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JUNE 14, 2000

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is considering filing a lawsuit against Burnt Church Mi'kmaq band members over a recent incident involving the seizure of lobster traps.

The DFO has been seizing lobster traps ever since the Burnt Church First Nation unveiled its own fisheries management program, pursuant to last year's historic Marshall decision. The DFO normally seizes traps when the fishermen have left the waters, but on Tuesday, the two sides met.

Mi'kmaq fisherman say the DFO confronted a fishing vessel in the afternoon and attempted to knock them over. Band members chased the DFO away on a high speed boat.

The DFO is warning that the situation in New Brunswick is getting potentially dangerous.

The Burnt Church have so far refused to sign an agreement with the government over fishing. The lobster season ends at the end of the month.

In related news, the Eskasoni signed an agreement with the DFO for $15.7 million. The agreement, a year in the making, will be used by the First Nation to buy equipment and to expand development in the community. Eskasoni Fish and Wildlife Commission plans to use $3 million it will receive on 35 new fishing licenses and for other ventures.

Get the Story:
Situation worsening at Burnt Church (CBC 6/14)
Eskasoni band signs fishing agreement (CBC 6/14)

Indianz.Com Treaty Rights Coverage:
Treaty rights battle heads to court (First Nations 06/06)
Treaty rights battle continues (First Nations 06/02)
Govt seizes traps (First Nations 05/22)
Mi'kmaq test limits of treaty rights (First Nations 05/10)
Natives defy government (First Nations 05/08)
Treaty rights face test (First Nations 05/01)
Peacemakers arrive at fishery (First Nations 04/05)

Relevant Links:
From the CBC: Fishing Fury