October 30, 2020
The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs (Assembly) has received information indicating the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ Conservation and Protection Department may be moving in to seize community authorized gear and traps from the Mi’kmaw Moderate Livelihood fishery across Nova Scotia. The Assembly condemns this action and demands all planned action related to seizure is aborted.
The Supreme Court of Canada has recognized the Mi’kmaq Right to fish for a moderate livelihood, and as also stated publicly by Minister Jordan herself, this fishery is legal. Therefore, the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia have remained clear, that we will continue to exercise our treaty right to fish and sell fish for a moderate livelihood.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Conservation and Protection Department’s continued negligence and harassment of harvesters fishing legally pursuant to their Treaty Rights is a direct violation of Constitutional Rights. The Minister of DFO has also been acting in bad faith during ongoing Consultations and in a manner inconsistent with the honour of the Crown.
The Assembly is gravely concerned for the well-being and safety of Mi’kmaw harvesters and they are demanding that the harassment ends immediately.