Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SYDNEY- Rules for the upcoming spring fishing season were developed and announced ahead of schedule says a Department of Fisheries and Oceans spokesperson.
Minister Bernadette Jordan’s statement that L’nu moderate livelihood fisheries will be required to fish under the department’s licences and within the established commercial fishing season have received harsh criticism from First Nations representatives.
In particular, Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn, the negotiating body for the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs, has taken the stance that Jordan’s plan lacks the required consultation with First Nations under the Supreme Court’s 1996 Badger decision. That ruling laid out the responsibilities of the federal government when infringing on treaty rights, which include mandatory, transparent consultation with First Nations.
HALIFAX Mi kmaq chiefs in Nova Scotia say Ottawa s new plan to address a conflict between Indigenous and commercial fishers is an attempt by government to control fishing rights that aren t in its mandate. The Mi kmaq treaty right to fish shouldn t be defined by industry or the federal government, Chief Gerald Toney of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi kmaq Chiefs told a virtual news conference Thursday. He said the plan released Wednesday by Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan is unacceptable. Minister Jordan once again made clear that she sees the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada having full control over rights-based fisheries, Toney said.
Posted: Mar 05, 2021 7:35 AM AT | Last Updated: March 5
Sipekne katik fishers working on St. Marys Bay in November. (CBC)
Nova Scotia Mi kmaw chiefs reacted in unified opposition Thursday to conditions set this week by the federal government for an Indigenous moderate livelihood fishery.
They say the terms required for Fisheries and Oceans authorization were imposed without adequate consultation or scientific justification. Our nation is shocked by what the minister said. For them to make a unilateral decision without consultation was extremely shocking, said Chief Gerald Toney, of the Annapolis Band, at a virtual news conference. We are frustrated. All 13 communities are very disappointed with what has taken place, said Chief Sidney Peters, of Glooscap First Nation.