FROM THE ARCHIVE

Fishing rights still in dispute

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SEPTEMBER 1, 2000

The dispute over the fishing rights of Burnt Church First Nation in New Brunswick continues as the federal government seizes traps as soon as fisherman can set them.

Confrontations between the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Mi'kmaq fisherman have turned violent in some cases. Last year, white fishermen were the source of attacks against Native fisherman, but ever since Burnt Church has asserted its right to regulate fishing among its own members, the government has seen fit to step in, occasionally ramming boats.

DFO Minister Herb Dhaliwal has now refused to sit down with fisherman, saying they are still violating federal policy by settling too many lobster traps. Fisherman have contended the allocations set by the government are far too low.

Matthew Coon Come, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, has criticized the government for depicting the fisherman as attempting to deplete the oceans when all they want is to survive.

The DFO conducted an early morning raid on Burnt Church fishermen on Tuesday. The Big Cove First Nation was the subject of another confrontation, as boats were seized and fishermen arrested.

Get the Story:
Oceans Apart in Canada (The Washington Post 9/1)
Ottawa says no to meeting with native fishermen (CBC 8/31)

Related Stories:
Mi'kmaq done with government (First Nations 08/15)
Mi'kmaq organize blockade (First Nations 08/14)
Mi'kmaq defy government (First Nations 08/11)
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:
Fishing Fury, from the CBC: cbc.ca/news/indepth/fishingfury/index.html