Mi'kmaw Communities in NL React to Cod Fishery Policy Shift

Mi'kmaw Nations in Newfoundland and Labrador Voice Concerns Over Cod Fishery Policy

The Mi'kmaw First Nations of Newfoundland and Labrador are expressing deep concern following Fisheries and Oceans Canada's (DFO) decision to lift the cod moratorium, which had been in place since 1992. The policy shift, announced on June 26, permits an increase in the total allowable catch (TAC) from 13,000 to 18,000 tonnes, opening the door for greater commercial fishing activity.

Historical Context: A Legacy of Loss

The 1992 moratorium was introduced to protect the northern cod population, but its implementation had devastating consequences for Indigenous communities. Interim Chief Jenny Brake of Qalipu First Nation recalls the era as "a very mournful day," with families forced to relocate to urban centers like Alberta as traditional fishing livelihoods vanished. "Houses were boarded up," she says, reflecting on the social and economic collapse that followed.

Ross Hinks, Director of Natural Resources at Miawpukek First Nation, notes a dramatic decline in local cod stocks since commercial fishing shifted away from coastal areas. "We used to have a pretty good fishery until the commercial fishery was concentrated out of the coastal area that is proximate to our fishing area; since then, numbers have dropped dramatically," he explains.

Calls for Meaningful Consultation

Both leaders emphasize that current policy decisions fail to incorporate Indigenous knowledge or involve meaningful consultation. Hinks states, "It is really not taken into consideration whatsoever; we are rarely asked about that kind of knowledge prior to a lot of those decisions being made."

Chief Brake adds, "There is a difference between consultation and meaningful consultation. DFO usually responds with a 'but we sent you an email'; I just don’t think that’s good enough."

The Qalipu First Nation is a member of the Groundfish Advisory Committee, yet leaders argue that their input remains tokenistic. They advocate for Indigenous voices to be central in shaping fisheries management policies that directly affect their communities and traditional practices.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Partnership

As the debate continues, Mi'kmaw leaders stress that sustainable fisheries management must integrate traditional ecological knowledge with modern science. Without genuine partnership, they warn, the cycle of marginalization and resource depletion will persist, undermining both cultural heritage and environmental stewardship.