Number of Indigenous Communities Participating in East Coast Fisheries Continues to Grow

Since the Supreme Court Marshall Decision was handed down in 1999 affirming First Nations’ treaty right to fish, hunt and gather in pursuit of a moderate livelihood, participation in the commercial fishery by Indigenous communities and fishers has grown. “Over the past 21 years, DFO (Department of Fisheries and Oceans) has provided over $630 million to participating Indigenous communities to help develop fishing enterprises for multiple species, which has included vessels and gear, as ...