Sipekne'katik First Nation's treaty fishery to open Monday

Nova Scotia's Sipekne'katik First Nation says it will transition to its self-regulated treaty fishery on Monday.

The band had been recently taking part in its food, social and ceremonial (FSC) lobster fishery, which has no season and is regulated by DFO, but licence conditions do not permit the sale of the catch.

A statement from Sipekne'katik said all FSC tags will be returned by community members and once the remaining traps are retrieved, treaty fishery tags will be distributed.

The treaty fishery will operate under the principles and guidelines of Sipekne'katik fisheries management plan, which the band said provides for the management of the fishery based on "sound conservation measures."

The Sipekne'katik Fisheries Department said it is no longer using the term "moderate livelihood fishery," because many in the community view it as a phrase coined by Ottawa following a 1999 Supreme Court of Canada decision.

Mi'kmaw fishers in Nova Scotia argue that the Supreme Court decision affirms their treaty right to fish for a moderate livelihood when and where they want, including outside the federally regulated commercial fishing season.

Sipekne'katik Chief Mike Sack said about 15 to 20 boats will be participating in the fishery, employing roughly 100 people.

"It's very good economic spinoff for our community," said Sack in an interview Friday. "It doesn't make anybody rich, it just puts food on tables."

DFO statement

In a statement, DFO said it has tried negotiating with Sack and welcomes him back to negotiations.

"The Minister has been clear that she is willing to license moderate livelihood fishing, but that must be done in partnership, through negotiation," said the statement.

DFO said they want to see the treaty right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood implemented, but called it "very concerning" the fishery will proceed without DFO's involvement.

The dispute over Mi'kmaw fishing rights in southwestern Nova Scotia escalated last fall, with a lobster pound that stored the catch of Mi'kmaw fishers burned to the ground.

Sack calls recent vandalism 'defeating'

Last week, Sipekne'katik said nine of its lobster fishing boats were purposely cut loose from a wharf in Weymouth North, N.S.

Sack called recent acts of vandalism toward Mi'kmaw fishers "defeating."

"We just need the commercial fishermen to realize we're not trying to duplicate their fishery, we're just trying to have our own little piece of it in the corner," said Sack.

DFO said its fishery officers will continue to enforce the Fisheries Act for all harvesters.

"We remind everyone that harassment, violence and destruction of property is totally unacceptable, and will be referred to the RCMP or police of local jurisdiction," said the statement.