Native ceremonial fishing a problem for some

By AMY MCGEOGHEGAN

They have the right to catch lobster for the powwow ceremonies held each year at the end August, said the Native Council of P.E.I. at a meeting Oct. 6.

But at least one fisher isn’t buying it. And Kenneth Campbell thinks he has a solution.

The meeting, held at the Abegweit powwow grounds in Panmure Island, was an invitation for the public and local fishers to talk about a long-standing conflict involving natives traps being cut by local fishers during the powwow.

Jamie Gallant, president and chief of the council, said they put 50 traps off the shore of the powwow grounds and fish them for a week.

“What we’re doing is exercising a right.”

The Supreme Court of Canada recognized in 1999 aboriginals have a treaty right to earn a living through hunting, fishing and gathering.

Fishermen worry the 600-1,000 lbs of lobster the natives catch for the powwow hurts the commerical fishery.

Campbell has been a fishermen in the waters off of Panmure Island for over 50 years.

The problem is not going to be solved with meetings, he said.

“All you have to do is take your traps and fish where the season is in.”

Gallant doesn’t agree.

“A special licence is required for the powwow, we’re exercising our right through our food and social ceremonial rights,” she said.

“The lobster we take out of this area doesn’t have an impact on the stocks that are there.”

Colin MacIsaac, chief resource manager for the federal fisheries department, said  the council’s request for ceremonial fishing  is sincere.

“As long as the conservation regulations are met, and it’s a reasonable request, we try to help them out.”

Campbell said fishing out of the commercial season is wrong and the council should take its boats where the lobster fishery is in season.

“Fish there and take it back here for your ceremony.  The problem is solved, it’s a simple solution.”

Gallant said the fishery up west is commercial, what they do is ceremonial.

“I’m not going to take money away from them.”

“No, you take ours!” shouted Campbell.

Gallant said Campbell’s comments were unfair, but there are always people who don’t agree with their ceremonial fishing.

“Everybody is entitled to their opinion, but at the end of the day, all we are doing is exercising our right to fish.”

The council is hosting two more meetings, in Charlottetown on Oct. 7 and in Tyne Valley, on Oct. 8.