Mikmaw harvesters take to the water to harvest elvers without DFO authorization

With their treaty rights in hand, 60 members of Sipekne’katik First Nation took to the water to harvest elvers without federal licenses. “We got a right before this all started; we signed a paper back in 1752 that says we can do this, and one of the things that I find where we need to show support is you cannot; you can’t license a right,” said harvester John Michael. Elvers are juvenile American Eels that resemble transparent worms. They spawn in fresh water and complete their growing cycle in salt water. According to the federal government, in 2022, the price of elvers fetched about $4,700 per kilogram – and $38 million overall. The catch is exported to Asian countries where they are grown to adulthood for food. Sipekne’katik, Millbrook, and Membertou have united and established their own management and fisheries plans without Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s authorization. They say DFO regulation is an infringement and hindrance to their treaty right. The Mi’kmaw harvesters say any seizures or arrests will be seen as an infringement of their treaty rights. “We have the right to self-govern and Millbrook First Nation started their own plan and I was following the plan as far as that goes and they still seized my gear,” said Damon Howe from Millbrook First Nation who has had his nets seized by federal officers. “The Peace and Friendship Treaties say the Mi’kmaw have a right to harvest and sell natural resources.” Harvesting elvers in a river in eastern Nova Scotia. Photo: Angel Moore/APTN. Elvers are also a species that is being watched by the federal species at risk committee or COWESIC. Stocks in the St. Lawrence River and in Ontario have “declined by 99% since the 1970s,” according to the committee. In recent years, Nova Scotia is the only jurisdiction harvesting elvers for export. “We’ve always been strong, we’ve always stayed true to what our Elders set in place for us and we will back it up,” said Michael. “And I find if we don’t do it then what are we setting up for our grandkids.” According to DFO, no arrests have been made. Continue Reading