Fishing in pursuit of a moderate livelihood
Thirty-four First Nations in the Maritimes and Gaspé region, and the Peskotomuhkati, have a treaty right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood: the Government of Canada recognizes this right and continues to work with First Nations to implement the Marshall decisions.
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General information
Peace and Friendship Treaties in the Maritimes and Gaspé
Historical treaties signed with Mi'kmaq and Maliseet First Nations and the Peskotomuhkati prior to 1779.
The Marshall decisions
An overview of the Marshall decision and Marshall II, including the implicated 34 First Nations, and the Peskotomuhkati.
Our response to the Marshall decisions
Our actions to-date in response to the Marshall decisions.
2021 moderate livelihood fishing
Our new approach for the 2021 commercial fishing season to support First Nations.
Fisheries science and advice
The fisheries science and science advice that informs our fisheries management decisions.
Final report by the Federal Special Representative
Recommendations to improve understanding, trust and relationships among Indigenous and non-Indigenous fish harvesters.
What we are doing across Canada
Our reconciliation strategy
Our plan to build a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples across all areas of the department—fisheries, oceans, aquatic habitat and marine waterways.
Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy
Strategy objectives and outcomes for fisheries where land claims settlements have not already put a fisheries management regime in place.
Food, social and ceremonial fisheries
Overview of how fishing for food, social and ceremonial purposes is protected under the Constitution.
Pacific fisheries agreements
Treaties in British Columbia and Yukon that contain Aboriginal fisheries agreements.
Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative
Funding and support to Mi`kmaq, Maliseet and Passamaquoddy Indigenous communities in the Atlantic.
Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative
Funding for building capacity of commercial fisheries and co-management for West Coast First Nations.
Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative
Funding for development of Northern Indigenous-owned communal commercial fishing enterprises and aquaculture operations.
Indigenous Program Review and renewal
Findings and recommendations shaped by Indigenous peoples who have participated in the our programs.
Treaties, agreements and negotiations in Canada
Treaties and agreements
Learn about historic and modern treaties in Canada, treaty rights and the treaty relationship.
Ongoing negotiations
Find out about land claims negotiations and other talks with partners to advance reconciliation across Canada.
Recognition of rights discussion tables
Over 80 discussion tables across the country exploring new ways of working together to advance the recognition of Indigenous rights and self-determination
Latest
Statements
- Statement from Minister Lebouthillier to mark 25 years since the Marshall decisions (2024-09-17)
- Minister Jordan issues statement on cooperative path forward with Potlotek First Nation (2021-06-04)
- Minister Jordan issues statement on a new path for First Nations to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood (2021-03-03)
- Minister Jordan reinforces conservation top priority in fisheries management (2020-11-13)
- Joint Statement from Minister Jordan and Minister Bennett (2020-09-21)
- Statement from Minister Jordan regarding the ongoing tensions in Nova Scotia’s fisheries (2020-09-18)
News releases
- Renewal of interim understanding with Wasoqopa'q (Acadia), Annapolis Valley, Bear River and Glooscap First Nations to support moderate livelihood lobster fisheries (2024-10-16)
- Canada supports moderate livelihood lobster fishing for members of the Wasoqopa'q (Acadia), Annapolis Valley, Bear River and Glooscap First Nations with renewal of interim authorization (2023-11-20)
- Renewal of interim understanding that will see Acadia, Annapolis Valley, Bear River and Glooscap First Nation members fishing in pursuit of a moderate livelihood (2022-10-28)
- We’koqma’q First Nation joining Potlotek First Nation in fishing in pursuit of a moderate livelihood (2022-05-20)
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