Facebook Twitter Email
APRIL 24, 2000

First Nations residents in the maritime provinces and Quebec are being encouraged to enter the fishery in a federal government sponsored buy-back program. Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, said Indian participation is low, but a spokesman for non-Indian fishermen said percentage wise, more Indians are involved than non-aboriginals. Commercial fisherman are worred the program could damage the fishery.

First Nations in Millbrook, Horton and Pictou Landing have also signed agreements with the federal government to provide assistance to Mi'kmaq who want to enter commercial fishing.

The government encouragement comes on the wake of last year's historic Marshall decision, which upheld the treaty rights of Mi'kmaq bands to harvest fish and other natural resources. The decision sparked controversy throughout the maritimes.

Sources: Island fishermen worried new lobster licenses could harm fishery (AP 4/24)
Canadians buying back fishery licenses for East Coast Indians (AP 4/24)
Mi'kmaq bands ink fishing deal with feds (The Halifax Daily News 4/24)

Related story:
Peacemakers arrive at fishery (First Nations 4/5)