In this volume of RCC Perspectives, diverse salmon cultures—from the aquaculture industry and biology, to northern Sami and First Nations—speak about life and work with salmon.
Fred and Isaac Metallic of the Mi’kmaq community emphasize Indigenous knowledge, treaty rights, and sustainable fisheries management as vital to protecting salmon, cultural heritage, and self-governance despite ongoing challenges.
A long struggle on the part of the Mi’gmaq community of Listuguj to continue fishing, despite arrests and financial pressures, has cleared the way for the resurgent power of Mi’gmaq law to govern the fishery, and to face the salmon aquaculture industry with confidence.
Håvald Hansen of Fanasgieddi in Tana emphasizes that sustaining Sami fishing traditions, local control, and respect for salmon are essential to protecting cultural identity and livelihoods despite legal and environmental challenges.
Bob Chamberlin presents Owadi, chief of the Kwicksutaineuk Ah-Kwa-Mish First Nation, as advocating for the protection of Indigenous rights and territories by opposing harmful fish farming practices and demanding meaningful inclusion of First Nations in regulatory decisions.
Marine Harvest communications director Jørgen Christiansen highlights the company’s shift from conflict to collaboration with First Nations, emphasizing transparency, environmental responsibility, and ongoing dialogue to balance aquaculture operations with community and ecological concerns.
Bjarne Johansen advocates for the restoration of coastal Sami fishing rights and stricter limits on river and salmon farming practices to protect wild salmon, cultural traditions, and fjord communities from environmental and regulatory harm.
Marianne Balto highlights how the Sami Parliament works to protect Sami rights, culture, and livelihoods by promoting sustainable salmon management, traditional knowledge, and responsible industry practices across Norway and beyond.
Steinar Pedersen calls for greater scrutiny of salmon aquaculture’s impacts on Sami communities, urging responsible, transparent industry practices that protect wild salmon, respect Indigenous rights, and sustain traditional livelihoods.
Hinks highlights the Miawpukek First Nation in Newfoundland for its leadership in Atlantic salmon conservation and self-managed fisheries, while warning that expanding finfish aquaculture threatens traditional harvests, ecosystems, and Indigenous food security.
