2021 Nova Scotia Lobster Dispute
On September 28, 2021 by jmwebDecisions Decisions
Each fisher had the option of going out and fishing or passing on the challenging fishery. Firstly, paperwork with the First Nation had to be signed. They were quickly handed out to anyone that wanted it.
As some signed the paperwork, others unloaded traps. I believe the traps being unloaded were for the “food, social and ceremonial (FSC) licences” which Indigenous have been utilizing for years to capture fish. The third photo below shows one of the FSC tags being cut to change the trap over to the new fishery tag the fisherman was about to receive.
After a short period. in time, the indigenous received their first tags.
It was almost go time. The next step was for a press conference to take place and then things would kick off. I had spoken with the Sipekne’katik First Nations and arranged to go out with the guardians/security to capture some images. The guardians/security would be out on a boat and not fishing but providing security for the fishermen.
I walked back up the dock onto dry land, I noticed a plainclothes RCMP officer had shown up and was speaking with individuals rather calmy while the car behind him listened to a song that kept repeating the lyrics, “f*$# the police”. I grabbed a few photos and went to file my images to this point.
The Start
A few moments later, the first boat was leaving the wharf. The Mi’kmaw fishery was officially getting started. I had jumped out of my car and created some images of the boat departing the wharf.
About ten minutes after the first boat had left, two more departed. I luckily was able to capture Chief Mike Sack watching as the boats were leaving.
A minute later, the press conference was about to begin. Sipekne’katik Chief Mike Sack had watched the boats leave and started the presser to kick off to the fishery.
