Vessel Naming Contest

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Help us name our new patrol vessel! This new vessel will support the monitoring and enforcement needs of the Listuguj Rangers and Natural Resources Directorate in the salmon and lobster fisheries.

The winning name will be announced at the Migwite’tm Commemoration Event on June 11, 2021. Send in your suggestions by May 31, 2021 to james.metallicsloan@listuguj.ca and use ‘M81’ in the subject line.

 

Prize for winning name: $250 cash

Each name submission will also be entered for a chance to win a $50 gift card.

 

Vessel Details:

New Patrol Vessel

Constructed by: Stanley Boats (Coastal 25 Hardtop)

Hull Material: Aluminum

Length: 25 feet 6 inches

Width: 8 feet 6 inches

Maximum Crew: Nine people

Weight Capacity: 2,958 pounds

Horsepower: Twin Engine, 150HP each

Listuguj Forestry Season Memo

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Natural Resources Directorate – Forestry

Memo

For all those who are looking to take part in the upcoming Listuguj Forestry season, please contact us by email at martin_cummings@listuguj.ca to show your interest by May 7, 2021. For those without an email address, please contact the Natural Resources Directorate by phone at 788-3022. Any expression of interest after this date will not accepted.

Here’s a list of available positions/equipment required:

  • Cable or grapple skidder
  • Logging Trucks
  • Heavy Equipment (Bull Dozer, Grader, etc.)
  • Feller Buncher
  • Delimber
  • Slasher
  • Multi-Processor harvester
  • Forwarder

Please provide your contact information, type of equipment, experiences, and the number of Listuguj community members who will be employed directly or indirectly with your forestry services.

The LMG will do a follow-up by calling the selected forestry contractors. Official registration with an LMG business number and contract will follow.

 

Dr. Fred Metallic, Director of Natural Resources

Canada Recognizes Listuguj’s Laws and Authority in Fisheries Governance

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

CANADA RECOGNIZES LISTUGUJ’S LAWS AND AUTHORITY IN FISHERIES GOVERNANCE

The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government and Canada have reached an unprecedented step in our evolving relationship through a Rights Reconciliation Agreement on Fisheries.

 

On June 17, 2019, the LMG enacted the Listuguj Lobster Law following two years of community consultation, engagement, and guidance. The Listuguj Lobster Law is based, in part, on the Salmon Fishing Law, its principles and process. The enactment of the Listuguj Lobster Law sparked renewed negotiations with Canada. These negotiations sought to create a rights-based agreement on fisheries, with our Mi’gmaq understandings and beliefs, and recognition of our laws, poised at the centre.

The five-year Rights and Reconciliation Agreement on Fisheries was agreed to by LMG on March 24, 2021 and will be approved and signed by Canada in the coming weeks. In the Agreement, Canada recognizes the Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation’s fisheries governance and fishing rights. The Agreement also recognizes the mechanisms, including our Mi’gmaq Laws, by which the LMG governs and manages its fisheries.

For the first time, Canada has formally recognized our sacred, inherent responsibility for the stewardship of the land, waters, and living things of Gespe’gewa’gi. As the basis for this Agreement, Canada has also accepted that the recognition of our inherent jurisdiction, legal orders, and laws is the starting point for discussions between the federal government and the LMG.

“We firmly followed the mandate we received from Listugujewaq to assume control over our Fishery Governance. With this Agreement, we leave in the past a model where we were managing DFO’s regulations for a renewed relationship premised on recognition of our laws governing our rights in our territory,” said Saqamaw Darcy Gray. “Because of Listuguj’s strong tradition of exercising our jurisdiction by adopting our own laws, Canada was receptive and accepted to move forward with us adopting the Reconciliation spirit that has helped to shape this Agreement. Our community will benefit from this Agreement, and we will recover our inherent jurisdictional rights on Gespe’gewa’gi,” he concluded.

The five-year Agreement was endorsed unanimously by Chief and Council, and it sets the base for a better relationship with Canada and DFO on Rights Recognition, Fisheries Access, Fisheries Funding, and provides a framework for LMG Fisheries Governance & Collaborative Management.

“This Agreement will allow us to plan and implement our seasons with some certainty that DFO will not unjustifiably infringe on Mi’gmaq fisheries governance and our fishing rights. We will also gain increased access to fisheries resources whether for food, social, ceremonial, or commercial purposes, funds for capacity building on fisheries governance, obtain fisheries access, which could include licenses and/or quota as well as vessels and gear,” said Dr. Fred Metallic, Natural Resources Director, member of fisheries negotiation team on behalf of LMG.

LMG remains committed to making certain that our rights, responsibilities, and full authority over our fisheries are upheld. If required, there is nothing in this Agreement that prohibits the LMG from initiating or supporting legal proceedings against Canada concerning any alleged breach of this Agreement by Canada, including action by Canada that fails to fulfill the duty to consult and accommodate or unjustifiably infringes our Aboriginal or Treaty Rights. The Agreement reflects our laws, and LMG will continue to protect and fight for Mi’gmaq rights and responsibilities, on the water and at the table with government. As part of the Agreement, discussions between LMG and Canada will continue. In concrete terms, upon signing this Agreement the LMG and Canada will form a Co-Governance Fisheries Committee to facilitate collaborative assessment, planning, and management in relation to the LMG’s Fishery.

Once finalized, the full agreement will be made available on the LMG website.

For more information, please contact Hilary Barnaby, Communications Manager, at 418-788-2136 or hilary.barnaby@listuguj.ca.

 

Message from Chief Darcy Gray to Our Fishers

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Our snow crab fishery is in full swing. On behalf of Council and the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government, I’d like to wish a safe and prosperous season to our snow crab harvesters. Wela’lieg to our fishers for their contributions to community.

 

Minister Jordan puts electoral politics ahead of reconciliation, says Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Minister Jordan puts electoral politics ahead of reconciliation, says Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government

Refusal to discuss adjusting fishing seasons more about maintaining status quo than science

March 5, 2021, Listuguj, QC – Late on Wednesday, March 3, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, issued a statement on what she called a “new path” for First Nations who benefit from the treaty right to fish for a moderate livelihood confirmed by the Supreme Court in Marshall. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (“DFO”) now says it will negotiate moderate livelihood fishing plans with individual First Nations, but that existing fishing seasons will not change, and new access will only be available through buybacks of existing licences from willing non-Indigenous sellers.

“This so-called new path is just the DFO’s old way of doing things,” said Chief Darcy Gray of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government. “We agree that conservation is paramount and that an orderly fishery is essential, but where is the discussion if the DFO has already decided on effort and seasons? We are prepared to have a facts-based discussion to find innovative ways of exercising our treaty right while keeping stocks healthy. The Minister’s announcement doesn’t make that possible.”

Listuguj conducts its lobster fishery in the Bay of Chaleur, off the south coast of the Gaspé Peninsula. The DFO allows commercial lobster fishing in this area every spring. The DFO also permits Listuguj to fish lobster for food in this area every fall but prohibits Listuguj from selling any of its fall catch. Listuguj has filed an application in Federal Court arguing that the DFO’s refusal to permit the sale of lobster in the fall violates its treaty right. The so-called “new path” announced by the Minister will do nothing to resolve this dispute.

The DFO’s refusal to allow Listuguj to sell lobster in the fall has nothing to do with conservation. Listuguj has a community law and fishing plan that keep its fall fishing effort within the DFO guidelines. The community also imposes its own conservation measures beyond what the DFO asks for, including dockside monitoring. With the Minister’s announcement, the prohibition on commercial lobster fishing by Listuguj in the fall will continue without explanation.

“It is important to understand that conservation concerns and community needs vary from place to place,” explained Chief Gray. “The situation in the Bay of Chaleur is different from the situation in Saint Mary’s Bay or Saint Peter’s Bay. There is no one size fits all solution. We want to sit down and work out a solution that fits our circumstances, respects the science, and respects our rights. The Minister is unwilling to have that conversation. It’s the same old colonial attitude.”

“I think the Minister’s announcement was meant as a message to the non-Indigenous industry saying not to worry, that things are going to stay just the way they are,” said Chief Gray. “It’s another example of electoral politics coming before reconciliation.”

For more information, please contact Hilary Barnaby, Communications Manager, at 418-788-2136 or hilary.barnaby@listuguj.ca.

Listuguj Fisheries Governance Survey

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Here is the Listuguj Fisheries Governance Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XBPDRG8 In 2016, the last draft of the fisheries agreement between Listuguj, Gesgapegiag and Gespeg & the Government of Canada was presented to […]

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LMG Invitation to Bid – Invitation à soumissioner du LMG

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*La version française suivra.

LMG INVITATION TO BID LETTER FORM

ACCEPTING BIDS FOR:
Boat Rental for Fishing Zone 12 Snow Crab – 2021 Season
LINK TO BID FORM: BID NO.
Bidding Closed 2021-01
BID OPENING DATE TIME
February 1st, 2021 9:00am EST
BID CLOSING DATE TIME
February 28th, 2021 5:00pm EST

 

To Whom It May Concern:

The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government will be accepting bid proposals for “Boat Rental for Fishing Snow Crab” for the upcoming 2021 Snow Crab season in Area 12. The purpose of this project is to secure “Boat Rentals of Snow Crab Quota”. The key project tasks and components include 1) Fishing quota and 2) landing at agreed upon ports.

Please Consider the Following:

  • Bids received after the bid closing date and time listed above will not be accepted.
  • Successful bidders will be required to sign a contract with the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government.
  • The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government will supply tags to successful bidders.
  • All bids received by the aforementioned deadline shall be reviewed by LMG Director of Natural Resources. You are reminded to bid only on the items designated in the work form. All additional items and tasks will be considered separately from the base bid, should the owner request additional work or delete any tasks from the original scope of work.
  • LMG has the right to reject any and all bids at their discretion.

If you are at all interested in submitting a bid, please complete the online form in the provided link above. Please complete all required fields.

If selected, you will receive a Bid Award Notice, which will advise the contractor of the date, time, and location of the project kickoff that must take place before work can start. After the kickoff, LMG will issue a Notice to Proceed.

Thank you for your time and your consideration of this Invitation to Bid. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Fisheries Coordinator, James Metallic-Sloan, at 418-788-3022.

 

Sincerely,

 

Fred Metallic

Director of Natural Resources

Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government

INVITATION À SOUMISSIONER DU LMG

OFFRES ACCEPTÉES POUR:
Location de bateau pour la pêche du crabe des neiges dans la Zone 12 – Saison 2021
Soumettre votre soumission ici: Numéro de soumission
L’appel d’offres est terminé 2021-01
Date d’ouverture des soumissions Heure
1 février, 2021 9:00am EST
Date de clôture des soumissions Heure
28 février, 2021 5:00pm EST

 

Madame, Monsieur,

Le gouvernement Mi’gmaq de Listuguj (LMG) va accepter des propositions de soumission pour la “location de bateaux pour la pêche au crabe des neiges” pour la prochaine saison de pêche au crabe des neiges 2021 dans la zone 12. Le but de ce projet est d’obtenir un quota de “Location de bateaux pour la pêche au crabe des neiges”. Les principales tâches et éléments du projet comprennent 1) le quota de pêche et 2) le débarquement dans les ports convenus.

Veuillez considérer ce qui suit :

  • Les soumissions reçues après la date et l’heure de clôture des soumissions indiquées ci-dessus ne seront pas acceptées.
  • Les soumissionnaires retenus devront signer un contrat avec le gouvernement Mi’gmaq de Listuguj.
  • Le gouvernement Mi’gmaq de Listuguj fournira des étiquettes aux soumissionnaires retenus.
  • Toutes les soumissions reçues dans le délai susmentionné seront examinées par le directeur des ressources naturelles du LMG. Nous vous rappelons de ne faire des offres que sur les éléments désignés dans le formulaire de travail. Tous les éléments et tâches supplémentaires seront considérés séparément de l’offre de base, si le propriétaire demande des travaux supplémentaires ou supprime des tâches de l’étendue originale des travaux.
  • LMG se réserve le droit de rejeter n’importe laquelle de ces offres à sa discrétion.

Si vous souhaitez soumettre une offre, veuillez remplir le formulaire en ligne en cliquant sur le lien ci-dessus. Veuillez remplir tous les champs obligatoires.

Si vous êtes sélectionné, vous recevrez un avis d’attribution de marché, qui informera le contractant de la date, de l’heure et du lieu du lancement du projet qui doit avoir lieu avant le début des travaux. Après le lancement, le LMG enverra un avis de procédure.

Merci de votre temps et de votre considération pour cette Invitation à soumissionner. Si vous avez des questions ou des préoccupations, veuillez contacter le coordinateur des pêches, James Metallic-Sloan, au 418-788-3022.

 

Sincèrement,

 

Fred Metallic

Directeur des ressources naturelles

Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government

Community Notice – Access to Traditional Hunting Territory

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There has been several consequences resulting from the recent rise in COVID-19 cases throughout Quebec and New Brunswick. The twinned communities bubble (Listuguj First Nation and Pointe-a-la-Croix, QC) with New […]

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Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government Fall Lobster Fishery a Success Despite Opposition from Department of Fisheries and Oceans

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Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government Fall Lobster Fishery a Success Despite Opposition from Department of Fisheries and Oceans

Listuguj concludes self-regulated moderate livelihood fishery even though DFO prohibited sale of catch

October 5, 2020, Listuguj, QC – On Sunday, October 4, the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government (“LMG”) concluded it fall lobster fishery. The Supreme Court of Canada’s 1999 decision in Marshall confirmed that the Peace and Friendship Treaties of 1760-61 protect the right of Mi’gmaq communities to fish and sell fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood. In violation of this treaty right, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (“DFO”) prohibits the sale of lobster caught by the LMG every fall, restricting its use to food, social, or ceremonial purposes. The LMG, however, governs its fall lobster fishery with its own law and fishing plan, which permit the sale of lobster. Proceeds are used to support the community.

“It is very disappointing that Canada—our treaty partner—has chosen to stand in our way instead of working with us,” said Darcy Gray, Chief of the LMG. “There is no reason for Canada to work against us. We fish responsibly. We don’t face the opposition or violence from non-Indigenous fishers that we’ve seen in Nova Scotia. We have a model for how to do this right.”

This fall, the LMG fished within conservation limits set by the DFO and landed about 25,000 lbs of lobster. 10,000 lbs were cooked and distributed directly to community members, feeding approximately 1,500 community members, including 300 elders. The rest has been processed and stored to be sold to cover operating costs and fund community initiatives.

“The cost of operating the fall lobster fishery is significant,” explains Sky Metallic, a Councillor with the LMG. “We have 6 boats on the water. They need fuel and bait. We employ 38 people, including fishers, monitors, researchers, and cooks. They need to be paid.”

Because the DFO has refused to issue the LMG a licence permitting it to sell the lobster it caught this fall, it remains an offence under the Fisheries Act for buyers to purchase this lobster. This is a significant barrier that the LMG has been working for years to overcome.

“I understand the reluctance of buyers. The problem is the DFO. They won’t work with us. If she wanted to, the Minister could simply issue us a licence allowing us to sell our catch. She has that power,” says Chief Gray. “Instead, she chooses to outlaw our fishery, in violation of our treaty right, and stand in the way of our efforts to create employment.”

The LMG is working with other First Nations to create their own market for lobster and other sea food.

Aside from the sale of lobster, access to fisheries resources is also remains contentious. “We still need more access,” said Chief Gray. “Listuguj has more than 4000 community members. Even before the pandemic, we had over 30% unemployment. Now its worse. This fall, our lobster fishery employed 38 people for two weeks. It’s a start, but it is hardly a moderate livelihood.”

Chief Gray dismissed recent suggestions that the solution to the impasse regarding the implementation of the Marshall decision is the creation of an Atlantic First Nations Fisheries Authority.

“More than anything, our fishery is about community building. It’s about revitalizing our laws, empowering and employing our community members, feeding and paying our people,” said Chief Gray. “There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every Mi’gmaq community needs to develop and implement its own vision for its fishery. That is self-determination.”

The Marshall decision explains that Mi’gmaq individuals may exercise their right to fish for a moderate livelihood on the authority of the local Mi’gmaq community to which they belong. Community laws and fishing plans like those adopted by the LMG offer a model for how this can be done safely and responsibly.

“We support any Mi’gmaq community that wants to assume control over its own fishery. We would be happy to share the lessons we have learned,” said Chief Gray. “This way of fishing, of community building, is going to spread across the Maritimes. It is a rising tide. It can’t be stopped. I hope the DFO will realize this and choose to work with us, not against us.”

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For more information, please contact Hilary Barnaby, Communications Manager, at 418-788-2136 or hilary.barnaby@listuguj.ca.

Gespe’gewa’gi Fish and Wildlife Program

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The Gespe’gewa’gi Fish and Wildlife program (GFW) is new to the Natural Resources Directorate. The purpose of the program is to monitor resource use activities on the land and water; to ensure conservation and protection of natural resources; and to protect and exercise our Mi’gmaq aboriginal and treaty rights. The function of the LMG Gespe’gewa’gi Fish and Wildlife program is to promote and encourage compliance with our Mi’gmaq laws, resource management plans and policies particularly around lobster and moose resources. Key responsibility is to conduct monitor activities on Gespe’gewa’gi lands and waters on behalf of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq nation.

This Sunday GFW monitors will take to the water and lands. Fall lobster fishery begins Sunday and Moose harvest monitoring begins Monday. Natural Resources has been working on a moose harvest policy to address the issue of encroachment on Gespe’gewa’gi lands by hunters from other nations. There is a need to respect protocols between nations. As such, it’s important that “guests” request permission to hunt within our territory. It’s important to monitor activities for safety and conservation purposes. With regards to the lobster fall fishery, GFW will monitor the fishery and work to ensure our fishers are able to exercise our communal aboriginal and treaty rights, and that the fishery is conducted according to the management plan put forth by the community.