Sinixt to hold traditional fishery

The leaders of a small native group say they'll hold a ceremonial fishery in the West Kootenay, next spring.

A furor erupted earlier this year when native bands from the Okanagan and East Kootenay tried to do the same thing.

The Sinixt people say they will hold a traditional fishery on the Lardeau river next May. The band is reasserting its authority over over its traditional lands after it was declared extinct in the 1950's. Marilyn James speaks for the Sinixt Elders. She says the ceremony is open to everyone in the region.

James says sport fishermen and the community at large will be invited to attend this ceremony which will honour the "ikst".

That is the Sinixt name for the bull trout, which is a fish native to Kootenay lake.

The Sinixt plan to harvest a few dozen trout. They say they won't take anymore than what's needed. James says they are letting fisheries staff and sport fishing groups know what they are doing now to avoid any conflict later.

People with the B.C. Fisheries branch say the announcement is a surprise.

And there are issues.

The Bull Trout is a blue listed species, meaning its vulnerable and sensitive.

For years all fishing on the Lardeau river has been banned because its such an important spawning area.

However the ministry says it will try to accommodate the Sinixt within the bounds of conservation.