The Indian Brook First Nation of Nova Scotia has rejected a $20 million fishing deal with the Canadian government.

A majority of tribal members opposed the deal, said Chief Reg Maloney. They saw it as a signing away of their treaty rights.

In 1999, the Canadian Supreme Court ruled that a treaty guaranteed the fishing rights of Mi'kmaq and Maliseet fishermen. In response to concerns by federal officials, the court clarified that these rights can be regulated in some form.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has sought to enter into agreements with First Nations but in the meantime has continued to take enforcement actions against Native fishermen, including seizing boats and equipment. Non-Natives have protested, occasionally resorting to violence.

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Indian Brook refuses fishing deal (CBC 3/24)