Why Become A Member Nation?
To protect First Nation's interests related to Fraser salmon;
To improve technical, communications and planning capacity related to Fraser salmon management; &
To strengthen and support First Nation’s legal rights and responsibilities related to Fraser salmon.
Purpose of the FSMC
The Fraser Salmon Management Council is a First Nations governance organization formed in 2019 to support the implementation of the Fraser Salmon Collaborative Management Agreement (FSCMA). We provide administration and support for First Nations collaborative governance processes, information sharing, and engagement to advance the development of mandates and decision-making among our 79 signatory First Nations. We also provide administration and support to the Fraser Salmon Management Board (FSMB), its Joint Technical Committee (JTC), and any of its subcommittees or processes related to advancing the implementation of the Fraser Salmon CMA.
A key activity for the FSMC is hosting the annual Fraser & Approach Salmon Fisheries Forums. These forums are an integral component of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s integrated fisheries management plan development process. The FSMC works with the Fraser Salmon Management Board to present a post-season review of the previous salmon fishing season, a proposed plan for the upcoming fishing season, and a summary of First Nations and stakeholder recommendations for the upcoming season. The FSMC also uses the Fraser Forums to collaborate with regional First Nations fisheries organizations and First Nations to develop, integrate, and promote nation-to-nation mandates and positions for decision-making and planning for the upcoming season. Joining the FSMC does not abrogate or derogate your rights (treaty, inherent, court recognized, etc.)
What Does FSMC Do?
The FSMC convenes and coordinates Fraser and Marine Approach First Nations consensus-based decision-making under the Fraser Salmon Collaborative Management Agreement. The FSMC is also the Secretariat for the Fraser Salmon Management Board. The FSMC Constitution and Bylaws Para 2. (e), (g), (h) indicate that:
(e) The FSMC, serves as a forum for the Signatory Nations regarding issues of common concern to the Signatory Nations relating to Fraser River salmon,
(g) collect, analyze and disseminate information on issues of common concern to the Signatory Nations relating to Fraser River salmon,
(h) cooperate with, learn from and gather information created by other community, regional and watershed level organizations to develop technical capacity, regional knowledge, communication, information exchange and coordination of efforts to conserve, restore, govern and manage Fraser River salmon.
Who Can Join, And How?
Membership in FSMC
The members of the FSMC are the Signatory Nations who were applicants for incorporation of the FSMC, plus First Nations that have become a Signatory Nation in accordance with Bylaw 4.2, and in either case have not ceased to be Signatory Nations.
Becoming a Signatory Nation
A First Nation that wishes to become a member of the FSMC must, by Council Resolution:
(a) ratify the Constitution and these Bylaws and agree to be bound by, and comply with, the obligations of a Signatory Nation under the Constitution and these Bylaws,
(b) appoint an individual to represent that Signatory Nation as its Member Delegate pursuant to PART 5 - MEMBER DELEGATES, and
(c) provide that Council Resolution to the Secretary Treasurer.
(From FSMC Constitution and Bylaws Para 4.1 & 4.2 (a) – (c))
Why are Member First Nations Asked to Individually Approve the FSMC Constitution and Bylaws, if they Are Already Approved by the Assembly?
The Fraser Salmon Management Council needs to be confident that it has a mandate to proceed from their First Nation constituents. This mandate is represented through a Council Resolution. In addition, the Council Resolution will also confirm the name of your Member Delegate. Your Member Delegate carries out the business of the FSMC as per the Constitution and Bylaws. When determining if a First Nation can participate in decision-making at a FSMC Assembly, we are guided by the FSMC Constitution and By-laws.
Who Runs the FSMC?
About the Organization's Leadership
A nine-person Main Table is responsible for the day-to-day management decisions of the organization, selected from amongst the Member Delegates chosen by the Member Nations.
Main Table Appointments
A First Nation that wishes to become a member of the FSMC must, by Council Resolution by their Nation, choose a Member Delegate (MD). The FSMC Constitution and Bylaws Para 4.1 & 4.2 (a) – (c)) indicates that
(a) The Main Table is established and consists of nine Member Delegates (MD) appointed by Majority Resolution as follows:
(i) two Member Delegates appointed by the Member Delegates representing the Upper Fraser Signatory Nations from amongst themselves;
(ii) two Member Delegates appointed by the Member Delegates representing the Middle Fraser Signatory Nations from amongst themselves;
(iii) two Member Delegates appointed by the Member Delegates representing the Lower Fraser Signatory Nations from amongst themselves; and
(iv) three Member Delegates appointed by the Member Delegates representing the Marine Approach Signatory Nations from amongst themselves.
Member Delegate (MD) Meetings & Honorariums
Do member delegates receive honorarium or travel?
Member Delegate remuneration is governed by the FSMC Constitution and Bylaws Para 5.6 (a) & (b) which states that:
(a) Subject to section (b), no Member Delegate will be entitled to nor accept remuneration or other benefit from the FSMC, except as otherwise provided for by the Constitution and these Bylaws.
(b) A Member Delegate may be reimbursed by the FSMC for expenses necessarily and reasonably incurred by the Member Delegate while engaged in the affairs of the FSMC if reimbursement is approved by a Majority Resolution of the Main Table.
However for some Special Assemblies, if the budget allows some limited funding may be available.
How Many Meetings Per Year are MDs Required to Attend ?
The FSMC Constitution and Bylaws Para 5.1 B(v) indicates that:
(v) ability to commit to making the time available to participate effectively as a Member Delegate, including to attending the regularly scheduled meetings of the Signatory Assembly and the Main Table, if applicable, and between meetings to carry out the communications and liaison work necessary to maintain the support and approval of the applicable Signatory Nation.
The Main Table generally meets monthly.
Are There Hybrid Options for Meetings ?
The Electronic participation and communication section of the FSMC Constitution and Bylaws Para 14.4 indicates that:
(v) ability to commit to making the time available to participate effectively as a Member Delegate, including to attending the regularly scheduled meetings of the Signatory Assembly and the Main Table, if applicable, and between meetings to carry out the communications and liaison work necessary to maintain the support and approval of the applicable Signatory Nation.
The Main Table generally meets online, but there are several in-person meetings per year.
Where do Member Delegates receive updates ?
Updates are emailed out directly to Member Delegates, but archived copies can also be found at the bottom of this page.
The Main Table generally meets online, but there are several in-person meetings per year.
(v) ability to commit to making the time available to participate effectively as a Member Delegate, including to attending the regularly scheduled meetings of the Signatory Assembly and the Main Table, if applicable, and between meetings to carry out the communications and liaison work necessary to maintain the support and approval of the applicable Signatory Nation.
Steps to Become A Member
Watch the Video to Learn More About the Steps Involved to Become a Signtory
Step 1: Connect with FSMC. Options to connect are to Download the Membership Information & Signup forms below then send us your information, or to book a call with our friendly FSMC Staff using the calendar below for assistance with the process.
Step 2: Get your Band Council Resolution signed and send it back to become a signatory. If you need help, or have questions, you can book a call with our staff.
Step 3: Review the Member Delegate Information Package & start attending!
What's Next? Your Nation's voice now helps shape salmon management across the Fraser River watershed when you participate as a Signatory Nation!
Download the Information Package Below.
Click the Links Below to Download Get Membership Information and the Forms Required for Your Nation to Join the FSMC.
Need Some Help?
Book a Call with Our Friendly Communications & Engagement Coordinator!
Or Submit Your Contact Details Here to Recieve an Email
Fill the Form Below to Receive An Email with all the Information You Need to Become a Signatory Nation to salmon co-management in the Fraser River
Yes! Please Send Me Information on
How to Enroll as a Signatory Nation
What Happens After You Submit This Form:
Your information is received and entered
An email with the BCR form your Council will need to sign is sent to you. We will follow up via email in 30 days to see if it's signed.
Your Nation returns the signed BCR
Your Member Delegate is provided an Onboarding Package with information on how to participate
Your Organization is recognized publicly as a Signatory and Welcomed to the Process!
If You Have Any Questions Or Concerns About the Process, Email us at [email protected] !
Archived Member Delegate Updates
No Archives Available At This Time
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions Answered
What is the FSMC?
The Fraser Salmon Management Council is a First Nations governance organization formed in 2019 to support the implementation of the Fraser Salmon Collaborative Management Agreement (CMA). We provide administration and support for First Nations collaborative governance processes, information sharing, and engagement to advance the development of mandates and decision-making among our 79 signatory First Nations. We also provide administration and support to the Fraser Salmon Management Board, its Joint Technical Committee, and any of its subcommittees or processes related to advancing the Fraser Salmon CMA.
A key activity for the FSMC is hosting the annual Fraser Forums. These forums are an integral component of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s integrated fisheries management plan development process. The FSMC works with the Fraser Salmon Management Board to present a post-season review of the previous salmon fishing season, a proposed plan for the upcoming fishing season, and a summary of First Nations and stakeholder recommendations for the upcoming season. The FSMC also uses the Fraser Forums to collaborate with regional First Nations fisheries organizations and First Nations to develop, integrate, and promote nation-to-nation mandates and positions for decision-making and planning for the upcoming season.
What is the Vision & Purposes of FSMC?
The FSMC believes our history, culture, and traditions bind us in common purpose to preserve and protect Fraser salmon. Our vision is that collaborative planning and management of Fraser salmon fisheries become a shared responsibility, and that together Fraser and Marine Approach First Nations, with Canada, restore Indigenous priority and integrate Indigenous knowledge with Western science to guide Fraser salmon conservation and fisheries management.
The purpose of the FSMC is to create, promote, and support government-to-government, nation-to-nation structures for the collaborative governance, management, and conservation of Fraser salmon. We work to coordinate the expertise and technical capacity of First Nations and their fisheries organizations to advance the collaborative development of First Nations' positions and mandates for negotiation of Fraser salmon conservation and fisheries management decisions with DFO.
What does FSMC do?
The FSMC serves as a convening and coordinating body for Fraser and Marine Approach First Nations, in support of consensus-based decision-making under the Fraser Salmon Collaborative Management Agreement. The FSMC also plays a Secretariat role for the Fraser Salmon Management Board. The FSMC Constitution and Bylaws Para 2. (e), (g), (h) state that:
(e) The FSMC, serves as a forum for the Signatory Nations regarding issues of common concern to the Signatory Nations relating to Fraser River salmon,
(g) collect, analyze and disseminate information on issues of common concern to the Signatory Nations relating to Fraser River salmon,
(h) cooperate with, learn from and gather information created by other community, regional and watershed level organizations to develop technical capacity, regional knowledge, communication, information exchange and coordination of efforts to conserve, restore, govern and manage Fraser River salmon.
Who Can Join and How?
The members of the FSMC are the Signatory Nations who were applicants for incorporation of the FSMC, and First Nations that have become a Signatory Nation in accordance with Bylaw 4.2, and in either case have not ceased to be Signatory Nations. For more information on how to become a Member Nation, the roles of Member Delegates, and what's involved to participate, please visit our Membership Page.
Who runs the FSMC?
The nine-person Main Table is responsible for the day-to-day management decisions of the organization.
Main Table appointments include:
(a) The Main Table is established and consists of nine Member Delegates appointed by Majority Resolution as follows:
(i) two Member Delegates appointed by the Member Delegates representing the Upper Fraser Signatory Nations from amongst themselves;
(ii) two Member Delegates appointed by the Member Delegates representing the Middle Fraser Signatory Nations from amongst themselves;
(iii) two Member Delegates appointed by the Member Delegates representing the Lower Fraser Signatory Nations from amongst themselves; and
(iv) three Member Delegates appointed by the Member Delegates representing the Marine Approach Signatory Nations from amongst themselves.
From FSMC Constitution and Bylaws Para 7.1 (i) – (iv)
What area does the FSMC cover?
“Fraser Salmon” means all species of salmon, including sockeye, chinook, coho, pink, steelhead, and chum that live, travel through and are found within he Fraser River, as well as the habitat they rely upon, and the fisheries that exploit them, along their entire migratory route.
Who does FSMC represent?
The FSMC represents the Signatory Nations and to be their official spokesperson for the purposes of the FSMC.
(From the FSMC Constitution and Bylaws Para 2 (i) )
What Role Does FSMC have in Salmon Recovery
Conservation and Restoration: The conservation and restoration of Fraser Salmon now and into the future, is the highest priority for the governance and management of Fraser Salmon.
From the FSCMA Schedule “D” Collaborative Guiding Principles
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