The Listuguj Rangers would like to advise the community that due to higher traffic in our woods they are recommending that hunting take place during daylight hours. To ensure the safety of all hunters, they recommend that hunters exit the woods one hour after dusk. This is not a requirement for Listuguj hunters. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
If you have any questions, the Rangers can be reached at 418-788-2222.
The LMG lobster fishing boat was unable to go out today due to weather. As a result, distribution will be limited for today, October 8th, 2019. Therefore, lobster distribution will be extended until tomorrow, October 9th, 2019. They will also be delivering to elders tomorrow. Elders can call the Natural Resources Directorate at 418-788-3022 before 12:00 p.m. to put their name on the distribution list.
Distribution for today and tomorrow will start between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m. at the Natural Resources garage. Distribution will be first come first served.
The Listuguj Capital and Infrastructure Directorate provided Council with the following update this morning.
They are pleased to report that their team is continuously striving for quality in the services they offer the community. Their top priority is to bring Listuguj infrastructure and services above national standards in a way that allows us to maintain these high standards sustainably over the years. Every construction project and repair has been done with that goal in mind.
Perfecting our current infrastructures and services has given us the foundation to build future projects. This year’s projects were completed simultaneously with the planning of upcoming projects, most notably Listuguj Hills (previously known as the Busteed land).
This drive and proactive approach to community infrastructure is also what led Listuguj to receive an award for best drinking water. More information on this award will be provided in the coming week.
Our community is deeply saddened by the passing of community member, Lillian Germain. The funeral mass will be held at St. Anne’s Church today, October 2nd, at 3:00 pm, NB time. In order to allow staff to attend the funeral, the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government will close at 3:00 p.m. today.
The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government has released a call for tenders to replace the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Development Centre’s roof. All offers must be submitted no later than 10:00 a.m. local time on October 23rd at the Natural Resources Directorate, 44 Dundee Road, Listuguj, QC.
Bid documents may be obtained at the office of CLADinc., 82 Timberland Drive, South Tetagouche, NB, E2A 4Z2. Their phone number is (506) 545-6334.
Visit the following link for more details: https://www.merx4.merx.com/solicitations/open-bids/Roof-Replacement-Listuguj-Mi-gmaq-Development-Center/0000161202?origin=2
Community Notice:
The Natural Resources Directorate is aware of the limited amount of lobster dedicated to elder delivery on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Therefore, they have increased the number of elder recipients to receive lobster for the remainder of the season and the next. If you or an elder you know would like your name added to the delivery list, please give them a call at 418-788-3022.
In collaboration with the municipality of Pointe-à-la-Croix, the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government will receive bids for the following services: drainage, mechanical dewatering and disposal of sludge in aerated ponds. Bids must be received no later than October 22nd at 10:00 a.m. (Atlantic Time). All documents related to this call for tenders can be obtained by clicking the following link: https://www.seao.ca/OpportunityPublication/avisconsultes.aspx?Itemid=769abe5b-f42f-4323-b1f5-6b534633dcc9.
Community Notice:
Lobster distribution will start today, September 24th, 2019, at the Natural Resources garage. Doors will be opening between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m. It will be first come first served. For more information, please contact the Natural Resources Directorate at 418-788-3022.
Mi’gmaq community asserts rights and conducts commercial lobster fishery despite DFO’s refusal to issue commercial licence
September 23, 2019, Listuguj, QC – Today, members of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation took to the waters of the Chaleur Bay to fish for lobster, just as they have for generations. The difference this fall is that they will sell some of their catch. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has refused to grant the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government a commercial licence for its fall lobster fishery. The fishery will be conducted without a licence from the DFO but will be regulated by the community’s own law and fishing plan.
In 1999, in R. v. Marshall, the Supreme Court of Canada confirmed that the Peace and Friendship Treaties of 1760-61 and the Canadian constitution protect the right of Mi’gmaq communities to fish commercially to provide for themselves. The DFO has the authority to impose limits on Mi’gmaq commercial fishing, but only if these limits are minimally intrusive, follow meaningful consultation, and are aimed at achieving a compelling objective, such as conservation or safety. The DFO has offered no explanation that could justify its refusal to issue a commercial fishing licence this fall.
“Prime Minister Trudeau has often repeated that his government’s most important relationship is with Canada’s indigenous people,” said Darcy Gray, Chief of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government. “This fall provides the Prime Minister with an opportunity to show us what that really means. If this government is actually committed to reconciliation, then they will support us as we exercise our rights.”
A fall lobster fishery is not new. Listuguj has held a fall lobster fishery to feed the community for the past two decades. “We have no intention of increasing our fishing effort beyond what is sustainable,” explained Fred Metallic, the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government’s Director of Natural Resources. “We have our own law and plan in place to ensure that.”
The difference this year is that some of the lobster caught in the fall will be sold to offset costs. Since the Marshall decision, Listuguj has also conducted a limited commercial lobster fishery in the spring. For the spring fishery, the DFO issues the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government a commercial licence.
Sky Metallic is a Councillor with the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government. “Our disagreement with the DFO is about what happens to the lobster after they have been brought ashore,” he explained. “This has nothing to do with safety or conservation. I understand that we are in an election, but that is not a reason to violate our rights. We need to move forward. This is about reconciliation, not politics.”
Last November, Canada and the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government signed a Framework Agreement on Reconciliation and the Fisheries. That agreement kicked off formal negotiations on fisheries governance and fishing rights. Those negotiations are ongoing.
“Listuguj remains committed to negotiating a long-term arrangement with Canada to find reconciliation on water,” Chief Gray emphasized. “But we cannot be made to wait indefinitely and for no reason for permission to exercise a right we already have: our right to fish and sell fish to address our community’s needs.”
For more information, please contact Hilary Barnaby, Communications Manager, at 418-788-2136 or hilary.barnaby@listuguj.ca.
The lobster food fishery was set to begin this Sunday, September 22nd, 2019. However, the season has been delayed. Community lobster distribution will now begin Tuesday, September 24th, 2019. Please stay tuned for more updates.
