The shishalh Nation chief says circulating posts and comments surrounding the Dock Management Plan are misleading.
According to a media release, the shishalh Nation became aware of posts circulating on social media calling them disturbing and untrue, and defacement of shishalh’s longhouse in the strongest of terms.
Lenora Joe says the objective of implementing the plan has been misconstrued and it is designed to reduce the impact of damage that has been done to cultural resources, fisheries, and the environment throughout the shishalh swiya.
“The plan was developed over a decade based on existing standards, advice from third-party experts, and our knowledge keepers,” Joe says. “We’ve been implementing for some time, and we know it works.”
Joe says the plan is designed to preserve and protect what future generations will rely on.
“The plan is one measure to begin to decrease the impact of docks on the precious resources we all hold dear,” she says. “Resources that future generations will rely on.”
Joe adds reconciliation is a tough path to navigate and based off the misinformation she says a lot more education is needed.
According to the release, the shishalh is taking immediate action to coordinate an effective and appropriate response.
In an earlier release, the Pender Harbour and Area Residents Association claimed the shishalh Nation and the province conducted talks in secret without consultation.
The deadline for public engagement on the dock management plan has been extended to Feb. 16.
