Commercial fishers dump traps at the DFO Office in Meteghan as a sign of protest. September 15, 2020. Photos contributed.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans says they can’t comment after being named in a lawsuit by the Sipekne’katik First Nation last week.
Band members filed a statement of claim with the Nova Scotia Supreme Court against DFO, the RCMP and over two dozen local fishers over alleged ‘harassment and intimidation’ on Southwestern Nova Scotia waters last fall, when the band opened an out of season ‘moderate livelihood fishery.’
They also allege their lobster traps were damaged or stolen.
The First Nation says DFO and the RCMP ‘failed to deter or prevent unlawful acts’ from non-Indigenous fishers.
In a statement to Y95 News, a spokesperson with DFO says because the matter is before the courts, they cannot provide any further comment at this time.
However, the spokesperson says the federal government is committed to advancing reconciliation, implementing Indigenous Treaty rights, and respectful, constructive dialogue is the best way to achieve this.
The Bay of Fundy Inshore Fisherman’s Association, also named in the statement of claim, were also not able to comment.
