Coast Salish Territory (Vancouver) – The First Nations Summit today released the attached open letter to Hon. Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Hon. John Duncan, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs calling for an immediate meeting to discuss Canada’s mismanagement of the Pacific Halibut fishery.
The First Nations Summit is astounded and dismayed by yesterday’s announcement by Minister Shea dividing allocations to the commercial and sports fishing sectors. This decision, together with the rationale, completely defies Supreme Court of Canada decisions respecting First Nations/Aboriginal Fisheries.
The First Nations Summit is seeking an immediate meeting with Minister Shea and Minister Duncan to discuss this important issue in greater detail.