UBC, First Nations-led alliance strengthen collaboration to advance fisheries stewardship

UBC and the Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance (LFFA) have signed a memorandum of collaboration to strengthen their partnership on fisheries conservation and research, resource management, and environmental stewardship in S’ólh Téméxw. The traditional and shared territory of the Stó:lō people spans the Fraser Valley and lower Fraser Canyon region of B.C.

The agreement formalizes a long-standing research relationship between the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Stewardship (FES), the Faculty of Science, the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries (IOF) and the LFFA, a First Nations-led organization that advances the collective fisheries interests of 24 Lower Fraser First Nations. The partnership provides a framework for collaboration strengthening work on long-term fisheries conservation including the health and sustainability of fisheries, aquatic resources and their habitats, with particular attention to the management of Fraser River fish. The agreement also reinforces a shared commitment to supporting First Nations governance and Indigenous rights, including respect for the laws, governance systems and jurisdictions of the LFFA’s Member Nations.

“Healthy fish and fisheries are fundamental to the cultural, social and environmental well-being of First Nations along the Fraser River,” said Murray Ned, executive director of the Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance. “This collaboration creates an opportunity to bring together Indigenous knowledge, community priorities and academic research in ways that can contribute to conservation and stewardship for generations to come.”

“This collaboration brings together UBC’s research and educational expertise and LFFA’s knowledge, capacity and relationships with its Member Nations,” said Dr. Rob Kozak, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Stewardship at UBC. “By working together, we can support research and education programs that respond to community priorities, respect Indigenous governance and contribute to the long-term stewardship of Fraser River fisheries and aquatic resources.”

The collaboration will ensure activities are consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and support initiatives that advance reconciliation. It also recognizes the longstanding relationships between First Nations, fish and fisheries of the Fraser River.

“Solving complex environmental challenges requires bringing together different forms of knowledge and expertise,” said Dr. Mark MacLachlan, Dean of the Faculty of Science at UBC. “This collaboration creates a foundation for UBC researchers and students to work with LFFA and its Member Nations on questions that matter to the health of Fraser River fisheries and the communities connected to them.”

The agreement identifies a range of potential areas for collaboration, including exploring shared research interests; organizing conferences, workshops and other knowledge-sharing opportunities; hosting co-op and internship students; and expanding capacity-building and educational opportunities for First Nations youth, Elders and community members in aquatic management and environmental stewardship. A key part of the collaboration will be sharing research, data and knowledge generated through these activities, helping ensure that information is accessible to LFFA and its Member Nations and can support their stewardship and governance priorities.

“Fisheries research is most impactful when it is connected to the people, places and knowledge systems that shape these ecosystems,” said Professor Clifford Atleo Jr., Tsimshian (Kitsumkalum/Kitselas) and Nuu-chah-nulth (Ahousaht) scholar and Senior Advisor and Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Affairs at UBC. “Working collaboratively with LFFA under this framework provides an important opportunity to support research that is grounded in Indigenous priorities and contributes to the long-term conservation of fish and fisheries in S’ólh Téméxw.”

By establishing a shared framework for collaboration, UBC and LFFA aim to support stronger connections between research, education and Indigenous-led stewardship, while contributing to the conservation and effective governance of Fraser River fisheries and aquatic resources.