Challenges and opportunities for Mi’kmaq Aboriginal and treaty rights to fish in Nova Scotia, Canada

Abstract

Despite the recognition of the Aboriginal and treaty right to fish in Canada, there has been little movement towards enhancing governance that respects the authority of either the Mi’kmaq, the Indigenous peoples in Nova Scotia, or the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Using a Two-Eyed Seeing research framework, three perspectives were derived from interviews exploring governance challenges and opportunities with key governmental and Indigenous actors. Based on the similarities and nuances among perspectives, key considerations to resolving challenges and incorporating identified opportunities from the research include: i) address injustice and lack of solidarity among First Nations arising from the Indian Act, ii) enhance the legitimacy of current governance by integrating Mi’kmaw and western Knowledge Systems iii) improve governance to address conflict and organization of Mi’kmaw fishers, and iv) build on the shared value of improved relationship where all governing authorities, including Mi’kmaq rights holders and the Mi’kmaq Grand Council, are recognized.