Overview

The intricate web of commercial fishing, climate change, and Indigenous cultural practices demands a contextual understanding. Recognizing how these elements influence one another is critical to fostering sustainability. The fishing industry’s impact, including overfishing, highlights the urgent need for integrated management approaches.

Ni’ tsetsul’ulhtun ‘uw’ ‘eeye’qtun ‘u’ tthu kwa’atl’kwa, sis uw hwulmuhw snuw’uy’ulh T’a’thut ‘un’ tl’leem’ ‘u ‘un stl’i’ ‘u statul’stuhw. Tspit tthu eeye’qtum tumuhw, eeye’qtum sul’utul’sht’e ‘un stl’i’ huli’stuhw. Tthu tsetsul’ulhtun, hun’utum industry, nan ‘uw tsesul’ulhtun. Tspit ‘un stl’i ‘u’ tu thi’maat shqwaluwun tetsul.

The failure to address these interconnected challenges holistically can lead to the collapse of vital fish stocks and the degradation of cultural and ecological landscapes. The stakes are high, with entire ecosystems and ways of life at risk, demonstrating the necessity of comprehensive and collaborative solutions.

ni’ ‘uwu kwus sul’ul’thuts, ‘ithatul’stuhw shqwaluwuns, ‘i’ nem’ yixw ‘u thithat stseelhtunhwu’alum’sis ‘uw ‘uwu stsi’elh hwulmuhw ‘i tumuhw. ‘i sielh’stuhw ‘i hwtl’i kws mukw tumuhw, mukw’ulup wawa’ stl’eluqun kws hulit, le’lum’stamshnustl’i’ ‘u q’ishintul’ shqwaluwun.

By tackling climate change, industry practices, and environmental sustainability together, there is a significant opportunity to restore and enhance marine biodiversity, strengthen Indigenous economies, and maintain cultural practices. This holistic approach, which reflects the foundational Nuu-chah-nulth concept of Tsawalk (meaning “one”), can lead to more resilient communities and ecosystems.

thuyt thu tumuhw, thuyt thu hunutum industry paractices, kwutst ts’i’ts’uwatul shqwaluwun ‘i q’ushintul thuyt thu tumuhw, ni’ thithat kw’in ‘u thuyt thuw’mukw kwatl’kwa, kw’am kw’umstuhw, thu hwulmuhw hunutum economies and hakwushus snuw’uyulh. Thuw’ mukw’ nem’, lumstuhw ‘u snuw’uy’ulh ‘u thu Nuu-chah-nulth snuw’uy’ulh 9meaning ts’i’ts’uwatul), nem’kw’amkw’um thuw’mukw’ ‘i thu tumuhw.

Achieving this requires a united front driven by Indigenous leaders, bringing together governments, environmental organizations, and the fishing industry to develop and implement strategies that address the full spectrum of challenges. This includes reforming fishing regulations to prevent overfishing, supporting Indigenous-led conservation projects, and promoting practices that reduce the environmental impact of fishing operations. By collectively championing sustainable practices that consider the intricate connections between climate change, cultural heritage, and commercial fishing, we can secure climate-resilient fisheries for future generations.

‘uy’eey’ ‘u nu’stli’ ts’i’ts’uwatul shqwaluwun ‘imushstuhw ‘u tthu shusi’eem, ‘e’muqth kwun’atul hun’utum governments, hun’utum governments, ‘i hun’utum fishing industry ‘u ‘eey’ ‘uy shqwuluwun ‘i thi’mawt thuytum tthu tumuhw. Ni’ ‘eeye’qtum’ ‘u tsrtsul’ulhtun snuw’uy’ulh ‘u ‘unuhw thuw mukw tsetsul’ulhtun, ‘i hwulmuhw thuytum, ‘i snuw’uy’ulh ‘u kwu’elh xwul ‘u qul’ shqwaluwun ‘u tsetsul’ulhtun’ew’t. Ni’ ‘a’luxut ‘eey’ ‘uy shqwaluwun snuw’uy’ulh tuni’ hwqwel’qwul’i’wun ‘u ‘i’thatul’stuw tumuhw ‘eeye’qtum’, ‘u tthu shtun’ni’iws snuw’uy’ulh ‘u tthu tsetsul’ulhtun’ew’t, tst thuyt ‘u tl’uxw ‘u tthutsetsul’ulhtun’ew’t ni’ ‘u tthu yu’e’wu shhw’a’luqw’a.

The following case study focused on the opportunities and challenges facing Quw’utsun Kw’atl’kwa Enterprises (QKE), a leading commercial fishing business owned and operated by the Cowichan Tribes and situated in Cowichan, B.C., highlights adaptive strategies and offers recommendations for ways to achieve this goal.

Ni’ hwtetulum’ qe’is snuw’uy’ulh ‘u tthu qe’is tl’uxw shul’e’shlh yunu’as Quw’utsun Kw’atl’kwa Enterprises (QKE), ‘u shhwuhwi’wuqun ‘u tthu tsetsul’ulhtun’ew’t hakwush thun Cowichan Tribes ‘i ‘e’ut Cowichan B.C., lumstalu qe’is snuw’uy’ulh ‘i ‘aalhtum qwul’qwul sht’e ‘u thuyt thu tumuhw.

Introducing Quw’utsun Kw’atl’kwa Enterprises

Quw’utsun Kw’atl’kwa Enterprises is a leading commercial fishing business owned and operated by the Cowichan Tribes, situated in Cowichan, B.C. The name Cowichan is the anglicized version of shkewetsen, meaning “basking in the sun”. Elder Abel Joe explains how the name came from people seeing a frog basking in the sun on Mount Tzouhalem (Joe, 1977). The territories of the Cowichan Tribes include 2,389 hectares (5,903 acres) across nine reserves and seven traditional villages: Quamichan (Kwa’mutsun), Comiaken (Qaumi Yiqun), Koksilah (Ulaelu), Somena (S’amuna’), Clemclemaluts (Lhumlhumuluts’), Khenipsen (Xin Ipsum), and Cowichan Bay (L’ul Plus) (Cowichan Tribes, 2021). QKE is integral to both the economic and cultural fabric of these communities.

Quw’utsun Kw’atl’kwa Enterprises ni’ ‘u shhwuhwi’wuqun ‘u tthu tsetsul’ulhtunew’t swe’s ‘i nem’ hakwush ‘u Cowichan Tribes, ni’ut Cowichan B.C. ‘u thu sne’ Cowichan ni’ ‘u shwulinitum’a’lh nu’ sne’ ‘u shquw’utsun, nilh “basking in the sun”. Sul’xween Abel Joe qwul’ sht’e ‘u Sne’ tun’untsu hwulmuhw lemut ‘u tthu wuxus shquw’utsun ‘u thu Mount Tzouhalem (Joe, 1977) Tun’ ni’ tsun ‘utl’ Cowichan Tribes sis hun’utum 2,389 hetares (5,903) ni’ untsu toohw tumuhw ‘i tth’a’kwus hwulmuhw tumuhw: Kwa’mutsun, Qwum’yiqun, Xwulqw’selu, S’amunu, Lhumlhumuluts’, Xinupsum, ‘i Tl’ulpalus (Cowichan Tribes, 2021). QKE ‘u thi’mawt ‘u yuse’lu telu ‘i hwulmuhw snuw’uy’ulh ‘u tthu tumuhw.

 The Cowichan River has been a lifeline for the Cowichan and neighbouring Salish peoples throughout millennia, serving as a cornerstone of their diet, economy, and social ceremonies. The river’s fisheries, historically managed through intricate weir systems, were not merely harvesting mechanisms but vital conservation tools, ensuring the sustainability of salmon populations for future generations. The remarkable productivity of these weirs sustained extensive trading networks across the Salish territories, illustrating a sophisticated ecological stewardship that has endured through time (Atlas et al., 2021).

Tu Quw’utsun sta’luw’ ‘uw’ nilh ‘u hulitham’sh ‘ tthu Quw’utsun ‘i hwulmuhw mustmuhw tsi’tsulhuqwt ‘u ‘apun nets’uwuwuts sil’anum, tl’liim’ ‘u ‘uy ‘ulhtun, qtulstuhw ‘i ‘aw’kw’ul’muhw. Tthu sta’luw’ tsetsul’ulhtun, yathulh yaays ‘u thu shxetl’, ‘uwu’ kwus ‘a’luxut yaays ‘i’ skeyxutssum nustl’i’ ‘u thuyt thu tumuhw ‘i stseelhtun ‘e’muqt ‘i’ yuluw’en shhw’a’luqw’a’. Tu qux kwunnuhw ‘u thu shxetl’ yath ‘u thi ‘uya’qtul mukw stem u thu hwulmuhw mustimuhw tumuhw, lumstuhw snuw’uy’ulh ‘u tu lemut ‘u tthu tumuhw mukw stem ‘u thu shtun’ni’’iws. (Atlas et al. 2021)

Today, as QKE  confronts the compounding pressures of climate change and commercial harvest, it navigates a landscape marked by environmental and economic challenges threatening these traditional practices. The principle of two-eyed seeing (Bartlett et al., 2012, p. 335), advocated by Mi’kmaq Elder Albert Marshall, guides the enterprise  as it integrates Indigenous ways of knowing with Western scientific knowledge. This adaptive strategy seeks to balance environmental sustainability with economic growth, exploring innovative solutions such as aquaculture, eco-tourism, and renewable energy to address the depletion of fish stocks and shifting ecological conditions.

uyqtul ‘u tl’uxw yaays ‘u tsetsul’ulhtun ‘u thu ‘eeye’qtum kw’atl’kwu ‘i hunutum commercial Harvest, ‘u kwunnuhw thu tumuhw sxuxil’ ‘u ‘eeye’tum’ tsetsul’ulhtun ‘i ‘aaya’qtul’stuhw, qul shkwaluwun ‘u hwulmuhw t’a’thut. Tu thu’it ‘u yuse’lu qulum le’lum’nuhw (bartlett et al., 2012, p. 335) sqwi’qwul ‘u Mi’kmaq sul’hween Albert Marshal, lumnuhw ‘u ‘aya’qtul hikwut hwulmuhw hwqwel’qwul’i’wun swe’ ‘u thu hwulmuhw snu’uy’ulh. Kw’i ‘eeye’qtum snuw’uy’ulh lemut tu thu’it thu thu’it thuyt thu tumuhw ‘ehwe’t ‘uya’qtul thithat, lum’stuhw qe’yes snuw’uy’ulh tuni’ ‘u tu hunutum aquaculture, eco-tourism, ‘i renewable energy ‘u hwu’uhwin stselhtun ‘e’muqt ‘i ‘eeye’qtum kw’atl’kwu.

Quw’utsun Mustimuhw

The Quw’utsun Mustimuhw, historically and today, occupy a significant area on Vancouver Island. Their traditional territory, rich in cultural and ecological resources, extends more than 375,000 hectares across a substantial portion of southeastern Vancouver Island and the Fraser River, as noted in Figure 1, encompassing key areas along the Cowichan River and Cowichan Bay (Cowichan Tribes, 2021). The Cowichan people travelled extensively throughout their territories.

tthu quw’utsun mustimuhw, ni’wulh hith ‘i kweyul, tun ni’ tsun utl’ huy ‘u Vancouver Island. Ni’ thu tumuhws, thi’ mawt shqwaluwun ‘i qtul’stuw, tetsul. ‘utl’ huy ‘u hunutum 375,000 hectares ‘u huy ‘utl’ tl’itl’up s’i’a’lum’iw’s Vancouver Island ‘i ‘u Fraser sta’luw, lum’nuhw ‘u figure 1, sel’ts’t ‘u thithat ‘uw tsetsuw’ tthu Cowichan sta’luw ‘i tlul’pulus (Cowichan Tribes, 2021) Tumuhws.

Before contact with European settlers, the population of the Quw’utsun Mustimuhw is estimated to have been 15,000 members strong (Cowichan Tribes, 2021), reflecting the abundance of resources in the region. This sizable population highlights the historical importance of natural resources, particularly salmon, which to this day are driving West Coast Indigenous sustenance and social structure.

yuluwen ‘u wi’wul ‘u tthu hwulinitum mustimuhw, skw;she’lu ‘u tthu quw’utsun mustimuhw ‘u wa’lu wulh 15,000 tl’uxw thu mustimuhw (Cowichan Tribes, 2021), lumstuhw ‘u qux ‘u thu sulh’tun ‘u thu tumuhw. Tu’i qux mustimuhw lumstuhw ‘u thi’ mawt thithat ‘u thu sulhtun, hut mukw stem hwu si’em stseelhtun, ‘u hwun tl’ulumthut West Coast hwulmuhw sulhtun ‘i hakwush snuw’uy’ulh.

The entire local watershed, with its myriad sacred sites and rich tapestry of cultural narratives, is a critical area for the Quw’utsun Mustimuhw. It is a spiritual stronghold and a vital resource for fishing, plant harvesting, and hunting. The southern slopes of Hwsalu-utsum are noted for their rare grasslands, home to plants that hold significant spiritual and practical importance for the community. The watershed serves the community as a keeper of ancient stories and provider of essential natural resources.

Thuw mukw kw’atl’kwu, sta’luw, ‘i xatsa’, qa’ ‘u xe’xe’ tumuhw ‘i ts’usts’ustin ‘u snu’uy’ulh, thithut sqwaluwun ‘u thu quw’utsun mustimuhw. Kwus thithat sqaluwun snuw’uy’ulh ‘u thu tsetsul’ulhtun, hwseenhwt, ‘i ‘a’luxut. Tu tl’itl’up t’ahw ‘u Hwasalu-utsum xul’ut ‘u thu saxul tumuhw, stl’ulnup ‘u squqwule’’u thithat ‘u s-a’lhs-stuhw’i nustli’ importance thithat ‘u thu nuts’a’wuqw. Tu kw’atl’kwa, sta’luw ‘i xatsa’ ts’ewut thu nuts’a’wuqw ‘u ‘u kwun ‘u wulh hilh sxwiem ‘i ‘aalhstuhw ‘u thithat thu sulhtun.

Today, the Cowichan Tribes, as they are formally recognized, have a much smaller population, comprising 5,500 members (Cowichan Tribes, 2024). Their current reserve lands cover about 2,400 hectares, a fraction of their vast traditional territory (Cowichan Tribes, 2018). This land, although limited in comparison to their expansive historical territories, supports not only residential areas but also communal and cultural facilities. This reflects the community’s resilience in maintaining and nurturing its cultural heritage and practices, despite the constraints imposed by colonialism and government policies that have significantly reduced its traditional lands.

Skweyul, tu Cowihan Tribes, ‘u thu sne’ putnuhw, swe’ ‘u ‘uwiin’ul Kw’ushuleem’ wa’lu 5500 mustimuhw. (Cowichan Tribes, 2024). Kws swe’ ‘u tthuu tumuhws Sul’ixw wa’la 2400 hectares, ‘u ‘uhwiin’ kw’ush ‘u quw’utsun ‘u hwulmuhw mustimuhw thi’ tumuhw (Cowichan Tribes, 2018). Tu tumuhw, wa’lu uhwiin’ul ‘u tumuhw ‘u tu shtun’ni’iws tumuhw ‘u tthu quwutsun mustimuhw, tse’wulhtun ‘u tu s-hwun’ts’awqw tumuhw ‘u tu nuts’a’waqwewt. Tun’a lumstuhw ‘u s-hwun’ts’awqws ‘u kw’amkw’umstuhw ‘i lumstuhw ‘u thu hwulmuhw snuw’uy’ulh, ‘u st’e’uw niis sq’equp ‘u sthuthax ‘u hunutum colonialism ‘i government policies ‘u ‘uhwiin’ulstuhw ‘u quw’utsun tumuhw.

The economic and social life of the Cowichan and other Coast Salish peoples has historically centred around the lifecycle of salmon, particularly those spawning in the Cowichan River and its tributaries. Coho, Chinook, and Chum salmon serve not only as vital food sources but also as key economic commodities, facilitating sophisticated socio-economic exchanges with neighbouring tribes. The river, described by Harold Joe as the “provider of life and sustenance,” is integral to these communities, as emphasized by the First Salmon Ceremony, which marks the spiritual and communal significance of the salmon’s lifecycle. This ceremony, during which salmon are treated with deep respect and positioned to guide subsequent runs, emphasizes the Salish belief in the sacredness of salmon. These practices ensure the continuance of the salmon cycles, linking riverine health directly to the viability of commercial fishing. As these salmon return to the ocean, they mark the beginning of sustainable commercial fishing ventures, illustrating the critical interdependence of river habitats and the broader fishing industry.

tu tela’stuhw ‘i s-hwun’ts’awuqw ‘u tthu quwutsun ‘i mukw hwulmuhw mustimuhw wulh Wulh hith ‘u thithat ‘u thu stseelhtun hwualum, tthuw’ ‘u thu xil’a’ts stseelhtun ‘u thu Quw’utsun sta’luw ‘i ‘u ‘i’la’th. The’wun, stth’aqwi’, ‘i kw’a’luhw ‘u thu stseelhtun thithat ‘ulhtunstuhw thithat wulh telu’swtuhw, thuyt, thuytum kw’am kw’umstuhw syaays ni’ ‘u ‘uya’qtul ‘i ‘uya’qtulstuhw ‘u tthu ‘aw’kw’ulmuhw. Thu sta’luw hiiy’ut ‘u tthu Harold Joe ‘u tu hulitun ‘i sulhtun, ‘u thithat ‘u thu s-hwun’ts’awuqw, ‘i lemutstuhw ‘u thu hwun’a stseeltun hwunuwust, kw’u’i nem’ ‘u nilh s’uylus ‘u tthu nuts’a’wuqw ‘u thithat thu stseelhtun ‘e’muqt. Tu syaays, ‘untsu ‘u thu stseelhtun sus ‘uw he’letus ‘u stsi’elh stuhw ‘i snuw’uy’ulh ‘u tu ‘e’qmuqt, thithat ‘u hwulmuhw snu’uy’ulh ‘u thu xe’xe’ stseelhtun. Tu’inulh thuytum ‘u tthu mukw lhwet ‘u thu stseelhtun ‘e’muqt, ‘u xe’xe ‘u hulitun wi’wul ‘u thu snuy’uy’uljh ‘u stseelhtunew’t. ‘U tu’inulh ‘uw stseelhtun ‘e’muqt ‘u thu kw’atl’kwa, ‘eelhtun hwnuwust ‘u thu stseeltunewt yaays, lemutstuhw ‘u thithat nu’stli’ ‘u thu ‘u thu sta’luw s-hwun’ts’awuqw sus ‘u ‘a’luxut Stseelhtunewt.

Quw’utsun Kw’atl’kwa Enterprises: Facing critical crossroads

QKE, operational since the 1990s, has recently evolved into a more autonomous entity. In 2019, it formalized as a limited partnership, with Cowichan Tribes as the sole shareholder. This structure allows QKE to benefit from the limited liability protection for its investors, which can encourage investment and growth, while ensuring that the Cowichan Tribes retain significant control over business decisions and operations. This setup offers a balance of operational control, financial security, and taxation benefits, making it particularly suitable for ventures involving significant community interests and cultural alignment. This transition marked a significant milestone, which included QKE establishing its own board of directors and reinforcing its operational capabilities. With this newfound independence, QKE has secured a dedicated crew and maintains two boats permanently stationed in Cowichan Bay(QKE, 2021).

QKE, ‘u thu hwun’a’ sil’anum ‘u 1990s, ‘u qe’is sus ‘uw ‘iye’qtum kw’um kw’umul. ‘u 2019, kwus ‘u hunutum limitedn partnership swe’ ‘u tthu Cowichan Tribes. Tu thuyt ‘aant QKE ‘u ‘aluxut tu’i hunitum limited protection ‘u tthu hunitum investors, ‘u tle’ Q’pels ‘u ‘uy qwulstuhw ‘u thu telu, sisuw’ ‘u tthu Cowichan Tribes sul’utul’ tsulel mukw hakwush ‘u tu snuw’uy’ulh ‘u thu stseelhtunewt. Tu’inulh ‘u hukwush ‘u hwnuwust hukwush, telu’stuhw, sus ‘u hunutum taxation benefits, thuytum ‘u nem’ hakwush ‘u thu snuw’uy’ulh thithat ‘u tthu s-hwun’ts’awuqw ‘u tu hwnuwuststuw. Kw’i ‘iyeqt sxuxits ‘u thithat xutsa’th, tu’untsu lhikw QKE thuytum ‘u tthu hunitum board of directors sus ‘uw kw’a,kw’um yaays hawkwushus. Kwus tthuw’ ta’lut ‘aluxutus yaays, QKE wulh ‘a’luxut ‘u hwkw’amkwum sus ‘u lum’stuhw ‘u thu ye’selu snuwulh ‘u q’p’un’um ‘u thu tl’ulpalus (QKE, 2021).

QKE holds commercial licences for a diverse range of seafood. The licences are crucial for commercial operations and supporting the Cowichan Tribes’ spiritual connections to the water and ceremonial fishing practices. By managing licences and quotas, QKE plays a pivotal role in preserving the employment and maritime heritage of the Cowichan Tribes while acting as the guardian of economic sustainability and cultural continuity.

QKE swe’ ‘u thu hunitum commercial liicences ‘u qux ‘u kw’atl’kw’a sulhtun, ‘u thithat‘u thu hunitum licence ‘u thithat tu stseelhtunewt yaays sis ‘u ts’ets’uwut ‘u tthu Cowichan Tribes’ nilh s’uylus ‘u tu qa’ sus xe’xe syaays kw’akw’i’ukw. Hawkwushus tu hunitum licences ‘ikwunnuhw, QKE siemstuhw ni’ ‘u hulithut ‘u thu syaays sus ‘uw kw’atl’kw’u’ hwnwust ‘u snuw’uy ‘ulh ‘u thu Cowichan Tribes sus ‘uw sht’e ‘u ‘al’mutst ‘u ‘aya’qtul yaays ‘i s-hwun’ts’awuqw.

Despite having established a strong operational framework, QKE faces mounting challenges from changing environmental conditions and regulatory restrictions. The Pacific Salmon Foundation’s (2024) State of Salmon report indicates significant ecological pressures. While Chinook in the Vancouver Island and Mainland Inlets region are above the long-term average, with record numbers returning to the Cowichan River, other species such as chum and steelhead are well below average. Specifically, chum spawner abundance has reached lows not seen since the 1960s. This decline is attributed to higher water temperatures, increased flooding, and more frequent droughts, which disrupt salmon lifecycle and habitat. Such conditions necessitate adaptive strategies in QKE’s fishing practices to ensure sustainability and support the resilience of local salmon populations amidst these environmental shifts.

Shte’ ‘uw swe’ ‘u kw’am kw’um ‘u kw’am kw’um snuw’uy’ulh, Q KE na’us thithat tqet ‘untsu ‘u ‘eeye’qtum ‘u quw’uthut kw’atl’kwa’ ‘i hwnuwust. Tu hunitum Pacific Salmon Foundation’s (2024) State of Salmon qwul ‘u lemutstuhw thi’ ‘eeye’qtumstuhw. Shte’ ‘u stth’aqwi’ ni’ ‘u thu hunitum Vnacouver Island and Mainland regions ‘i hith ‘e’muqt, sus ‘uw mukw kwin ‘e’muqt ‘u thu quwutsun sta’luw, nets stseelhtun sisuw kw’a’luhw ‘i sxuw’q’um ‘uwu te’ mukw ‘emuqt. ‘uwu te’ mukw ‘u thu pupun’um kw’a’luhw ‘uwu lemut tun’i tthu 1960s. Tu ‘uwu mukw tun’i ‘u tl’hwum qa’, qux tu’ lhul’qum, ‘i qxelh ‘uwu te’ lhumuhw, kw’i ‘u thu stseelhtun hulithut ‘i ‘uwu t’at’ukw’. tu’nilh ‘u stitum’’u qxelh ‘uw nu’stl’i ‘eeye’qt wsnuw’uy’ulh ‘u thu QKE’s kw’ikw’iyukw ‘u thu‘emuqt. sus ‘uw thuyt ‘u kw’istuhw ‘u thu s-hwun’ts’uwuqw stseelhtun ‘emuqt tu’nilh ‘u thu kw’atl’kwu ‘eeye’qtum’

Despite the crew’s efficiency and the strategic management of fishing activities, the fish stocks are not what they once were. Particularly, salmon fishing, an economic and cultural staple for the Cowichan Tribes, has been heavily restricted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) regulations, prohibiting or restricting commercial fishing to preserve dwindling stocks (DFO, 2024, DFO 2024b, DFO 2024c). Additionally, while shrimp catches have remained consistent, they are insufficient to sustain the enterprise’s financial viability alone. The situation is such that, without the support of grants from the DFO (DFO, 2024d), QKE would likely face financial difficulties, if not insolvency, due to the depleting fish stocks. This precarious balance reveals a broader environmental crisis impacting traditional fishing practices and the economic stability of Indigenous commercial fishing enterprises.

Tu hunitun ‘u crew’s kw’am kw’um kw’ikw’utiyukw snuw’uy’ulh ‘u tu kw’ikw’utiyukwstuhw, ‘uwu te’ mukw ‘emuqt ‘u thu stseelhtun. Thuw mukw, s-hwun’ts’uwuqw, uw aya’qtul sus ‘u thithut ‘u xe’xe yaays ‘u tthu Cowichan Tribes, ‘u wulh ‘u tl’ux hwnuwust ni’ hunitum Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) hwnuwust, ‘unuhwstuhw ‘i’ tl’itl’up ‘u thu kw’ikw’utiyukw ‘uw ‘uwu te’ mukw ‘emuqt (DFO, 2024, DFO 2024b, DFO 2024c). Sis uw, kwukwun’ut ‘u thu hunitum shrimp Kwu’elh ‘uy kwiin, kwu’elh ‘uw ‘uwu te’ ‘i tl’umtl’umkw’t ‘i ‘u thu qux telu’i hin’anuts’a’. Tu tl’ux ‘u yaays, ‘uwu te’telu’ ‘u thu hunitum grants from DFO(DFO,2024d), QKE ni’ wa’lu ‘asum ‘u ‘uwu te’ thu telu’, ‘u ‘uwu wulh puqw, shus ‘u ‘uwu te’ mukw stseelhtun. Tu’nilh stl’eluqun ‘u puy’puy’um lumstuhw ‘u thi’ kw’atl’kwa’ ‘eeye’qtum thu hwulmuw kw’akw’iyukw, yaays sus ‘u tele’stuhw ‘u thu hunitum Indigenous commercial fishing enterprises.

With these realities, QKE is compelled to explore new avenues for sustainability that align with its traditional values and deep-rooted connection to the sea. This necessity drives a strategic pivot towards innovative approaches that could supplement traditional fishing methods, ensuring the enterprise’s resilience. As we consider these dynamics, it becomes clear that anthropogenic change and its impact on marine ecosystems plays a critical role in shaping the future of QKE. The enterprise is now at a crossroads, looking to integrate sustainable practices with economic activities to maintain profitable continuity and community well-being in the face of declining catches.

Kw’i thu’thu’it, QKE ‘u nu’stl’i ‘u lemut thu shelh ni’ ‘u hulithut tu’nilh tselqun ‘u thu hwulmuhw hwnuwust sus ‘u kw’am kwum ‘u nuts’ul ‘u thu kw’atl’kw’a. Tu’nilh nu’stl’i ‘imushstuhw ‘u shqwaluwun ‘eeye’qtum ‘u qe’is ‘ewunus tu’untsa ‘u ‘i kw’ikw’uti’yukw snuw’uy’ulh, kw’am kw’umstuhw tu stseelhtunewt. Kwsustst hwqwel’qwul’i’wun ‘u ‘eeye’qtum, kwus ‘u sni’nuw ‘eeye’qtum ‘u thu tumuhw ‘i ‘eeye’qtum ‘u thu kw’atl’kwa’ ‘u thithut ‘u thuytum ‘u ‘e’wu ‘u thu QKE. Kwu stseelhtunewt ‘i’ hwthtiwun, lemut ‘u qe’is thu’it hwnuwust snuw’uy’ulh kwus telustuhw ‘u thuytum telustuhw ‘u thu telustuhw ‘i Hulithut ‘u thu s’hwun’ts’awuqw ‘u ‘asum ‘uwu te’ mukw ‘uw q’ep’

Theoretical framework

The theoretical landscape of our case study is predicated on the principle of Tsawalk, a foundational concept from the Nuu-chah-nulth philosophy that recognizes the interconnectedness of everything (Atleo, 2007). Tsawalk, which translates to “one,” embodies the holistic interconnectedness of all elements of life: environmental, cultural, and economic. This Indigenous worldview asserts that no component of life operates in isolation, that each part is a thread in the broader fabric of the ecosystem. In practice, this principle dictates that sustainable development cannot merely focus on economic gains but must harmonize these with environmental stewardship and cultural integrity (Nuna et al., 2021).

Kwthey’’u hwqwel’qwul’i’wun nuts’a yaays ‘uw hiiy’ut ‘u thu snuw’uy’ulh ‘u thu Tsawalk, ‘u thithat shqwaluwun’ ni’ulh ‘u Nuu-chah-nulth snuw’uy’ulh tuni’ lumnuhw ‘u mukw’ stem hwu sp’ulay’tul ‘u mukw’ stem (Atleo, 2007). Tsawalk, tu’untsu ‘uw shhw’iint ‘u “nuts’a” kwus ‘uw ts’i’ts’uwatul shqwaluwun ‘u thu tumuhw: tumuhw, snuw’uy’ulh, ‘i telu’stuhw. Tu’nilh Hwulmuhw tumuhwstuhw sus ‘uw sthuthex ‘u tuni’ ‘uwu te’ ‘u yaays ‘uw hin’anuts’a’, Tuni’ ‘u mukw’ stem ‘u tu’untsa ‘uw hwu sp’ulay’tul ‘u thu tumuhw. Tu yaays, tun’a hwnuwust yaays ‘u ‘uy shqwaluwun ‘u thu syaays, ‘uwu te’ ‘u tu tele’stuhw nu’stli’ yuhw Hwqwel’qwul’i’wun ‘u tumuhw yaays sus ‘u hwulmuhw hwnuwust (Nuna et al., 2021)

Tsawalk recognizes the traditional role Indigenous people play in maintaining balance and harmony. These efforts are not merely about harnessing natural resources but reasserting control over traditional lands and ways of life disrupted by centuries of colonial policies (Murphy et al., 2023). A significant example of this disruption is the colonial ban on traditional fishing weirs, which were crucial to Indigenous resource management. According to Dale and Natcher (2015), these bans significantly undermined traditional fishing practices, and recent efforts to reintroduce these Indigenous fishing technologies in British Columbia mark a critical step towards reclaiming traditional ecological knowledge.

Tsawalk lumstuhw ‘uw hwnuwuststuhw ‘u tthu hwulmuhw mustimuhw ‘uwts’i ts’uwatul shqwaluwun. Kw’i timuthut ‘uwu te’ ‘uw’ ‘a’luxut ‘u tu mukw stem ‘u swe’ hakwush ‘u thu s-hwunits’awuqw sus ‘u snuw’uy’ulh ‘u ‘eeye’qtum ‘u qux sil’anum ‘u thu hwulinitum hwnuwust (Murphy et al., 2023). ‘u thi’maat ‘eeye’qtum ‘u tu hwulinitum ‘u ‘unuhw ‘u thu hwulmuhw tsetsul’ulhtun shxetl’’u tu’untsa ulh thithat ‘u hwulmuhw ulhtunstuhw. Qwal ‘u Dale ‘i’ Natcher (2015), tu’nilh ‘unuhw’ ‘uw thi ‘eeyeqtum hwulmuhw tsetsul’ulhtun snuw’uy’ulh, sus qe’is ‘uw timuthut ‘u thuyt kw’i ‘u tthu hwulmuhw tsetsul’ulhtun shkwey’xutssum’ ‘u British Columbia lemut ‘u thithat nem’ takw ‘u thuytum thu hwulmuhw tumuhw snuw’uy’ulh.

This interconnected approach of Tsawalk is crucial for understanding the multiple pressures facing QKE, including climate change, industrial impacts, sport fishing, pollution, and overfishing. Each of these factors does not exist in a vacuum but interacts dynamically with others, influencing the health of the marine ecosystems and, consequently, the cultural and economic well-being of the Cowichan Tribes.

Tu’nilh ‘u kwun’utul snuw’uy’ulh ‘u Tsawalk ‘u thithat ‘uw shtatul’stuhw ‘u qux tl’ux yaays ‘asum QKE, hunitum climate change, industrial impacts, sport fishing, pollution, and overfishing. Tun’untsa ‘eeye’qtum ‘uwu te’ hulithut ‘u hunitum vacuum ‘u hulithut kw’i yu xut’utul’, ‘eeye’qtum ‘u mukw’ stem ‘u thu kw’atl’kwa sus ‘uw ‘eeye’qtum, ‘u hwnuwust sus ‘uw tele’stuhw ‘u tthu Cowichan Tribes.

In conclusion, employing Tsawalk as a theoretical framework not only guides our understanding of the operations at QKE but also sets a precedent for addressing complex environmental and economic challenges in a holistic manner. Specifically, Tsawalk informs the development of effective climate change adaptation strategies for QKE, emphasizing an integrated approach that combines ecological sustainability, economic viability, and social equity. This approach ensures that adaptation measures are deeply rooted in the community’s traditional knowledge and contemporary needs, providing a robust basis for navigating the impacts of climate change. By viewing these challenges through the lens of interconnectedness, QKE can champion sustainable development pathways that respect and rejuvenate the cultural, ecological, and economic fabric of the Cowichan Tribes. This approach promises to offer insights and models for other communities facing similar pressures, ensuring that economic development within Indigenous territories is conducted in a manner that is respectful, sustainable, and culturally congruent.

tu’nilh ‘e’ut, huqwushus Tsawalk ‘u hwqwel’qwul’i’wun ‘uw huqwushus snuw’uy’ulh thun stat’ul’stuhw ‘u thu syaays ‘u QKE ‘u sht’e ‘u tu hwn hwnuwust thuytum ‘u ‘eeye’qtum tumuhw sus uw telu’stuhw ‘u tqetham’sh ‘uw ‘uy sqwuluwun. Haqwushus ‘u, Tsawalk ‘i’wusth ‘uw nu’stl’i ‘u thuytum tu’ ‘eeye’qtum thu tumuhw hwqwel’qwul’i’wun ‘u QKE thi’ maat sqwaluwun ‘u thu hwulinitum ‘i’ hwulmuhw, thuytum thu tumuhw, ‘i telu’stuhw sus ‘uw kw’am kw’um stuhw thu sqwaluwun, tu’nilh thu slhexun’ shqwaluwun ‘u thuytum s-hwun’ts’awuqws tu hwulmuhw snuw’uy’ulh sus ‘uw nu’ stl’i ch, hulit ‘u ‘uy shqwaluwun ‘uw lumstuhw ‘uw ‘eeye’qtum thu tumuhw. Shte’ lemut ‘u tl’ux yaays le’lum’ut ‘u thu slhexun shqwaluwun, QKE ‘uw thuytum tu syaays ‘uw thuyum tu shelh Kw’i si’em sus ‘uw thuytum thu snuw’uy’ulh, slexun’ tu tumuhw, sus uw hulit thu Cowichan Tribes. Kw’i ‘e’wunus qwil’qwul’ ‘uw ‘uy sqwaluwun sus hw’uw’tsust ‘u thu s-hwun’ts’awuqw ‘asum ‘u tl’ux ‘u thu syaays, ‘uw qwil’qwul’s ‘u telu’stuhw ‘u thu hwulmuhw tumuhw ‘u ni’ wulh hay ‘uw si’emstuhw, thuytum, sus ‘uw ts’its’uwutal shqwaluwun.

Methodology

This research utilizes a case study methodology to explore the adaptive strategies that Commercial Fishing Enterprises (CFEs) employ in response to the depletion of fish stocks due to anthropogenic change. Case study research is particularly appropriate for investigating complex, real-world phenomena, providing in-depth insights into the specific context of QKEand its decision-making processes (Yin, 2018). 

Tu’nilh hwqwel’qwul’i’wun mukw’ stem ‘u tu’nuhw ‘u ‘uy snuw’uy’ulh sisuw’ hunitum Commercial Fishing Enterprises (CFES) huqwush ‘u qwil’qwul’stuhw ‘u ‘uwu te’ qux ‘e’muqt Shus ‘u qul ‘eeye’qtum. Hwqwel’qwul’i’wun ‘uw slexun shqwaluwun lemut ‘uw tl’ux yaays, thu’it ‘eeye’qtum thu tumuhw, ‘uw ‘eehwe’t ‘u kw’am kw’um snuw’uy’ulh ‘u QKE sus ‘uw shqwaluwun hwnuwust (Yin, 2018).

Participants

The study involves employees of QKE who represent various roles across the organization:

1. Shawn Baybutt, Executive Director – Responsible for strategic planning and high-level decision-making.
2. Clyde, Captain—The captain leads the fishing crews and makes real-time decisions about harvesting based on environmental conditions and operational constraints.
3. Norman and Theresa, Board Directors – Provided critical insights from the board’s perspective.
4. Harold, Knowledge Keeper – Provided historical insights.

This diverse group of participants was selected to capture perspectives from multiple levels of the organization, ensuring a holistic understanding of the enterprise’s operations and adaptive strategies.

Kw’e nut’tul ‘ut sun’ts a’wuqqw wulh ‘ul’mutsun ‘uw lemut thu tl’ux syaays ‘u nutstul Mustimuhw ‘u thu hunitum orginization, thu’it ‘uy sqwaluwun ‘u thu hunitum enterprises Operatons sus ‘uw ‘eeye’qtum sqwaluwun.

Data collection methods

Data for this study were gathered using semi-structured interviews, a method that provides a balance between structured queries and the flexibility needed for participants to express their thoughts and experiences comprehensively. This approach is particularly well-suited for exploring complex issues such as the impact of climate change, operational changes, and community engagement within the context of QKE.  To foster a comfortable and candid environment, interviews were conducted in settings conducive to open and relaxed conversation. Most interviews were arranged around shared meals, lunches, dinners, or over coffee. This setting honoured the cultural significance of sharing a meal as a form of community building and respect in many Indigenous cultures.

Tutuleen-unuq wulh q’pet ‘uw hawqwushus ‘uw qwil’qwul’tul, kw’in ‘u kw’i ‘ehwe’t ‘uw ‘uy shqwaluwun ‘uw thuytum shqwaluwun sus ‘u nuts’tul tu shqwaluwun ‘u mukwalup ‘u qwil’qwul’tul ‘u thu shqwaluwuns sus ‘uw yaaysstuhw shqwaluwun. Kw’i ‘uw hwqwel’qwul’i’wun thuytum thu tumuhw ‘u tl’ux ‘u thu syaays ‘u tu’ ‘eeye’qtum thu tumuhw, ‘eeye’qtum tu syaays, sus ‘uw s-hwun’ts’awuqw ‘uw qwil’qwul’tul ‘u thu QKE. ‘u hwqwel’qwul’i’wun ‘uw thuyt thu tumuhw, qwil’qwul’tul ulh tun ni’utl’ ‘uystuhw ‘u ‘uy shqwaluwun tu qwal’. Mukw qwil’qwul’tul ulh ‘u ‘a’luxut thu lutem ‘u sulhtun, shtuhwskweyulqun, hwtuhw skweyulqun, koffi. ‘u huqwush thu snuw’uy’ulh ‘u yaays ‘’u letem ‘u thu s-hwun’ts’awuqw-ewt sus ‘uw si’emstuhw thu hwulmuhw snu’uy’ulh.

These interviews were supplemented with observational notes to aid in the accurate transcription and analysis of the conversations. This combination of detailed narrative data and observational context provides a basis for understanding the ways in which QKE navigates under the guiding principle of Tsawalk¹.

Kw’i qwil’qwul’tul wulh sus ‘uw le’lum’ut ‘’u thu pipu xul’tun ni’’u thu’it ‘u thu xulxulul’s sus ‘uw lemut the qwil’qwul’tul. Tu’nilh ‘uw lemut ‘u thu’it xulxulul’ssus ‘uw le’lum’ut ‘u thu mukw stem tu’untsa ‘uw shtatulstuhw ‘u thu snu’uy’ulh thu QKE ta’lut ‘u Thu snu’uy’ulh ‘u thu Tsawalk.

It’s also worth noting that  relational accountability (Wilson, 2008) guided the research process. Participants were fully informed about the purpose of the study and informed consent was obtained before interviews began. In accordance with OCAP (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession) principles, participants and the community will have control over the data and its dissemination.

Nilh ni’’uw haqwushus thu snuw’uy’ulh (Wilson, 2008) ‘imushstuw tu snuw’uy’ulh syaays. Tu’nilh ‘u swe’ s-hwun’ts’awuqw ‘u niilh ‘uw s’ehwe’ ‘u thu xulxulul’s niilh ‘uw ‘a’luxut ‘u tsusel ‘u thu s-hwun’ts’awuqw. ‘u thu hwnuwust ‘u OCAP (Ownership, Control, Access and Possession) snuw’uy’ulh, ‘uw tutuleen’utul ‘u thu nanum ni’ ‘u tu hunitum data’s ‘u thu s-hwun’ts’awuqw.

Finally, while this case study provides valuable insights, its focus on a single CFE means that findings may not be generalizable to other Indigenous CFEs or communities. However, the lessons learned offer useful guidance for similar contexts.

hay, sus ‘uw thithat snuw’uy’ulh ‘u thu nanum, lemutum ‘u thu nuts’a CFE shhwiint tu’nilh ta’lut ‘u wawa’ ‘uwu te’ haqwush ‘u thu hwulmuhw CFEs ‘u s-hwun’ts’awuqw. Shte’, ‘u hwiw’tsust ‘u thu snuw’uy’ulh ‘u thu wa’lu syaays.

Key learnings and thematic findings

Finding 1
The cumulative impact of environmental challenges are behind fish stock decline

The pervasive impact of global warming on marine life was a recurrent theme in the interviews, with Shawn (QKE Executive Director) emphasizing its extensive effects: “The big blanket issue is global warming, that if you pin it down, there’s so many things that relate to that, like higher ocean temperatures.” Interviewees emphasized that this broader environmental challenge is intricately linked to more specific issues, such as declines in salmon populations and degradation of spawning grounds.

‘u thi’ ‘eeye’qtum ‘u thu tatum’ kw’atl’kwa ‘u thu kw’atl’kwa hulitun wulh mukw qwul’ ‘u thu nanum’, ‘u Shawn (QKE Executive Director) thi’ ‘u thu qul shqwaluwun: “ ‘u thi’ mukw’ ‘untsu ‘u thu tatum kw’atl’kwa, lemutstuhw, thuw mukw ‘eeye’qtum mukw’ ‘untsu wa’la ‘uw tatum’thu kw’atl’kwa. “nanum ‘u thithat ‘uw ‘eeye’qtum mukw’ ‘untsa tqet ‘u tu’untsu shq’il ‘u kw’in ‘uw nu’ stl’i, shte’ ni’ ‘u tsas ‘uw ‘eqmuqt ‘u thu stseelhtun Sus ‘uw tsas xili’ts ‘u thu sta’luw.

However, climate change is only one of several interconnected factors impacting marine ecosystems. Industrial impacts, as discussed by Norm (board member) and Harold (knowledge keeper), also play a significant role. Norm highlighted the broad implications of industrial activities on the sustainability of fish populations: “A bigger concern and bigger damage has come from industry.” Harold specifically noted the pressures from commercial fishing and international competition: “I think the main factor would be commercial fishing. And also different countries like United States and Japan, play a big part in taking our chum.”

Kwu’elh, ‘eeye’qtum thu tumuhw ‘i nuts’tul ‘uw ‘eey’ ‘uw qul slexun thu kw’atl’kwa Hulitun. Hunitum Industrial impacts, ‘u nanum ‘u thu Norm (board member) sus Harold Hunitum Industrial syaays ‘u thuyt thu stseelhtun ‘emuqt: “ ‘u thi’ maat qul shqwaluwun suyum tun ni’ tsun utl’hunitum Industry. Harold ‘uw nanum ‘u qux kw’akw’kw’i’kw ‘u thu hunitum commercial fishing and international competition: “ni’ tsun shteewun huy ‘ul’ hunitum commercial fishing. Sus tl’e’ nuts’tul ‘u thu United States sus Japan, ‘u qux kw’akw’i’ukw ‘u Kwunut thu kw’a’luhw.”

The ongoing decline in fish runs also reflects historical and cumulative impacts, captured through the reflections of Theresa (board member) on past abundances compared to current scarcities: “I remember late Moe Henry speaking about fishing back in his day, where he could just go to the river… and he’d already have about 10 fish, but now the runs are not as good.”

‘u qulet ‘u ‘uwu te’ qux ‘emuqt ‘u thu stseelhtun tl’e’ lumstamu ‘u ‘iilh ‘u ‘athut yaays, kwunut ‘uw ‘u lumstamu ‘u thu Theresa (board member) ‘u ‘iilh ‘emuqt ‘u hwi’ ‘emuqt ‘uwu te’ qux: “ni’ tsum hekw ‘u thu ‘iilh Moe Henry qwaqwulstuhw ‘u thu kw’akw’i’ukwulh, u ‘imush ‘u nem ‘u thu sta’luw…sus ‘uw hwun ‘uw kwunut ‘apun ‘u thu stseelhtun, ‘u hwi’ qul ‘emuqt.”

In the spirit of Tsawalk, these environmental, industrial, and historical factors must be understood as part of a complex system where no single issue can be isolated from the others.

‘u tu snuw’uy’ulh ‘u Tsawalk, tun’untsa hunitum environmental, industrisl, historical factors ‘uw shtatulstuhw ‘uw nuts’tul ‘uw ‘eeye’qmut ‘u thu tumuhw ‘uwu te’ nuts’a ‘eeye’qmut ‘u sul’utul’.

Finding 2
The cultural significance of fishing bridges past and present, people and nature

Fishing holds a profound place in the fabric of Cowichan identity, embodying more than a mere activity; it is a vital cultural practice intertwined with the essence of the community. Theresa articulates this significance, emphasizing its foundational role: “Fishing is a very important aspect of who we are as Cowichan people, and I think they would like to keep fishing just to keep providing for their own community.” This statement highlights fishing as an economic activity and a cultural imperative that sustains and nurtures community identity and coherence.

Kw’awk’i’uhw ‘uw kwun’et ‘u thi’ maat shqwaluwun thu quw’utsun hwulmuhw, thithat ‘u thu Kw’awk’i’uhw:tu’inulh ‘u thithat ‘u xexe kw’awk’i’uhw ‘u thu sulhtun ‘u thu s-hwun’ts’awuqw. Theresa qwil’qwul ‘u tu thi’ maat shqwaluwun, ‘u thu snuw’uy’ulhstuw: kw’awk’i’uhw ‘u nanu thi’that ‘u ‘een thu tst ‘u thu quwutsun mustimuhw, sus ni’ sht’eewun ‘u mukw stem ‘uw Kw’awk’i’uhw ‘uw lhew’lhne’num ‘u thu s-hwun’ts’awuqw. “tun’untsa nanum le’lumut’staam Kw’awk’i’uhw ‘uw telustuhw susuw’‘u thu xexe syaays ‘uw lhew’lhne’num thu shwun’ts’awuqw ‘een thu ‘u sus shqwaluwun.

The impacts of modern fishing practices and environmental degradation, highlighted by Shawn and Clyde, suggest a significant disruption to these traditional practices. Modern challenges such as pollution, climate change, and industrial fishing have altered the landscapes and waterscapes that the Cowichan people have depended on for generations.

Tun’untsa ‘u qe’is ‘u thu kw’awk’i’uhw snuw’uy’ulh sus ‘u tatum kw’atl’kwa, le’lumutstaam ‘u Thu Shawn ‘i Clyde, nanum ‘uw qul shqwaluwun ‘u thu lhew’lhne’num. Qe’is tqet ‘u thu quliima’ qa’, ‘eeye’qmut thu tumuhw, sus ‘uw hunitum industrial fishing tsu’ ‘eeye’qmut thu tumuhw sus ‘u mukw thu qa’ ‘u tthey nu’stli’ ‘u mukw stem thu quw’utsun mustimuhw.

Harold’s reflections on traditional fishing practices deepen our understanding of these cultural dimensions and their connection to building relationships and passing down teachings. He recounts, “We’d walk up the rivers with our spears; we would have to do all the dirty work. We would flash fish for our older cousins. We learned how to do that. There is a way to be with the river, quiet, respectful, don’t take more than you need.” This narrative is a powerful testament to the intergenerational transmission of knowledge, where fishing is about sustenance and learning respect, patience, and the proper stewardship of nature’s resources. It encapsulates a relationship with the river and the fish that is reciprocal and respectful, embodying the principles of taking only what is needed to ensure sustainability and respect for the life given by the river.

Harold’s nanum ‘u thu kwa’awk’i’uhw snuw’uy’ulh le’lum’uts ‘u stawtulstuhw tthuw’ne’ulh Muhw shqwaluwun sus ‘uw thuyt thhu ‘uy shqwaluwun sus ‘uw snuwun Snuw’uy’ulh. Tthuw’ne’ullh, “ tst ‘uw ‘imush ‘u tuyul kwutst ‘u thu sunums; tst ‘uw thuy tu quliima’ syaays. Tst ulh ‘u hunitum flash fish kwthuna shuyulh. Tst ‘uw ta’lutstuhw. Tun’untsa tst ‘uw tuyul,ts’ewul, si’emstuhw, ‘uwu ch ‘u qux ‘uw nu’stli’ ch. “ tu’nilh ‘uw nanum ‘u Kw’am kw’um qwil’qwul’ ‘u snuwunstuhw ‘u thu snuw’uy’ulh, tun’untsa kw’awk’i’uhw sht’e sulhtun sus ‘uw si’emstuhw, ‘al’mutsun’, sus ‘uw ‘uy shqwaluwun ‘u thu stseelhtun. Kwus ‘uw Nuts’a maat shqwaluwun kwsutst thu sta’luw ‘u thu stseelhtun ‘uw mukw stem si’emstuhw, Haqwushus ‘u thu hwnuwust ‘uw kwunut ch nu’stli’ ‘u hulithut ‘u thu stseelhtun sus ‘uw si’em hwuhe’lit ‘ee’hwet ‘u thu sta’luw.

In sum, the cultural significance of fishing within Cowichan communities is profound, serving as a bridge between past and present, elders and youth, and people and nature.This holistic view, where economic, environmental, cultural, and social elements are inseparably linked, reflects the true essence of the Tsawalk principle.

tl’uw’, ‘u thu ‘uy shwaluwun ‘u thu kw’awk’i’uhw ‘utl quw’utsun s-hwun’ts’awuqw ‘u thithat, Thuytum ‘uw shqwaluwun ‘u thu kweyululh ‘u tun’u kweyul, sul’eluw ‘i swiw’lus ‘u Thu tumuhw. ‘uw le’lum’ut ‘u thu hunitun niihw hwsuq’a’, le’lum’ut ‘u thu’it shqwaluwun ‘u they’ Tsawalk hwnuwust.

Finding 3
Adaptation strategies and regulations must work together

Adaptation strategies in commercial fishing, such as diversifying fishery products, are crucial for responding to environmental and economic shifts impacting Indigenous communities (Whitney et al., 2020). As Shawn notes, expanding from traditional prawn fishing to include crab and ground fish illustrates proactive adjustments that enhance resilience against fluctuating marine populations and market demands. This strategic response extends beyond product diversification to include adaptive practices like seasonal fishing adjustments, the adoption of environmentally friendly fishing technologies, and community-led initiatives such as stream rehabilitation and hatchery development. These practices, deeply rooted in traditional knowledge, enhance ecological sustainability and strengthen cultural ties and community engagement in fisheries management.

‘eeye’qmut thu snuw’uy’ulh ‘u thu hunitum commercial fishing, ‘uw kwunut nuts’tul stseelhtun, Thithat ‘uw ‘eeyeqtum ‘u kw’atl’kwa sus telustuhw‘eeye’qtum,‘eeyeqtum thu s-hwun’ts’awuqw (whitney et al., 2020). ‘u Shawn xuxil, yu ts’its’usum’ ‘uw hwulmuhw kw’awk’i’ukw ‘u thu mam’ul’ ‘i ‘ey’xe’ ‘uw sts’at’qw’ steelhtun, le’lum’stum’ ‘ut ‘eeye’qtum ‘uw kw’am kw’umstuhw ‘u ‘eeye’qtum Kwatl’kwa kw’iin sus ‘u hunitum market demands. Kw’is nanum ‘i nem’yul-ew’ yaays ‘eeye’qtum ‘u lhikw’ut ‘eeye’qtum tu snuw’uy’ulh kwthu kw’awk’i’ukw ‘emuqt, ‘u ‘eeye’qtum ‘uy tumuhw ‘u sye’yu kw’awk’i’ukwstuhw, sus ‘uw s-hwun’ts’awuqwstuhw sus ‘uw thuyt thu statluw’ ‘u thu hunitum hatchery development. Kw’i hwnuwust, kw’am kw’um hwulmuhw Snuw’uy’ulh, ‘uw thuyt thu kw’atl’kwa’stuhw sus ‘uw kw’am kw’um ‘u thu hwulmuhw ‘u thu s-hwun’ts’awuqw staam ‘uw kw’ikw’i’ukwstuhw.

Simultaneously, navigating complex regulatory frameworks is vital, as these policies directly influence the sustainability of fisheries. Shawn notes that, “federal fisheries policies have a significant impact on our business, especially with the consistent closings of fisheries such as salmon.”   This underscores the need for a regulatory environment that supports rather than hinders sustainable practices. This interplay of adaptive strategies and policy dynamics suggests that a comprehensive, community-driven approach is vital for the long-term viability of Indigenous commercial fisheries.

Tl’e qul’et, ‘uw ta’lut ‘u tl’ux hwnuwust ‘u thu syaays ‘i thithat,’u tun’a hwnuwust ‘uw ‘eeye’qtum’u thu kw’akw’i’ukwstaam. Shawn qwi qwal ‘u,” hunitum hwnuwust sus ‘uw qul shqwaluwun ‘u thu syaays, nan ‘uw ‘u mukw stem ‘unuhw sus ‘uw kw’awk’i’ukw tuw’ne’ullh steelhtun.” kw’i ‘u thu hunitum federal fisheries hwnuwust nu’stl’i’ ‘uy hwnuwust kw’i ‘unuhw kw’ikw’i’ukwstuhw. Kw’i ‘uw yaays ‘u qe’is shqwaluwun sus hwnuwuststaam ‘uw qwiqwal ‘uw ‘u statulstuhw, tu s-hwun’ts’awuqw staam ‘uw thithat ‘u qux silanum ‘uy shqwaluwun ‘u thu hunitum Indigenous commercial fisheries.

Together, these three findings highlight the interconnected challenges and responses within the sector, suggesting that a holistic approach incorporating community input and adaptive strategies is essential for moving forward.

Kwun’atul’, kw’i lhew ‘u tatul’ut wi’wul ‘u lh’qet sus ‘uw tqet sus ‘uw qwi’qwal ‘u tun’ni’ tsun ‘utl, wa’lu ‘u ‘uy shqwaluwun nem ‘u s-hwun’ts’awuqw staam sus ‘uw ‘eeye’qtum shqwaluwun ‘i thithat ‘u xwte’.

Recommendations

In light of the critical challenges faced by QKE and the broader Indigenous commercial fisheries, we propose the following recommendations. While primarily relevant to Indigenous communities and CFEs, these recommendations also call for significant involvement from federal and local governments, acknowledging their crucial role in supporting and implementing sustainable practices. This multi-stakeholder approach is essential for addressing the environmental, cultural, and economic challenges vital for the long-term health of fish stocks and the communities dependent on them.

Wa’lu ‘u thithat ‘uw tqet ‘u nasum ‘u thu QKE, sus ‘uw mukw hunitum Indigenous commercial Fisheries, tst qwi’qwul ‘u kwe’tum thu snuw’uy’ulh. Wulh “uy shwaluwun ‘u thu hwulmuhw s-hwun’ts’awuqw sus CFEs, tthuw’ne’ullh nanum nu’stl’i’ ‘u thithat ‘u nanum thu hunitum federal sus local governments, tul’nuhw ‘uw ‘uy shqwaluwuns ‘u si’ellh stuhw ‘u yaays ‘uw ‘uy Hulitun hwnuwust. Kw’i tu’ul’tun xwte’ ‘u thithat sus ‘uw thuyt thu tumuhw, shqwaluwun, sus telu’stuhw tqet thithat ‘u thu nuts’a maat shqwaluwun ‘u hulitun ‘u steelhtun ‘emuqt ‘u thu s-hwun’ts’awuqwstaam.

Recommendation 1
Advocate for comprehensive environmental and industrial impact assessments

We encourage communities and CFEs to advocate for thorough environmental impact assessments that incorporate the effects of climate change, overfishing, pollution, and nearby industrial activities such as logging and milling. These assessments should provide a holistic view of how these factors interact and impact fish populations, supporting sustainable management practices aligned with the Tsawalk principle. While the primary responsibility for initiating these assessments could lie with federal and provincial governments, active advocacy and participation by Indigenous communities and CFEs is essential. Advocacy for these assessments should be ongoing but particularly assertive in the pre-planning stages of any new industrial activities that could impact the fisheries. This proactive approach ensures that environmental considerations are integrated from the outset rather than retroactively. Additionally, advocacy should also focus on retroactive assessments for ongoing or established industrial activities. By taking a proactive and retroactive approach this ensures that the assessments are not only comprehensive but also culturally and environmentally sensitive, aligned with the Tsawalk principle.

tst qwi’qwal’ thu s-hwun’tsawuqw sus CFEs ‘u qwi’qwal ‘u kw’am kwum nanum ‘u thu thuyt thu tumuhw kw’i ‘i ‘uw ‘eeye’qmut ‘u thu tumuhw, qux kw’awk’i’ukw, quliima’ qa’sus ‘uw tl’uts’‘u hunitum industrial activities such as logging milling.Kw’i nanum ‘ehwe’ ‘uw thi’maat shqwaluwun kw’i nuts’tul nanum sus ‘eeyeqmut steelhtun ‘emuqt, si’ellh stuhw ‘uw hulitunstuhw hwnuwust ‘uw kwun’utul’ ‘u thu Tsawalk hwnuwust. Sht’e nuts’a ‘u thu syaays ‘uw xwte’ ‘uw nanum ‘uw kwsutst thu hunitum Federal sus provincial governments, qwi’qwalstaam sus uw thuytum ‘u thu hwulmuhw s-hwun’ts’awuqw sus CFEs ‘u nu’st’i’. Qw’qwalstaam ‘uw nanum thuw mukw stem ‘u kw’am kwum qwi’qwal ‘u tu tse’ul ‘u sqwaluwunthut ‘u qe’is ‘u hunitum industrial activities kw’i ‘eeyeqmut kw’awk’i’ukw. kw’i ‘uy shqwaluwun xwte’ ‘uw thuyt thu tumuhw nanum ‘u hawqwushus ‘u tu tse’ul ‘uw ‘uwu te’ ‘uw yathulh. ‘i’, qwi’qwalstaam nu’stl’i’ yath ‘uw le’lum’ut thu nanum xwte’ ‘u thu nanum hwu thu hunitum industrial activities. ‘u kwun’ut ‘u ‘uy shqwaluwun sus hwu shqwaluwun kw’i yath ‘uw ‘u nanum ‘uw yath ‘uw statulstuhw ‘uw ‘uy shqwaluwun thu hwulmuhw ‘uw ‘u yaays ‘u tumuhw, kwun’utul’ ‘u thu Tsawalk hwnuwust.

Recommendation 2
Lead an ecosystem mapping initiative

We suggest communities and CFEs develop a detailed ecosystem mapping initiative that identifies key players in the fishing industry, including regulatory bodies, local communities, environmental groups, and industry stakeholders. Led by Indigenous communities in partnership with environmental NGOs, this initiative should be supported by technical expertise from governmental agencies. Funding should be sought from governmental and private sources to ensure comprehensive coverage and utilization of advanced mapping technologies. This mapping should prioritize understanding the causes behind declining fish stocks, focusing first on direct and indirect impacts, such as habitat destruction and industrial runoff, to facilitate targeted and effective conservation strategies. This initiative should be undertaken as a baseline activity and updated regularly, or when significant environmental or industrial changes are proposed. Such updates will help monitor existing conservation strategies’ ongoing impacts and effectiveness.

tst qwi’qwalstaam ‘u thu s-hwun’ts’awaqw sus CFEs thuyt ‘u kw’am kw’um tumuhw nanumstuhw kw’i ‘uw kw’awk’i’ukw hunitum industry mustimuhw, tl’e’ hwnuwust mustimuhw, s-hwun’ts’awuqw, thuyt thu tumuhw mustimuhw, sus Hunitum stakeholders, xwte’ ‘u hwulmuhw s=hwun’ts’awuqw ‘u hunitum environmental NGOs ‘ kw’i xwte’ ‘u nu’stl’i’ ‘uw si’ellh stuhw ‘u hunitum expertise from government agencies. Telu ‘uw lemutstaam ‘u hunitum governmental susprivate sources ‘u tse’ statulstuhw ‘u thi’lut sus ‘uw haqwushus ‘u qe’is hunitum mapping technologies. Kw’i hunitum mapping tse’ ‘u xwte’ statulstuhw shus ‘uw ‘uwu te’ qux steelhtun’’emuqt, le’lum’ut nuts’a ‘u qul Sus wa’wa’ qul shwaluwun, ‘u tsaas tumuhw sus hunitum industrial runoff, ‘u xwte’ ‘u thuyt Thu tumuhw shqwaluwun.Kw’i shuw xwte’‘u thu nanum ni’’u ‘eeyeqtum yaays sus ‘uw thuytumstaam, kwsun’s ‘uw thuytum thu tumuhw ‘u hunitum indutrial changes are proposed. Tthuw’ne’ullh qe’is nunum ‘uw ts’ewut ‘uw le’lum’ut ‘u thu ‘uy shqwaluwun sus ‘uw ts’ewutum.

Recommendation 3
Establish climate-resilient partnership programs

Partnership programs that include Indigenous communities, commercial fisheries, environmental agencies, and other relevant stakeholders should focus on developing adaptive strategies that mitigate the impacts of identified threats, such as climate change and industrial pollution. In collaboration with CFEs, Indigenous communities should lead these programs, with technical and financial support provided by government agencies. Such arrangements should be formalized through memorandums of understanding to clarify roles, responsibilities, and contributions from all parties involved. Partnership programs should be initiated in response to identified threats and vulnerabilities within the fisheries ecosystem that could be exacerbated by climate change or industrial activities. Regular environmental audits and risk assessments should trigger reviews and updates to these strategies.

kwun’utul’ yaays kwi’es lhilhukw’ut thu hwulmuhw s-hwun’ts’uwuqw, hunitum commercial fisheries, Environmental agencies sus nuts’tul hunitum relevent stakeholders ‘uw thuyt ‘u qe’is snuw’uy’ulh ‘uw ts’ewut ‘u yaays ‘uw thuytum thu tumuhw, tu’inilh hunitum climate change and industrial pollution. Sun’iw’ ‘u kwun’atul’ ‘u CFEs, hwulmuhw s-hwun’ts’awuqw ‘u xwte’ thu syaays, q’a’ hunitum technical and financial support provided by government agencies. Kw’i xte’ q’a’ ‘uw qwil’qwul’tul ‘u hunitum through memorandums of understanding to clarify roles, responsibilities, and contributions ‘uw mukw’lhet. Kwun’atul’ syaays niilh xwte’ ‘uw yaays sun’iw qwi’qwal ‘uw lemut thu qul shqaluwun sus maanthut q’a’ut ‘uw hunitum fisheries ecosystem kw’i ‘uw lhtsiws ‘uw ‘eeye’qmut ‘u thu kw’atl’kwa ‘u hunitum industrial activities. Hunitum regular environmental audits and risk assessments xwte’ staam le’lum’ut pqwutsun qe’is thu snuw’uy’ulh.

Conclusion

The case study of QKE reveals the intricate layers of challenges and opportunities within the Indigenous commercial fisheries sector, underpinned by the Tsawalk principle of interconnectedness. This study has highlighted the critical roles that environmental stewardship, cultural integrity, and sustainable economic practices play in maintaining the balance between community welfare and ecological health. As we look forward, the recommendations proposed aim to build a resilient future for Indigenous fisheries through comprehensive ecosystem management, collaborative approaches, and the integration of traditional knowledge with modern practices. The success of these initiatives requires a commitment from all stakeholders to respect and honour the complex relationships that define the health of both the community and the environment.

kw’i nanum ‘u thu QKE ‘uw lumstuhw ‘u tl’ux ‘u thu syaays ‘u tqet staam sus yaays q’a’ suniw thu hwulmuhw hunitum commercial fisheries sector, thithat ‘u thu Tsawalk hwnuwust ‘u nuts’a maat shqwaluwun. Kw’i nunum lemut thithat yaays ‘u le’lum’utstuhw thu tumuhw ‘uy shqwaluwun, sus hulitun telu’stuhw hwnuwust ‘uw kw’am kw’um thu shqwaluwun shhw-e’yu s-hwun’ts’awuqw shqwaluwun ‘u thu tumuhw hulitun. Kwutst lemut xwte’ ‘u nanum qwi’qwul’tul ‘uw thuyt ‘u tl’ux yuluw’en ‘u hwulmuhw kw’awk’i’ukw ‘u statulstuhw Kw’atl’kwa’stuhw, kwun’atul’ xwte’, sus ‘uw hawqwushus ‘u snuw’uy ulh q’a’ qe’is snuw’uy’ulh. ‘uw wulh hay thu syaays ‘uw nu’stl’i’ ‘u thu’it shqwaluwun thuwmukw Hunitum stakeholders ‘uw si’em sus stsi’sulh tl’ux shqwaluwun ‘u thu hulitun ‘u s-uy’aan ‘u thu s-hwun’ts’awuqw sus ’u thu tumuhw.

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¹ Data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) guidelines.