Resources Mi'kmaq chief says government disregarding treaties

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QUENTIN CASEY
TELEGRAPH-JOURNAL

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FREDERICTON - The province's 15 First Nations blasted the federal fisheries department Monday while demanding a greater portion of New Brunswick's bluefin tuna haul.

Mi'kmaq Chief Jesse Simon, of the Elsipogtog First Nation, said government must listen to native concerns or face a possible illegal fishery or "civil disobedience."

"We've been sitting back for far too long," Simon told reporters in front of the provincial legislature.

"I'm pretty much sick of it. It's about time I take it to another level, whether that's civil disobedience or legal action.

"I'm tired of just talking."

At issue is the province's federally regulated bluefin tuna fishery, which opened Oct. 1 in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Before 2007, First Nations fishermen were free to fish bluefin tuna outside federal quotas, said Simon, who represents the 15 First Nations.

Since that time, they have been restricted by limits imposed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Simon said the overall quota was not increased when First Nations fishermen entered the fray, meaning less tuna for all fishermen.

As a result, he said, First Nations fishermen are put at a competitive disadvantage and there is an increased chance of friction between natives and non-natives.

Simon contends the situation violates the law and infringes on their right to secure a livelihood from the fishery.

"This is a blatant disregard of our treaties, of Supreme Court of Canada rulings and of our fundamental rights to pursue a livelihood," he said.

"We are calling on the Stephen Harper government to correct this injustice immediately.

"There is absolutely no consultation or accommodation for First Nations people. Is it too much for this country to follow the rulings that they've made?"

According to Simon, the province's chiefs submitted a new tuna fishery plan to federal minister Loyola Hearn in August. They have yet to receive a response, he said.

Further stalling on the issue, said Simon, could result in illegal fishing.

He said First Nations fishermen are prepared to defend their rights, perhaps as done previously in Burnt Church, where native fishermen were pitted against non-native fishermen in violent confrontations on the water.

A call made to Fisheries and Oceans Canada was not returned Monday.

Paul Harpelle, a spokesman for the provincial fisheries department, said the Liberal government continues to discuss tuna quotas with the federal department. But, he noted, those discussions are done on behalf of both native and non-native fishermen.

According to Simon, the migratory bluefin fishery is worth $10 million a year in Canada.

"If we were allowed to compete fairly in this industry, it could be worth about $1 million for our native fishery each year. That's a lot to my people," he said. "But the federal government's quota forces a race for the fish and a lower value for the catches. I'm not out here to get rich. I'm just out here to survive."

There are 32 native tuna licences in New Brunswick, said Simon, less than a third the number available for non-native fishermen in eastern New Brunswick. One licence allows for catching three tuna, which can weigh over 1,000 lbs.