N.B. chiefs press for native bluefin tuna fishing season

First Nations chiefs in New Brunswick held a rally Monday at the New Brunswick legislature in Fredericton and accused the federal government of disregarding the law when it comes to their fishing rights.

They claim the government didn't consult with them before putting out the management plan for the bluefin tuna fishery in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

The harvesting plan sets a quota of 16 tonnes, worth a minimum of $1 million, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Chief Jessie John Simon, spokesman for First Nations tuna fishermen, said Monday that government officials must sit down with New Brunswick chiefs and seriously discuss the issue.

"Im calling out the federal government to correct the injustice thats been going on. Im calling out the provincial government to adhere to the rights of our treaty and aboriginal rights," he said.

Prior to 2007, aboriginal fishermen were free to fish the tuna outside federal quotas. Now they must obey the limits imposed by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

If government officials refuse to meet with the chiefs, Simon said, native fishermen will have to resort to civil disobedience by staging their own fishery, or take legal action.

Aboriginal fishermen want their own season and quota because the season now in place forces a race for the fish, and lowers its value, he said.

This issue has been ongoing for years without resolution, Simon said.

"Im tired of just talking. Im tired of meeting and meeting and nothing going through. Meanwhile, permits are being issued out, quotas are being allocated behind our backs and theyre just telling us wait for our next meeting, while their corporate friends are just getting rich off the natural resources that belong to us," he said.

About 12 people from First Nations gathered in front of the legislature to make their point.

Cyril Polchies, a fisherman from the Elsipogtog First Nation, said he believes the bluefin tuna harvesting plan is putting aboriginal fishermen at a disadvantage.

"We cant even go fishing. I have a licence and everything else, but I cant go out there right now," he said.