NETMIZAAGGAMIG NISHNAABEG – According to Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg, members of the Robinson Huron Treaty area have been illegally harvesting walleye spawning grounds and selling the fish.
White Lake is located within Netmizaaggamig Aki unextinguished Aboriginal Title Lands while Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg maintains its unextinguished Aboriginal Title.
Chief and council have stated they brought this issue to the province of Ontario and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Enforcement Branch; however, they claim in a media release that the MNRF has refused action.
During the protest, Chief Louis Kwissiwa said: “We have an inherent and historic right and responsibility to protect our lands, waters, animals, and fish. The inaction and lack of response from the MNRF is entirely unacceptable. As a leadership team, we decided that we had no choice but to take action to protect our fish and waters. If these practices are allowed to continue, there will be no fish left for anyone, let alone future generations.”
Kwissiwa would like to see the MNRF take their claims seriously, perform a full investigation, and identify the supply chain in which the walleye spawns are being sold.
In the mean time, the Netmizaaggamig’s community does not intend access to White Lake to those practicing sustainable fishing activity and following catch limit rules, but to monitor the fishing activity on the lake and collect information needed to prevent illegal poaching activities.
“We must protect our fish relatives during the most sacred time for them, during the spawn. The fish have always been there for our people, they are bringing us back together again. We are gathering, it's our turn to be here for our fish relatives,” said Elder and Councillor Vern McWatch.
The monitoring operation with be conducted by both the Ontario Provincial Police and Anishinabek Police Services.
Chief Kwissiwa also stated that because of MNRF’s incapability to protect Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg traditional lands, they will protect the fishery on White Lake with the help of the surrounding communities and stakeholders that having pledged their support.
Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Chief Duncan Michano said: "We are proud to be here as leadership alongside community members from both nations in full support of protecting these waters. Our communities of NN and BN signed a historical treaty last year to outline exactly these types of joint activities we will continue to partner and engage in to ensure the sustainable management of our lands and resources for many generations to come. We are proud to stand here in support of our neighbours and partners at NN.”
When asked for comment on the Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg declaration that the MNRF is refusing to act against the illegal activities being carried out by members of the Robinson Huron Treaty area, a spokesperson said: "The Ministry has and continues to encourage a dialogue-based resolution to Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg’s concerns.
"Ministry staff have been in touch with the First Nation and have advised that MNRF will investigate matters on a case-by-case basis. Conservation officers routinely patrol White Lake. We recognize the importance of White Lake and its fishery to Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg."
