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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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CROFTON – Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Treaty Negotiations Geoff Plant announced $368,019 in provincial funding for water quality surveys and analysis that will help the Halalt First Nation revitalize shellfish aquaculture project, promote environmental stewardship and reduce processing costs. “The harvest of shellfish products from this area is an important economic opportunity for the 200 members of the Halalt First Nation,” said Plant, “and the shellfish production plan will increase their involvement in the aquaculture industry.” The Shoals Island Economic Development Initiative (SIEDI) project is managed through Naut'sa mawt Tribal Council (NmTC). Tests have been performed on 110 hectares of clam habitat that is harvested through an expensive process known as depuration. The high cost of the depuration, or cleansing process, decreases returns to the community. This two-phasedproject will determine sources of bacterial pollution through an intensive sampling program, and facilitate the reduction of health hazards to consumers and potentially eliminate depuration costs to the First Nation. The project also allows for training and employment of band members in freshwater and marine sampling, boat safety and marine first aid. Halalt First Nation is located near Crofton and is one of the ten Coast Salish Nations belonging to the Naut'sa mawt Tribal Council. “The future of the Cowichan-Ladysmith area is very much dependent on the future of the local First Nations,” said Graham Bruce, MLA for Cowichan-Ladysmith. “This project will help the Halalt First Nation take full advantage of the aquaculture industry, and that will be a big boost to the local economy.” "This project is important to the Halalt First Nation because it is working towards cleaning up pollution sources in the Chemainus River estuary," says Chief James Bert Thomas, Halalt First Nation. "In addition to our desire to expand our shellfish resources we are in it for the long haul in keeping the beaches clean and pristine for future generations."
This funding is part of the provincial government allocation of $26 million for 124 economic development projects that promote First Nations participation in shellfish aquaculture, tourism, forestry, and oil and gas sectors, as well as the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Treaty Negotiations Office administers the funding and manages the implementation of these projects to assist First Nations to develop the skills and expertise to actively and effectively participate in the provincial economy.
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