Kitasoo Xai’xais Aquaculture

09/04/2026

Final clip from our new animation on food security, Indigenous self-determination, and the real-world impact of aquaculture on remote coastal communities.

In Klemtu, aquaculture supports the docks, freight ships, and logistics that keep an entire remote region connected. Taking aquaculture away doesn't just eliminate jobs; it threatens the basic economic engine of the community.

For Ottawa, this may be a policy debate. But for the Kitasoo Xai'xais Nation, it comes down to a simple question: does Canada truly value Indigenous sovereignty and national food security, or are they willing to sacrifice both for a political headline?

Learn more: keepfoodaffordable.ca

09/02/2026

For remote coastal communities, economic stability isn't just about jobs—it’s about community survival.

In Klemtu, living off the grid means higher freight costs, longer supply routes, and an elevated cost of living. Without steady, local industries, keeping families in the community becomes an uphill battle.

Over the past 35 years, Nation-led aquaculture has provided the foundation for our local economy:
51% of community income tied directly to salmon farming.
99% employment rate, offering year-round career pathways for local youth. Guaranteed processing operations right in Klemtu so value stays in the community.

Reliable local employment keeps our community strong, self-reliant, and rooted in our traditional territory. Visit keepfoodaffordable.ca

08/31/2026

Clip #3 from our new animation exploring Canada’s food supply and Indigenous-led aquaculture. 🐟️

While federal procurement policies look to support Indigenous businesses, shutting down local open-net salmon farming directly undermines First Nations economic self-reliance. Banning local farms won't lower salmon consumption—it will just mean importing seafood from other countries at higher prices.

Learn more: keepfoodaffordable.ca

08/28/2026

Second clip from our new animation on food security, Indigenous sovereignty, and Canada's economic resilience. 🐟️

For 35 years, salmon farming has funded families and infrastructure in Klemtu. As global trade disruptions and rising input costs threaten national food security, local production matters now more than ever.

Canada cannot afford to weaken its own food supply.

Learn more: keepfoodaffordable.ca

08/26/2026

Moving a whole sector on land isn't just a simple technical swap—it has massive geographic and economic consequences for remote coastal First Nations. 🐟️

As detailed in our Kitasoo Xai'xais Innovation Plan, full land-based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) require vast amounts of flat land, massive power grids, and heavy infrastructure. In Klemtu, our mountainous terrain and remote location make large-scale land-based facilities unviable.

Forcing a complete land-based transition effectively forces the industry out of remote First Nations territories and into heavily urbanized centers. The path forward isn't displacing coastal economies; it’s investing in modern, Nation-led ocean technology, green power, and area-based management right here in our waters.

✍️ Stand with coastal First Nations defending local livelihoods, wild salmon, and domestic food security. Visit keepfoodaffordable.ca to sign the petition!

08/24/2026

First clip from our new animation about food security, Indigenous self-determination, and the real-world impact of aquaculture on remote coastal communities.

In remote communities like Klemtu, aquaculture accounts for over half of the local economy, driving self-reliance and supporting working families.

As conversations around Canada’s food future continue, grounded perspectives like Leo's need to be part of the story.

Learn more: keepfoodaffordable.ca
animation by:

08/21/2026

"First Nations who have salmon farming in their traditional territory want an immediate reversal of the 2029 net pen ban and the implementation of our plan to increase Indigenous leadership, ownership, and stewardship in the salmon aquaculture sector." — Isaiah Robinson, Deputy Chief Councillor

In his latest op-ed for the Vancouver Sun, Deputy Chief Councillor Isaiah Robinson makes a clear call for the future of our waters: true reconciliation means respecting First Nations leadership and decision-making in our own territories.

Through the Kitasoo Xai'xais Innovation Plan, we have demonstrated that sustainable finfish aquaculture directly supports community vitality while prioritizing wild salmon protection.

📲 Read the full opinion piece on Vancouver Sun and visit keepfoodaffordable.ca to learn how Indigenous leadership is changing the future of coastal aquaculture.

08/20/2026

https://vancouversun.com/opinion/op-ed/opinion-in-ocean-salmon-farming-and-wild-salmon-stewardship-go-hand-in-hand

Rural, coastal First Nations want a reversal of the 2029 net pen ban and to increase Indigenous leadership ownership and stewardship in salmon aquaculture

08/19/2026

Economic self-reliance is a fundamental right.

In communities like Klemtu, local salmon farming provides family-supporting jobs and generates over 50% of the local economy. Supporting BC salmon farming means supporting First Nations’ right to manage their resources, govern their territories, and secure their economic future.

When you stand with local aquaculture, you stand with Indigenous rights and Canadian food security.

Learn more: keepfoodaffordable.ca

08/17/2026

How do we sustainably feed 40 million Canadians while supporting rural and Indigenous economies?🐟

Today's B.C. salmon farms are high-tech, highly monitored, and entirely partnered with local rights-holder First Nations. The industry provides 55,000 tonnes of food annually and employs over 4,000 people in remote coastal communities that need these jobs most.

Phasing out open-net pen salmon farming ignores decades of innovation, overrides First Nations self-determination, and threatens domestic food security.

Stop the political bans. Stand with coastal First Nations at keepfoodaffordable.ca