Federal government pitches $260M plan to increase First Nation fishing access
The federal government has recently announced a nearly $260-million initiative aimed at expanding fisheries access to First Nation communities, sparking questions and concerns from both Mi’kmaw and non-Indigenous representatives. This three-year project by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, included in the fall economic statement under Indigenous reconciliation, is designed to further implement the right of 34 Mi’kmaw and Wolastoqey Nations and the Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood under the 1760-61 Peace and Friendship Treaties, as upheld in the Marshall decisions.
According to a statement from DFO spokesperson Axel Rioux, the funding can be utilized for the purchase of access, vessels, gear, as well as to support the development and testing of governance and management structures. It also aims to facilitate participation in discussions with DFO at fisheries negotiation tables to reach long-term collaborative management agreements.
However, Mi’kmaw chiefs have raised questions regarding the implications of this federal program on their treaty right to fish. Crystal Dorey, a spokesperson for Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn, stated that while they appreciate DFO’s support for their court-affirmed right to fish for a livelihood, the proposed funding framework raises several concerns that need further discussion among the nation and with DFO. These conversations are scheduled to take place in the coming days.
The funding, provided through the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative, is intended to assist First Nations in acquiring additional commercial fisheries access through willing buyer/willing seller transactions in the open market. This approach has been met with mixed reactions, with some commercial industry representatives expressing dissatisfaction with the process.
Colin Sproul, president of the Unified Fisheries Conservation Alliance, criticized the government’s approach, stating that it has led to increased prices of licences and gear for non-Indigenous fishermen. He also highlighted concerns about illegal fishing outside regulated seasons and the leasing of licences to non-Indigenous fishermen by some First Nations.
In response to these concerns, Rioux emphasized that DFO does not have specific targets for the percentage of the overall fishery or individual fisheries to be transferred to First Nations in Atlantic Canada. He noted that the right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood is not static and requires ongoing implementation and adjustments over time.
Overall, the federal government’s initiative to expand fisheries access for First Nations has sparked important conversations and raised valid concerns that need to be addressed through collaborative efforts and transparent communication between all stakeholders involved.
