SFC Mission Statement
We support the work of our communities to provide stewardship for the fisheries in their territories and to assert their traditional fisheries rights within a co-management framework. This is accomplished as they are building capacity for self-government.
Our motto is “Me7 wéwlem-kt wel me7 yews” which translates to “Fishing for our Future.”
As part of a larger initiative to establish self-government for the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council communities, SFC advocates for First Nations rights and title with respect to our fisheries interests. Central to our mission is our commitment to protect existing fisheries resources, to promote integrated, holistic approaches to ecosystem conservation and management, and to provide policy advice on political and technical matters. The SFC promotes ecosystem conservation and the sustainable use and harvest practices of fisheries resources.
The re-invigoration of traditional fisheries practices and the strengthening of First Nations social and cultural heritage is a reflection of our respect for all living beings and contributes to the preservation of our values and beliefs. We form partnerships with other fisheries organizations for mutual benefit, and build relationships with other First Nations organizations. Co-management is a cornerstone of our mandate. View Overview of SFC Operations PDF (May2015) »
The Mission is accomplished through 4 primary activities:
1. Representation and Communication
2. Co-Management Projects
3. Food, Social, Ceremonial (FSC) Fisheries Management
4. Organizational and Capacity Building
SFC Steering Committee
The SFC Steering Committee was convened in 2006 to guide the growth and development of the SFC and to serve as a formal link between the SFC and the SNTC communities reporting directly to the SNTC Council of Chiefs. The Committee has the mandate from the SNTC Chiefs and Councils for: planning, policy discussions, recommendations, and communications. Membership of the Committee is comprised of two representatives from each of the SNTC member communities (one representative and one alternate), as appointed by the Chief and Council from each SNTC community.
Operating Areas
Within the larger Secwepemc traditional territory, SFC’s operating area includes the Thompson – Shuswap river watersheds, upstream of the Bonaparte River confluence near Ashcroft, BC, as well as parts of the middle Fraser River and headwaters of the Fraser River. This landscape is diverse and arguably comprise the most socially, economically and ecologically important aquatic ecosystem in BC. Many anadromous and resident fish species utilize the waterways for migration, holding, spawning, and rearing habitat.