Fish as Formerly
Next steps to honour and implement the Douglas Treaties
All Douglas Treaty members are invited to gather for a one-day workshop on implementing Douglas Treaty rights, including the right to “Fish as Formerly,” followed by a seafood feast. Elders, knowledge keepers, historians, legal minds, fishermen and community members are encouraged to take part.
- Date: November 7, 2026
- Workshop: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Seafood feast: 6 p.m. until done
- Location: Tsawout Gymnasium, 7728 Tetayut Road, Saanichton
What to expect
The forum will feature leading lawyers and academics, presentations and discussion on key questions:
- What legal options are available to uphold and implement the Douglas Treaties, including the right to “Fish as Formerly”?
- Is the existing evidence sufficient to support legal action? What gaps remain, and how can they be addressed?
- How can other First Nations support and strengthen this work?
The day will end with an opportunity for the People to express which paths forward they prefer.
Facilitator: Marcel Shepert of the Wet’suwet’en Nation, an experienced mediator, negotiator and facilitator with decades of work supporting Indigenous organizations.
Lunch, dinner, snacks and beverages are provided free of charge. Travel expense reimbursement will not be provided.
The workshop is sponsored by the Native Fishing Association, in coordination with a team of Douglas Treaty descendants.
Event posters
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