History of Development
The Coastal First Nations, in collaboration with the Tsimshian Stewardship Committee have been working with Oceans Canada to develop an Integrated Marine Use Planning process in the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). PNCIMA is the Large Oceans Management Area (LOMA) that has been identified by Oceans Canada as a pilot for the Pacific region. The release of the Canadian Oceans strategy in 2002 and the Coastal First Nations interests to move beyond the Land Use Planning Process and into Marine Use planning culminated in an interim measures framework agreement (IMA) signed by each member of the Coastal First Nations and the Minister’s of Fisheries and Oceans and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada in November, 2002. Other components of the IMA focused on economic initiatives critical to the sustainability of First Nations communities and co-management which will be explored during the marine use planning process.
From late 2003 to early 2005 the Coastal First Nations leadership worked closely with the Oceans executive in Ottawa through a senior level government-to-government process to harmonize objectives outlined in the Oceans Strategy with the interests of the Coastal First Nations. Two years of work culminated in a framework agreement which outlines planning and governance structures necessary to implement marine planning within PNCIMA.
In 2004/2005 the Coastal First Nations entered into an Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management agreement with DFO that supported Coastal First Nation consultations with other First Nations within PNCIMA on the collaboratively developed integrated management framework. The Coastal First Nations have built strong alliances with the North Coast - Skeena First Nation Stewardship Society and the Nuxalk First Nation, and all three organizations have agreed to work under the same operational framework.. This alliance between all of the Central and North Coast and Haida First Nations on a single initiative of this magnitude is unprecedented.
What is Integrated Marine Use Planning
Integrated marine use planning refers to a collaborative planning process that brings together stakeholders, governments, and First Nations to reach general agreement on sustainable resource use in marine areas. The greatest challenge facing the coastal First Nations is the development of a new conservation-based economy on BC’s North and Central Coast and Haida Gwaii. To achieve harmony between economic development and conservation there must be recognition of the inextricable link between economic and ecological sustainability. It is not possible to achieve one without the other.
Similar to land use plans, integrated marine use plans will work to blend the intellectual and scientific expertise of the modern world, with the deep and ancient wisdom of traditional cultures. This blend of ancient wisdom and scientific knowledge will culminate in a plan that reflects how First Nations have managed their lands and resources for thousands of years. In modern terms this is defined as an ecosystem based approach to resource management.
Community integrated marine use plans may include:
- A community vision for the marine territory;
- Values and perspectives on ocean resources;
- Goals, objectives and strategies for management of ocean resources and uses; and
- Special First Nation protection for specific areas.
Marine use plans may also deal with a variety of other topics and issues as determined by each community.
How Marine Use Planning will occur
Communities will be the driving force behind the process. Currently each First Nations community or group of First Nations is in the process of establishing local planning processes which include the establishment of planning teams and in some cases community coordinator. The community planning team will be instrumental in guiding the development of integrated marine use plans in each community. Planning teams may include elders, hereditary chiefs, commercial fishermen, band council members, and other community members. Community coordinators have been selected for most First Nations communities to work closely with leadership, community fisheries groups, and boards to develop community values and interests on local issues. Key duties of the community coordinator will also include coordinating community planning team meetings, compiling and organizing community information related to marine resources, and raising awareness for integrated marine use planning in the community.
In addition, to support the work of community coordinators and community planning teams, area technical teams have been established for the Central and North Coast and Haida Gwaii. Each team is made up of a biologist/coastal planner and a socioeconomic planner. The area technical team’s main function is to provide ongoing technical support for community planning process. Area technical teams will work with community coordinators to gather an analyze information that will assist community planning teams with their decision making process.
Community Contacts:
To get more information on integrated marine use planning in your community or to get involved in the process, please contact your local representative listed below.
Coastal First Nations
Steve Diggon, Marine Planning Coordinator, 250.247.8741
Haida Gwaii
Russ Jones, Project Manager, Haida Fisheries Program, Skidegate, 250.559-8945
Lynn Lee, Biologist Planner, Haida Fisheries Program, Massett, 250.626.3302
Catherine Rigg, Socio-economic Planner,Haida Fisheries Program, Massett, 250.626.3302
North Coast
Kyle Clifton, Gitga’at Community Coordinator, 250.841.2602
Clifford White, Gitxaala Economic Development Officer, 250.848.2100
Chris Wilson, Haisla Community Coordinator, 250.639.9361
Wilfred McKenzie, Kitselas General Manager, 250.635.8882
Gary Alexcee, Kitsumkalum Community Coordinator, 250.635.1718
David Leask, Metlakatla Community Coordinator, 250.628.3201
Cristina Soto, Biologist Planner, North Coast-Skeena First Nations Stewardship Society, 250.624.8614
Maya Paul, Socio-economic Planner, North Coast-Skeena First Nations Stewardship Society, 250.624.8614
Chris Picard, Marine Biologist, North Coast-Skeena First Nations Stewardship Society, 250.624.8614
Craig Outhet, GIS Coordinator, North Coast-Skeena First Nations Stewardship Society, 250.624.8614
Central Coast
Julie Carpenter, Heiltsuk Community Coordinator, 250.957.2381
Doug Neasloss, Kitasoo/Xai’xais Community Coordinator, 250.839.1255
Wally Webber, Nuxalk Community Coordinator, 250.799.5613
Andrew Johnson, Wuikinuxv Community Coordinator, 866.881.0355
Ken Cripps, Biologist Planner, 250.247.0039
Aaron Heidt, Socio-economic Planner, 250.545.6336
Julie Beaumont, GIS Coordinator, 778.371.8631
