Published Apr 21, 2025 • Last updated 9 hours ago • 1 minute readThe colours of lobster traps and gear are reflected in the water on the morning of the season opener for the lobster fishery in southwestern Nova Scotia. TINA COMEAU – .The ongoing confidential nation to nation mediation sessions between Sipekne’katik First Nation and Fisheries and Oceans Canada involving fractious fishery access issues continue to raise questions.For Nova Scotians, what is the recognized legal status and meaning of nation to nation when it’s associated with or used by an indigenous group? And do treaty rights, as maintained by Mi’kmaw spokespersons, override federal regulations regarding fishery access and conservation?The 1760-61 Peace and Friendships Treaties signed by Mi’kmaw and other indigenous leaders and the British are the most relevant of the 18th century treaties. They are straightforward documents that define British sovereignty and jurisdiction over “the territory of Nova Scotia or Acadia.” There is no reference that the native signatories and their successors would be recognized on a nation-to-nation basis in the future.Let’s rely less on 21st century interpretations of the treaties and concentrate on bringing peace on the water for all fishers.Len Canfield HalifaxTHIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentArticle content
VOICE OF THE PEOPLE: Define nation to nation
