Potlotek First Nation will start a moderate livelihood fishery tomorrow.
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Bernadette Jordan announced today Potlotek First Nation and the federal government have reached an agreement that allows Potlotek harvesters to fish 700 lobster traps.
This understanding lays the groundwork to further advance Potlotek’s vision of self-determination and economic self-reliance, says Minister Jordan in a news release.
Potlotek’s moderate livelihood fishery plans were developed by their community with support from the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs and Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office.
The understanding allows Potlotek’s harvesters to fish their lobster traps during the established season, which is already underway in Lobster Fishing Areas which fall within Potlotek’s traditional territory in the Unama’ki region.
Unama’ki is one of seven Mi’kmaq districts in Atlantic Canada and Quebec, and spans Cape Breton Island.
While the agreement is considered an interim measure, consultations with the Potlotek community will be ongoing, including community concerns about access.