December 9, 2019
(Xʷmәθkʷәy̓әm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and
sәl̓ilwәtaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, BC) – The First Nations
Leadership Council (FNLC) calls upon the federal and provincial governments
to immediately declare a state of emergency and urgently prioritize resources
for the removal of the physical obstruction at the Big Bar landslide on the
Fraser River within the next 60 days. Preparations must be made to provide
passage for all salmon returning in the next year. The FNLC also calls on the
federal government to identify and fund a working group, including
representatives from impacted First Nations, to monitor the efforts and develop
contingency plans in response to this salmon fisheries crisis.