Abegweit First Nation signs new fisheries management agreement

CHARLOTTETOWN — Abegweit First Nation and the federal government have signed a new fisheries management agreement that will provide funding to support the Indigenous group's fisheries management activities.

The agreement recognizes the Mi'kmaq Indigenous and treaty rights to harvest and sell fish and provides funding to strengthen its fisheries management activities. It has a five-year term, renewable for up to 25 years.

The agreement also establishes a joint management process between the federal government and Abegweit to manage its fisheries through a joint operational committee and an executive oversight board

Federal officials also announced $1.47 million in funding over four years to the Abegweit Conservation Society.

The funding will help the conservation society manage threats affecting two culturally significant species at risk — Atlantic salmon and American eel — by applying a protection approach that uses science and Indigenous knowledge principles.

Chief Roderick W. Gould Jr. of Abegweit First Nation said the agreement marked a new chapter in the relationship with the government of Canada.

“It signifies how, through partnership and collaboration, we can work together as Canadians to reconcile our differences and create positive outcomes for our communities,” said Gould. “This agreement does not replace our treaty right to hunt and fish under the Peace and Friendship Treaties but is a positive first step towards future moderate livelihood discussions and will commit Abegweit and DFO to a collaborative partnership rooted in good faith.”