• Strengthening Economic Opportunities for First Nations Communities

    Larry Miller MP will be on Bill Murdoch's Openline Show (560 CFOS AM) wednesday morning at 9am March 13th..Phone number 519-376-7777. He's hoping that people will phone to voice their concerns over this agreement. The 560 am website has online listening. www.560cfos.ca

    New Ontario Government Reaches Fisheries Agreement with Saugeen Ojibway Nation

    March 11, 2013
    A new commercial fishing agreement between Ontario and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) will create new economic development opportunities while protecting the sustainability of local fish populations in Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.

    The new Ontario government and SON will work together to manage the commercial fishery, including monitoring fish populations and setting harvest limits. The commercial fishing agreement will be in place for five years.

    The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) will continue to seek input on the management of the fishery through fisheries management zone councils and meetings with its partners.

    This agreement will encourage new economic development opportunities for SON, while protecting the sustainability of local fish populations. It will also provide clarity and certainty around fisheries management in the Bruce Peninsula area.

    QUOTES
    “This agreement represents Ontario’s ongoing commitment to working with First Nations to sustainably manage our shared resources. The SON agreement recognizes the importance of both commercial fishing and recreational activities, such as angling and boating, and will provide certainty and clarity on the management of fisheries in the Bruce Peninsula area.”
    –– David Orazietti, Minister of Natural Resources

    “Ontario is continuing to work with First Nations in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding. Agreements like this one are significant in advancing the province’s relationship with individual communities so that First Nations can participate in the management of natural resources.”
    –– David Zimmer, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs

    “The new agreement continues to build on the progress that SON and MNR have made since Jones and Nadjiwon was decided in 1993. SON looks forward to continuing its work with Ontario and other government agencies to ensure that the waters and lands that support our fisheries are protected for future generations. This agreement is a true milestone in our relationship.”
    –– Chief Randall Kahgee, Saugeen First Nation

    “SON looks forward to implementing the fishing agreement. The agreement sets a new and innovative standard for government-to-government relations. It demonstrates what can be achieved through good-faith negotiations based on mutual trust and respect.”
    –– Chief Scott Lee, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation


    QUICK FACTS

    The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and the Saugeen First Nation communities share traditional territory in the Bruce Peninsula. Together, they are referred to as the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON).

    In 1993, the Ontario Court of Justice in R. v. Jones and Nadjiwon recognized that SON has an Aboriginal and treaty right to fish for sustenance commercial purposes in the waters of Lake Huron that is protected under s. 35 of the Constitution Act.

    Lake Huron and Georgian Bay are home to many native fish species, including whitefish, lake trout, lake sturgeon, muskellunge, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and yellow perch. The lake also supports recreational fisheries for Chinook salmon and rainbow trout.

    Ontario reached previous commercial fishing agreements with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation in 2000 and 2005. This new agreement continues to build on the prior agreements.



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