Seven different First Nations moved forward toward certification of their class action lawsuit against the BC and Canadian governments - to protect their traditional territory in the Broughton Archipelago from the impacts of salmon farms on wild salmon. One of the first lawsuits of its kind - based on constitutionally recognized aboriginal title and rights - the pivotal case could help rid the Broughton of the fish farms that have wreaked havoc on the marine environment and traditional aboriginal food sources. Chief Bob Chamberlin of the Kwicksutaineuk/Ah-Kwa-Mish First Nation addressed the media on the steps of the BC Supreme Court in Vancouver, as the one-week certification hearing began. Following the hearing, the judge will decide whether to certify the class action suit to go to trial.

Chief Bob Chamberlin: It's time that we tell the government that putting our wild salmon at risk is simply unacceptable. When will the governments wake up? When will they decide to put full value to healthy salmon stocks and a healthy environment?...We will not stop. We will protect the wild salmon and we will protect the environment of our people."