Implementation of First Nations Treaty Rights to Fish in Pursuit of a Moderate Livelihood Continues
Over the 12–18 months, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has reached interim understandings with seven First Nations in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, implementing their treaty right to fish for lobster in pursuit of a moderate livelihood during established commercial fishing seasons.
A landmark, five-year renewable Rights Reconciliation Agreement on Fisheries with the Listuguj Mi’gmaq community in Québec to advance reconciliation in the fisheries was also signed.
In addition, ...
Moderate Livelihood Fishery Dispute Headed to the Courts
Although a lot has happened, fundamentally not much has changed in the past year since First Nations in Nova Scotia have sought to exercise their treaty right under the Marshall Decision to earn a moderate livelihood.
“We were on a call to the deputy minister (DFO) last week. Our message to the deputy was the same as it was last year and their message back to us was the same,” said Colin Sproul, president of the Unified Fisheries Conservation Alliance (UFCA), an alliance of commercial ...
Moderate Livelihood Fishery Waters Remain Murky
While reports have been filed and a newly-minted Lobster Science Partnership Roundtable held, the stand-off continues for some First Nations and the federal fisheries department on the implementation of a treaty-based moderate livelihood fishery.
Even the United Nations has become involved.
Going into June, it was anyone’s guess what was going to happen in St. Mary’s Bay, Digby County, which has become ground zero for the on-going stand-off.
Chief Mike Sack of the Sipekne’katik ...
Interim Report Attempting to Find a Way Forward in Pursuit of a Moderate Livelihood Fishery
Above: Hundreds of people attended a rally in Digby on Oct. 13 calling on the federal department of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister Bernadette Jordan to take action to resolve the moderate livelihood fishery dispute and to bring all parties to the table. Kathy Johnson photo
“Establishing trust and respect is an important first step” for implementing the right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood, said Allister Surette in his interim report to federal Fisheries ...
