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OTTAWA — The Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and Chiefs Lawrence Paul and Stewart Paul, Co-Chairs of the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs, today commemorated the fifth anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada’s landmark decision in the Marshall case.
While the September 17, 1999 judgment initially posed significant challenges, the results have been far-reaching and have led to many First Nations people getting involved in the East Coast commercial fishery.
"The Marshall Response Initiative has created opportunities in a sector that is culturally relevant to the history of the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet First Nations," said Minister Regan. "Over the past five years, most of the affected 34 First Nations have made dramatic progress in increasing their participation in the fishery – creating more than 1, 250 full- and part-time direct jobs in the fishery and hundreds of jobs in support of it."
Most importantly, there is a sense of pride and accomplishment in the First Nation communities involved.
"The decision, and DFO’s response, has done a great deal for many of our First Nation peoples in jobs and economic opportunities, but not for all communities," said Co-Chair Chief Lawrence Paul. "Our communities have progressed a great deal, but still have a considerable way to go to achieve a moderate living for all our people."
Co-Chair Chief Stewart Paul added: "The federal response and actions have shown us clearly the many faces of Canadians. We believe in full treaty recognition and implementation. The lives of many of our people, and in particular fishers, have improved and our First Nations are directly involved now and do play a significant role in the Atlantic fishery."
The Marshall decision has had an equally important impact on coastal communities. Some non-Aboriginal fishers decided to voluntarily retire their commercial licences and many others are fishing side-by-side with Aboriginal people.
"There is still a lot of work to be done, but the success thus far is due to the high level of co-operation between DFO, the First Nations and citizens in coastal communities.
This collaboration means that today, we have an orderly, regulated fishery, a source of jobs and a brighter future for First Nations," said Minister Regan.
"I am proud of these achievements and know that the two new initiatives, which I announced earlier this year, will further build on these accomplishments."
Last February, Minister Regan announced the At-Sea Mentoring Initiative which will help Mi’kmaq and Maliseet First Nations further develop skills to fish safely and effectively in various fisheries. It will also assist First Nations to diversify the catch in the inshore fishery, improve overall fishing skills in the mid-shore fishery, as well as learn about vessel maintenance.
Announced at the same time, the Fisheries Operations Management Initiative will support First Nations to learn more advanced skills to manage their fisheries assets with the objective of maximizing benefits for fishers and communities.
Both of these initiatives respond to the training, mentoring and management expertise requirements identified by First Nations communities.
"I will continue to work cooperatively with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal groups in the management of our fisheries. I believe this co-operation is key to a soundly managed fishery," said Minister Regan.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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Christiane Parcigneau
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
(613) 998-1530
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NR-HQ-04-78E |
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