Raw footage for a documentary commissioned for the opening of the Shedd Aquarium's Oceanarium. Producer, director, and editor Judy Hoffman documents an aboriginal fisherman, Roy Cranmer, fighting to preserve the 'Namgis band's historic fishing grounds and land of origin while protecting the vibrant ecosystems and salmon populations that have sustained the Pacific Northwest Coast region for centuries. Also known by the anglicized name Nimpkish, the 'Namgis are part of the Kwakwaka'wakw (initially named the Kwakiut'l by Franz Boas) First Nation and have their homeland in what is now British Columbia, on the northern end of Vancouver Island. Hoffman has maintained a long relationship with the ‘Namgis band, having been adopted into the Cranmer family at the Cranmer potlatch in November 2017.
00:26Copy video clip URL Judy Hoffman’s interview continues with Roy Cranmer, captain of the fishing boat Kitgora. Cranmer describes the cultural, spiritual, and economic importance of salmon for the ‘Namgis people and recent changes to the fishing season for fisherman. He explains how decisions made in nearby towns like Port Hardy affect ecosystems downstream and how federal fisheries determine when, how, and where indigenous fishers can have access to their fishing waters. Recent laws have implemented allocation requirements for fishers and divided income from the total catch.
05:40Copy video clip URL Cranmer talks about the inability of government advisory boards to implement policies and fishing plans that protect for indigenous rights, despite stated intentions to do so. He describes some of the inequalities of the current fishing licensing system. Referencing a recent protest fish conducted by other aboriginal fisherman, Cranmer raises the question of how aboriginal people can get their voices heard at the federal level, supply their own economic base, and gain possible stakes in land claims.
09:32Copy video clip URL Interview resumes. Cranmer describes a recent fishing outing where they were allowed to fish for only 11 hours. Hoffman asks him about his fishing process during a fishing opening. Cranmer also describes the high value given to sockeye salmon in the area, which is known to be among the best in the whole coast.
19:30Copy video clip URL Cranmer tells Hoffman he doesn’t see fishing through a religious or spiritual lens.
20:39Copy video clip URL Cranmer brings up the problem of sport fishing camps and the strong lobbying behind them. Cranmer believes sport fishing has caused part of the decrease in fishing openings.
23:08Copy video clip URL Camera makes adjustments.
23:43Copy video clip URL Interview resumes with Cranmer discussing the possibility of area fishing licensing, which would help regulate the amount of people fishing in certain waters.
26:44Copy video clip URL Hoffman raises the issue of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, which occurred in Prince William Sound, Alaska in 1989. Cranmer says he is also concerned about oil spills in the area, mentioning one that happened in the 1970s. He also explains that, within the past three years, since he does not choose to travel with his boat to fish other areas, he began working construction and lumber jobs to make ends meet.
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