Lennox Island First Nation reaffirms commitment to upholding Treaty right to fish for moderate livelihood

After the weekend seizure of lobster traps by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Lennox Island First Nation says it is committed to upholding the Treaty right of its members to fish for a moderate livelihood.   Lennox Island First Nation says the traps were deployed under the First Nations Treaty Protected Fishery.  Chief Darlene Bernard says it’s a constitutional Treaty right – not a privilege, not a negotiation, and not something Canada gets to control.  Bernard says the Treaty Protected Fishery follows a community-developed plan that aligns with conservation priorities and voluntarily mirrors DFO regulations. Chief Bernard is demanding the immediate return of the seized gear and is calling on DFO to end its enforcement campaign and return to meaningful, rights-based dialogue.