Salmon Schooling - Photo by: Melody Charlie
Announcing a New 4-Year Initiative:
Restoring Five Nations Law: Nuu-chah-nulth Salmon Laws & Consultation Protocols
We are excited to announce the launch of a new four-year initiative: Restoring Five Nations Law: Nuu-chah-nulth Salmon Laws & Protocols Project.
Through this project, Ha’oom Fisheries Society, the Balance Co-Lab, and Ahousaht, Ehattesaht/Chinehkint, Hesquiaht, Mowachaht/Muchalaht, and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations (known as the five Nations) will work together to document, revitalize, and affirm traditional Nuu-chah-nulth laws related to salmon conservation and fisheries governance.
This initiative will be rooted in the five Nations’ inherent rights and responsibilities to steward their ha-ha-houlthee and manage their fisheries based on traditional teachings, practices, and governance systems.
Project Goals
Document Traditional Laws and Knowledge: We will work with elders, knowledge holders, and community members to gather and document teachings and laws related to salmon (conservation and fisheries).
Support Community Dialogue: Through interviews, community meetings, and discussions, we will explore how the five Nations have traditionally governed salmon fisheries, conservation, shared resources, and made decisions.
Strengthen Inter-Nation Protocols: The project will also support conversations about how the five Nations have worked together historically and with other Nations, and how they want to collaborate and consult with one another today.
Engage with Government: We will co-develop a legal document outlining the five Nations’ salmon laws and a proposed consultation protocol for fisheries decisions to present to the government. This will reflect the five Nations’ governance structures, rights, and traditional knowledge, and outline how they wish to be consulted on matters related to salmon conservation and fisheries management.
Preserve Cultural Knowledge Through Community-Led Videography:
To honour and preserve these traditional laws, we will also carry out community-directed videography. These videos will document the stories, teachings, and practices shared throughout the project. All videos will be owned by the five Nations and may be used in any way they choose to help preserve and pass on cultural knowledge and heritage for generations to come
How We’ll Work with the Five Nations
In the coming months, our team will reach out to each Nation to:
Formally introduce the project
Seek your direction and input
Invite participation in interviews, surveys, and gatherings
Share regular updates and ensure transparency throughout the process
A Research Advisory Council, comprising elders and knowledge holders, will guide the project throughout its duration, ensuring it remains grounded in Nuu-chah-nulth principles and community direction.
This work is being carried out in collaboration with the Balance Co-Lab and their legal experts. We will also be working with community liaisons from each Nation to support meaningful engagement and coordination.
This is an exciting and important opportunity to honour and assert the five Nations’ rights and knowledge, and to shape the future of fisheries management on the five Nations’ terms.
If you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at charlene@haoom.ca. We’ll continue to keep you informed and will begin scheduling community meetings this summer to start these important conversations.
We look forward to working alongside you and keeping you updated every step of the way.
Stay tuned for another post on this project on May 28!
Klecko klecko,
Ha’oom Fisheries Society