Seal Harvest to test for contaminants begins Monday November 25
November 21, 2024
Tla’amin Nation is planning a seal harvest from Nov 25-29th on the waters fronting the community.
The harvest is funded by the First Nations Health Authority Environmental Contaminants Program and will help the Nation to understand if harbour seals are safe for human consumption.
Tla’amin will harvest 12 seals and gather samples for contaminant testing. The animals will be taken care of by Tla’amin hunters, and the crew will be harvesting from Tla’amin’s Guardian Landing Craft.
The project’s purpose is to re-establish seal harvesting for food, ceremonial, and consumption practices. None of the seals will be eaten until it has been determined they are safe.
This initial harvest will be about learning and teaching. In addition to testing the animals for contaminants the Nation will hold a hide tanning workshop with GIJE students to facilitate intergenerational knowledge transfer.
For information about the project please contact Sachi Ouchi,
Senior Fisheries Manager at 604-413-7236 or sachi.ouchi@tn-bc.ca.
About the First Nations Health Authority Environmental Contaminants Program The program supports First Nations in identifying and addressing environmental risks to health. It funds community-led projects to monitor contaminants, promote safe traditional food practices, and protect the environment. The program helps Nations to make informed decisions about environmental health and safeguard cultural practices.