Nipissing First Nation’s jurisdiction of Lake Nipissing fisheries management recognized by the province

UOI OFFICES (Nipissing FN) April 5, 2016 – Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee congratulates Nipissing First Nation for leading the way in maintaining the inherent jurisdiction this community has with respect to the fisheries management on Lake Nipissing since time immemorial.

“This Memorandum of Understanding is a leading example of the types of partnership arrangements that Anishinabek Nation will be seeking on a full range of resource management issues,” says Grand Chief Madahbee.  “The Anishinabek Nation has centuries of experience on how to manage our resources and these types of agreements will allow our communities to share their expertise.”

Nipissing First Nation and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry signed a Memorandum of Understanding on March 10, 2016, with the goals to work together to support the sustainable management of Lake Nipissing fisheries, and specifically the recovery and long-term health of the walleye population.

In August 2015, newly elected Chief Scott McLeod and council closed the commercial walleye fishery early due to data showing that safe harvest levels had been exceeded.  Chief McLeod emphasized that “this is not a decision that is taken lightly.  We understand it directly affects the membership”.

“In February, our council — through the implementation of the MOU – worked in partnership with MNRF to manage the lake and move towards a more sustainable fishery while supporting the implementation of our own Fisheries Law and management plans,” said Chief McLeod.   “As stewards of the natural resources within our territories, I am proud that Nipissing First Nation has taken the steps to effectively manage their resource in accordance with their Laws and practices.”