Lobster Trap Restoration Project

Dear friends,

The purpose of this letter is to introduce you to the Lobster Trap Restoration Project and to ask you to consider making a donation to help us in our goal of a peaceful resolution to the implementation of fishing rights for the Native people of Esgenoôpetitj (Burnt Church, NB).

Last fall, the Aboriginal people of this community exercised their right to fish and to earn a moderate living from that fishery, as was granted to them by the Supreme Court of Canada's decision in the Marshall case. The decision created a lot of anxiety among non-Native fishermen and last October approximately 3000 Native lobster traps were lost when ropes were cut.

The Aboriginal Rights Coalition-Atlantic (ARC-A) and the Tatamagouche Centre are working together on two projects to support a peaceful resolution of this conflict in Maritime communities. The first part of the project is having trained witnesses/observers in the community from May 1 to June 30. Another part of this work includes this campaign to replace lost lobster gear. In this campaign, we are approaching churches, local villages and businesses, fishing organizations and other non-governmental organizations for their support.

We feel that is essential to address their loss of traps last fall for Native fishers to have the opportunity to exercise their rights. This spring, some of those who have used the tags issued by the Band Council have been charged with illegal fishing and some of their traps have also been seized by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

There is still much to work out so that Native and non-Native fishers can co-exist peacefully and share the fishery resource fairly. This will take time. We feel that the replacement of traps is a necessary step towards reconciliation between the communities.

We are asking for your support for this vital work.

Contributions to the Lobster Trap Restoration Project can mailed to

If you require further information please contact: Ron Kelly (902) 351-3077, Eric King (506) 536-1334 or Karen Somerville (506) 627-8115

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