Following its annual meeting at the end of September, the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) announced the new members of its Board of Directors. At that time, in addition to announcing the election of Ian Roberts, Director of Communications (Scotland, Ireland, Canada) at Mowi, as the new Chair, it also noted that two indigenous businesses had been elected to the board. They are Larry Johnson, President of Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood and Co-Chair of the CAIA Indigenous Partners Network, and Cyrus Singh, CEO of the K'awat'si Development Corporation. In the announcement, CAIA President and CEO Timothy Kennedy highlighted the important role the two will play. "They will lend their voices and talents to developing the national aquaculture discussion", he said. WeAreAquaculture has spoken with them.
With the parties locked in a very polarized debate, especially in British Columbia – where, moreover, the negotiation period ahead is very short -, the national discussion on aquaculture referred to by Timothy Kennedy has a lot to do with First Nations self-determination and the different positions on it. Because, although it sometimes seems to be forgotten, not all First Nations are against salmon farms, some see salmon farming as a path to self-determination and reconciliation. So thinks Larry Johnson, the new member of the CAIA Board of Directors.
"Self-determination is the ability of first nations to decide themselves what economic opportunities they develop from the resources within their traditional territories. This is our right. This is a part of reconciliation – honoring these rights. Aquaculture, in all its forms, presents enormous opportunity for First Nations coastal communities. I am pleased to be a member of the CAIA Board of Directors to bring the indigenous perspective to the table, and to continue to Network with industry across Canada to identify new opportunities and partnerships for first nations", the President of Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood and Co-Chair of the CAIA Indigenous Partners Network says to WeAreAquaculture.
"And importantly to engage with government to respect the rights and self-determination of those nations who want to enter the form of aquaculture of their choice. As a first Nation member of a modern-day treaty, I am dedicated on working to keep opportunities that can build an economy in the west coast communities. CAIA has allowed for the Indigenous Partnership Network to be formed under the CAIA umbrella", Johnson continues. "I am a First Nation person advocating for Sustainable Aquaculture. Sharing what CAIA does Nationally with my FN partners, what the IPN does across the country, liaise with Federal Government or lobby", he concludes.
Along with Johnson, the CAIA Board of Directors has also welcomed Cyrus Singh, CEO of the K'awat'si Development Corporation, elected to the CAIA Executive Committee. "It's a privilege to be nominated and elected to the Board of Directors of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance. I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of aquaculture and support the burgeoning aspirations of the sector nationally. There are many challenges in the sector, while not unique, they are certainly experienced differently by each stakeholder", he tells WeAreAquaculture.
"As a Non-Indigenous person that has been entrusted to guide a First Nation's Economic Development Corporation, I hope to bridge the divide that often exists between the various interests at the table. An innovative and sustainable sector, coupled with policy that supports a vibrant industry will benefit everyone. I look forward to participating and supporting CAIA during this critical time", he claims.
Long task ahead for the new members of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance Board of Directors but, as its new Chair stated after his appointment, the seafood farming community in Canada is focused and resilient. "With positive support from our communities and governments, Canada can realize this great sustainable, healthy and secure food opportunity", Ian Roberts said.
Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) is a national association that represents the interests of Canada's seafood farmers to regulators, policymakers, and political leaders in Ottawa and internationally. CAIA members generate over $5 billion in economic activity, and $2 billion in GDP, and employ over 20,000 Canadians delivering a healthy, growing, and sustainable seafood farming sector in the country.
