A leader from the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw First Nation in Canada is denouncing a decision by federal Fisheries Minister Joyce Murray to renew salmon aquaculture licenses in Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation (GNN) territory for two-year terms, stating it fails to consider the nation’s rights, its economic stability, and the government’s own reconciliation agenda.
"We have authority to make decisions across our own traditional territory, as do other Nations,” said Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw First Nation Councilor Terry Walkus.
He said "the decision tells us it is more concerned about virtue-signaling than actually seeking reconciliation with Indigenous Nations" because the timeframe is too short to "justify the significant investment in innovation technology that the minister has indicated is necessary to address her concerns."
