Food Security

In July 2023, CNA acquired and distributed sockeye salmon to the eight member communities - Ashcroft Indian Band, Boston Bar First Nation, Coldwater Indian Band, Cook’s Ferry Indian Band, Nicomen Indian Band, Nooaitch Indian Band, Shackan Indian Band and Siska Indian Band. The distribution supports food security and sovereignty within the communities.

"The reason we do this is, well one, it's a major priority area within our strategic plan around food security and food sovereignty, with an objective to provide both traditional and basic food access to the members of our eight participating bands. Why we do that in relation to the work CNA does, is we recognize that there will always be some level of legacy impact associated with the mine and the Highland Valley. Historically, the Highland Valley was a bread basket for our nation and was a huge source of traditional foods. Also just recognizing the cumulative effects that have occurred in our territory over the last several years and recognizing there are more barriers now for our members in accessing food. So we're happy to do this every year to help where we can." - Tamlyn Botel, CNA General Manager

"I’d like to thank the member bands that make up the CNA, our ability to work together as a collective, allows for opportunities such as the salmon we are receiving over the next few days. As a member of Shackan, I’m grateful for the fresh salmon. Thank you to all the staff at the CNA, Band offices and the fisher who provided the salmon." -Lindsay Tighe, Shackan Band Councilor and CNA Board of Directors - Director

CNA coordinated the delivery of 15,468 fish throughout the eight bands. Our members were very receptive to the fresh fish, as demonstrated by the fact that we had none leftover! As opposed to the frozen Alaskan salmon of 2021 where we had freezers full leftover at both the CNA office and band offices. The fish was commercially caught in Port Alberni and brought fresh to the territory within 2 days from the commencement of fishing. A special thank you to Rob St. Louis and SeaCrisp trading for the gift of traditional foods in uncertain times.