Province Takes Review Of Fishery To First Nations

Province Takes Review Of Fishery To First Nations

Wednesday, January 07, 2009 at 13:26

 

 

A two-day meeting is getting underway in Saskatoon today about how First Nations interests can be included in an ongoing review of the province’s fishery.

 

First Nations leaders and fishers are sitting down with government representatives.

 

The province is currently drafting a new fisheries management plan that will cover everything from commercial fishing to angling.

 

Prince Albert Grand Council vice-chief Don Deranger is chairing this week’s session.

 

Deranger says he’s been on a provincial advisory committee for about a year now — but there is a need for the government to hear directly from Aboriginal fishers.

 

Deranger adds he’s emphasized to fellow committee members the need for any discussion about the fishery to include treaty rights.

 

Meadow Lake Tribal Council vice-chief Eric Sylvestre says today’s meeting will give an opportunity for the government to share research findings with First Nations fishers.

 

Sylvestre also hopes the government takes a hard look at fish stocks in the north.

 

The government’s new fisheries plan was supposed to be ready in early 2008, but it is still being developed.