Mi’kmaq Build Comprehensive Elver Plan and Share with DFO

by ahnationtalk on January 24, 202512 Views

January 23, 2025

In late 2024, the Mi’kmaw communities of Annapolis Valley, Bear River, Eskasoni, Glooscap, Pictou Landing, Potlotek, Wasoqopa’q and We’koqma’q developed a comprehensive harvester-centric allocation model to ensure a safe and sustainable elver fishery for Spring 2025 and beyond. In this proposed model, the allocation of the elver Total Allowable Catch would be designated to Mi’kmaw harvesters, rather than the First Nation per capita approach of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).

In this community-led plan, allocations are based on the proven ability of Mi’kmaw harvesters to manage quotas responsibly and sustainably.

“We have a number of harvesters who have experience in the elver fishery and have a proven track record of compliance in this and, often, other fisheries”, said Chief Gerald Toney, Annapolis Valley First Nation, and Co-Lead of the Assembly’s Fisheries portfolio. “The approach we built together ensures that allocations are fully utilized yet managed with a focus and understanding on environmental sustainability”.

In this plan, these Mi’kmaw communities propose to take charge of managing designated waterways, ensuring that access is distributed fairly and equitably. The plan is to spread the fishing effort across mainland Nova Scotia by assigning specific waterways to individual harvesters or communities, to help reduce conflicts with non-Indigenous participants and the public. Access to rivers may also be regulated by specific time periods, allowing all harvesters to be given designated times to fish.

“Our model provides flexibility and fairness by allowing Mi’kmaq to receive personal allocations based on their readiness, while adhering to Indigenous self-governance practices approved by the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs. It reduces the administrative burden for DFO, encourages community collaboration, and supports sustainable harvesting practices”, continued Chief Toney.

“This approach empowers individual Mi’kmaw harvesters and simplifies our management of our own fishers,” said Chief Wilbert Marshall, Potlotek First Nation, and Co-Lead of the Assembly’s Fisheries portfolio. “Our concern is if DFO continues to ignore the innovative strategies we develop, they will only further the unsustainable and unsafe conditions that we’ve seen in previous seasons. DFO’s approach has negatively impacted the delicate balance of our natural environment and put harvesters in danger.  We are worried that DFO’s disorganized approach will put too much pressure on particular river systems and will create conflict and chaos during the season.”

The communities who have participated in developing this allocation model feel that the plan emphasizes the importance of building a sustainable and resilient fishery, encourages other communities to pursue similar collaborations, and highlights the principle that reconciliation and economic development can go hand-in-hand when guided by Indigenous leadership.

The Chiefs of these communities call on DFO to recognize this harvester-focused model and show support for Mi’kmaw communities who want to help to build the infrastructure, knowledge, and governance needed for the fishery’s long-term sustainability.

“We believe it is in everyone’s best interest to embrace a collaborative approach that prioritizes sustainability, respect for our ecosystems, and the wellbeing of all our communities. It is time that DFO sees that we have a valuable co-management and co-governance role in ensuring a more sustainable, safe future for Nova Scotia’s elver fishery”, said Chief Marshall.

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