulted.

DFO has demonstrated no political will to change right now. The Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative does not reference UNDRIP or Reconciliation. None of the pillars are present. We understand this as a clear indication of their position.

First Nations’ leadership finds itself operating in two worlds: The Indigenous Worldview, and the Crown Government Approach.

These worlds are connected and integrated through different policy and legislative mechanisms including UNDRIP, DRIPA, reconciliation, and the possibility of devolution from Crown laws. They are also increasingly defined by Indigenous laws.

As we move forward, LFFA will continue to support the Nations in the Lower Fraser, further shifting the ways in which we approach fisheries management towards Nation-led approaches to conservation, habitat restoration, and fisheries management in ways that weave together Indigenous knowledge and inherent law with western science.

LFFA is poised to lead the pathway forward, away from a so-called integrated management process towards a Nation-led decision-making model that defines our inherent right to fish bolstered by UNDRIP, DRIPA, and Section 35.