Introduction

What is this booklet about?

This booklet is about aboriginal fishing rights in British
Columbia. If you are a status (registered) Indian,* this
booklet will tell you about your legal right to catch fish in
both salt and fresh waters for food, ceremonial, and
societal needs. It will explain when you can legally sell
fish. This booklet will zot help you understand your

fishing rights if you are Métis or a non-status Indian (see
page 9).

Aboriginal fisheries in the province are managed by
the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), which is
responsible for the conservation and management of all
tidal water fisheries in British Columbia. (‘This includes
saltwater fisheries and salmon in fresh water.) The
government of Canada also negotiates fishing agreements
every year with individual bands and tribal councils.
Many bands and tribal councils have additional fishing
regulations you must follow in their territories.

This booklet talks about these regulations, and tells
you who has the authority for licensing in each area of
the province. It also explains:

~ what the Constitution says about aboriginal
fishing rights

* If you received your Indian status as a result of Bill C-31, you are
considered a status Indian for the purposes of this booklet.