September 30, 2020
Tomorrow, on October 1st, 2020 Mi’kmaw harvesters from the Potlotek Mi’kmaw community will be taking to the water, on St. Peter’s Bay, to exercise their inherent right to fish for a moderate livelihood under their communities own self-governed fisheries plan. Potlotek harvesters, with support from their leadership and community members, have chosen this significant day to commemorate the annual celebration of Treaty Day, a date to recognize and honour the treaties signed between the Mi’kmaq and the Crown in the 1700’s.
Members of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs will be present along the St. Peter’s Canal to show support for the community of Potlotek in their steps forward in self-governance with their Netukulimk Livelihood Fisheries Plan.
“Our plan will provide community members with the opportunity to fish under their own guiding principles, all while adhering to the traditional Mi’kmaw practice of Netukulimk,” said Chief Wilbert Marshall, Potlotek Mi’kmaw Community. “After much engagement with community members, our community-developed plan will provide those in our community, who want to fish, with the opportunity to provide a means of support for themselves and their families through their inherent Treaty Rights.”
Potlotek has been working collaboratively with the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs, Kwilmu’kw Maw-Klusuaqn Negotiation Office (KMKNO), their community harvesters and community members to develop a plan that follows the Mi’kmaw traditional beliefs of Netukulimk, respects conservation, follows safety protocols and allows for a sustainable and responsible fishery.
In 1999, The Supreme Court of Canada reaffirmed the Constitutionally protected right for the Mi’kmaq to fish for a moderate livelihood in R. v. Marshall. The Mi’kmaq Nation celebrates the community of Potlotek as they take to the waters for their Netukulimk Livelihood Fishery and the many communities that will be taking similar steps in the near future.
For well over 30 years, October 1st has continued to be the day that we come together in Nova Scotia to renew and further our unique relationship as Treaty Partners. As Potlotek takes to the waters in St. Peter’s Canal to take responsibility of their Treaty Fishery and Treaty Rights, all are welcomed to attend this celebratory event.