A decision will be made this week about what appropriate action to take. To make matters worst DFO has been a willing participant in this scheme. Despite a 1990 Supreme Court decision in R. v. Sparrow, DFO policy favours non-Aboriginal commercial outfitting operations over the M tis food fishery. In the meantime, the M tis food fishery continued in William's Harbour, home of M tis President. The oldest participant helping to set the nets was 71 years of age.
Plans are also under way for fisheries in other communities.
I want all concerned to know that this will be a sustained and determined action. We deplore the fact that Government neither understands nor respects our way of life. We will not allow the 5000 plus M tis we represent to be ignored and brushed aside. This matter is far from over.