‘We’re the ones that have to live here’: Heiltsuk still feel impact of fuel spill

The Nathan E Stewart tug boat as it sinks in October, 2016.

1 year after Nathan E. Stewart sank off Bella Bella, First Nation says clam beds still contaminated

By Bethany Lindsay, CBC News, October 13, 2017

A year after a sinking tug spilled thousands of litres of fuel into the waters off Bella Bella, B.C., members of the Heiltsuk First Nation say their valuable clam beds are still contaminated.

Bella Bella herring fishery to re-open with much smaller catch

Agreement comes after First Nation’s occupation of DFO offices in March 2015

By Radio West, CBC News,  Jan 19, 2016

Less than a year after members of the Heiltsuk First Nation occupied federal fisheries offices in Bella Bella, the two parties have reached an agreement over the Pacific herring fishery.

Last March the Department of Fisheries and Oceans opened up the herring roe fishery in the Spiller Channel, which the Heiltsuk Tribal Council said should have remained closed to preserve herring stocks.

RCMP descend on Heiltsuk community to “keep the peace” in herring fishery row

Several RCMP boats parked at docks in Bella Bella, ‘BC.’ as part of their operation against Heiltsuk, March 2014.

By Larry Pynn, Vancouver Sun, March 29, 2014

The federal government has chosen a remote stretch of B.C. coastline to square off against aboriginals in a fight over an imminent commercial roe-herring fishery.

Federal fisheries minister Gail Shea is being blamed for an escalating conflict over a forthcoming commercial gillnet fishery that has resulted in RCMP descending on B.C.’s central coast to guard against potential interference by Heiltsuk natives.

Bella Bella Oil Pipeline Hearings Cancelled

National Energy Board Panel Cites Personal Safety Concerns, RCMP says gathering was peaceful 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 2,2012  Bella Bella – In a surprising development the National Energy Board Joint Review Panel has cancelled today’s hearings in a remote coastal community of Bella Bella after peaceful demonstrations greets panel members at the local airport.
“This is extremely disappointing and unwarranted,” said Ian McAllister of Pacific Wild. “I attended the community gathering and all participants conducted themselves in a peaceful and dignified manner.”