OldBlackDog
Well-Known Member
Bob Hooton
July 1, 2024 ·To Go or Not?
Those following the messaging following the Gitxsan First Nation’s late May declaration that recreational fishing would be forbidden in their traditional territory (again) this coming steelhead season will be interested in the most recent development. As noted here on June 25, there was a meeting of the Gitxsan Chiefs (see YouTube clip included in that June 25 post) during which there appeared to be a softening of the declaration. The Gitxsan Chief chairing the session on June 24 stated it would still be acceptable to fish recreationally provided that prior approval had been obtained. No details offered.
On June 26 I sent a message to the Gitxsan Huwilp Government requesting direction on how I might go about obtaining approval. I received a response hours later thanking me for my inquiry and committing to a response as soon as possible. That response arrived earlier today. I quote: “At this point Chiefs are not granting any permission to sport fishing. Gitxsan law is not to play with or waste any fish. The low waters have played havoc on spawn beds where sports fishermen walk. sorry we are not able to assist.”
Compare that with the "Minister's statement on Skeena River Fishery" dated June 21, 2024 (See copy below)
One other point of interest from that June 24 meeting was the less than flattering commentary about the non-responsiveness of Minister Cullen to this closure issue as well as others.
So, who is in charge? Apparently Minister Cullen and the Gitxsan Chiefs are at opposite ends of the spectrum in that regard. Why would a lowly resident angler like myself, well removed from the center of controversy, even think about traveling all that way to be confronted by such uncertainty? Why do we pay Minister Cullen and his ilk for chronic failure to respond to this situation? I point out, from personal experience on several separate issues where I have written him requesting direction on Skeena steelhead business, he has NEVER responded to any of those messages. Perhaps someone else out there can do better.
Someone might also want to ask just what that last paragraph in the Minister’s statement above is all about? “Broader fisheries management issues”? Gitxsan Watershed Strategic Engagement Agreement”? It isn’t exactly a confidence builder or evidence of transparency or public engagement that such things are happening with so many of those directly impacted completely in the dark.
