Issue #9

The Common Voice newsletter issue number 9 was published in April of 2018.

Heiltsuk man taking water samples after diesel spill from Nathan E. Stewart. Photo by Tavish Campbell

Measuring progress with MaPP indicator monitoring

Marine environments are vulnerable to human exploitation, and Central Coast ecosystems are no different. Our territories have suffered from the effects of overfishing and other industries, like forestry, for decades. To preserve our Nations’ way of life, long-term conservation planning and monitoring of environmental changes are critical. Just ask Ernie Tallio, who’s seen the cumulative…

Heiltsuk fishermen harvesting herring spawn on kelp. Photo by Ian McAllister/Pacific Wild

Building resilience: Marine Protected Areas network

Mike Reid remembers when fishing in Heiltsuk territory was easier and far more productive. At age 12, he started commercial fishing with his grandfather and recalls catching their share of halibut, crabs, clams and other local marine staples without much trouble—all fairly close to home. “Now you have to go further, spend more time and burn more fuel,” says Reid…

Clean up efforts for diesel and other pollutants spilled by the Nathan E. Stewart in Heiltsuk territory

Local filmmaker highlights need for better oil spill response

2017 was a big year for Heiltsuk’s Zoe Hopkins. Her debut film Kayaking to Klemtu won the Air Canada Audience Choice Award at the 2017 imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival. In the film, the primary character, Ella, is on a quest to prevent oil spills in her people’s territory within the Great Bear Rainforest. But…

A herring seiner capturing thousands of herring in a set

Conservation win: herring roe fishery suspended

After years of difficulties with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), our Nations won a major victory this spring when DFO agreed to suspend the 2018 commercial herring roe fishery across the Central Coast. Central Coast herring populations have seen major declines from industrial fishing practices. The Heiltsuk and Kitasoo/Xai’xais Nations have each taken their own…