UBCIC Calls for Complete Closure of Sports Fishery on Fraser River

Attention: Assignment Editor, City Editor, News Editor, Government/Political Affairs Editor

VANCOUVER, BC, PRESS RELEASE--(Marketwire - Aug. 17, 2009) - Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) stated today "We are horrified that an altercation between sports fishers and Aboriginal driftnet fishers quickly escalated to the point where one aboriginal fisher, Chief Willie Charlie, was shot in the face by a pellet gun. It is abundantly clear that tensions on the Fraser River are rising to dangerous levels."

Grand Chief Phillip stated "The Union of BC Indian Chiefs fully supports the Sto:lo's call for an emergency meeting with DFO, RCMP and First Nations. Furthermore, to ensure the safety of all, DFO should close the sports fishery on the Fraser when First Nations exercise their constitutionally-enshrined and judicially recognized right to fish"
/For further information: http://www.ubcic.bc.ca/

IN: FISHERIES, FOOD, JUSTICE, POLITICS