Chief Nadjiwon Releases Statement in Support of Nova Scotia Indigenous Fishers

Chief Greg Nadjiwon has issued a statement regarding the unacceptable infringement of Mi’kmaq fishing rights in Nova Scotia. As a community that has fought and continues to fight for our right to fish unmolested, we are dismayed by the failure of the Crown to support and defend constitutionally protected Indigenous fishing rights across Canada.

Read the Chief’s Statement.

Grant Application Assistance Available to SON Fishers

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Fish Harvester Benefit & Grant Program is accepting applications until Monday.

The program offers up to $10 164 per Deckhand, and $20 164 per Captain.

We are here to help SON Fishers, Captains and Deckhands, apply under the program.

To assist, we will be conducting a Grant Application Walk-through by teleconference.

Date: Friday, September 18 at 4:00 PM
Call Number: 1-647-497-9373
Access code: 797-713-413

You can also watch the teleconference online. Email nawash.fisheries@gmail.com or bagidawaad@gmail.com for a video link

Captains – contact Ryan Lauzon at nawash.fisheries@gmail.com for your vessel operator pin number.

 

Applications for Fish Harvesters’ Grant and Benefit Opening Soon

The Federal government has announced that the Fish Harvester Benefit and Fish Harvester Grant will open to applications on August 24, 2020. The program will help Canada’s hardworking fish harvesters get the financial support they need right now, and ensure the industry is prepared for the economic recovery to come.

All harvesters wishing to apply should visit the Fisheries and Oceans Canada website to determine if they are eligible and find out what documentation is required to complete the application process.

Nawash Fishermen Wanted

The Fisheries Department is looking for interested Nawash Fishermen to fill contracts for vacuum-packed fish fillets.

Interested operators are asked to contact Ryan Lauzon at the Fisheries Department for more information. Telephone 519-375-1012, or email nawash.fisheries@gmail.com.

Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation donates more fish to food banks

For Immediate Release: 2020/05/11

Neyaashiinigmiing, ON: The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation (CNUFN) has taken the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic very seriously, putting in place a number of safety measures, including limiting access to the community. Another unique way the First Nation has been responding to the crisis takes advantage of their strong cultural ties to fishing, while helping out food banks at the same time.

Like many industries, the Chippewas of Nawash commercial fishing industry has been devastated by the virus, as most of the fish harvested is normally destined for the many now-closed restaurants and markets. The First Nation is proud to be working with their hardworking fishermen to redirect the flow of fish to food banks inside and outside the First Nation. This has two benefits. First, by providing fish and other foodstuffs within the community, the First Nation has reduced the number of trips community members need to make outside the community, lessening the chance they will be exposed to the virus. Second, fresh fish is a nutritious food, especially important to those facing food insecurity. This is particularly important due to the rise in unemployment as a result of imposed business closures.

The First Nation has provided 200 lbs of fillets to the Wiarton Salvation Army Food Bank, 200 lbs of fillets to the M’Wikwedong Native Cultural Resource Centre, 500 lbs of fillets to the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre, 200 lbs of fillets to the Saugeen First Nation Food Bank and 2500 lbs of fillets to the Chippewas of Nawash Good Food Bank.

Captain Mary Millar of the Wiarton Salvation Army expressed the gratitude of food bank patrons on receiving fresh whitefish or salmon. “The fish from Nawash has been very well received,” she reported. “People have been overjoyed to see fresh fish because we don’t typically have things like that. Our clients have felt so happy and blessed when the option was offered. It’s been a real bright light for people who are in a difficult place.”

Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation is based on beautiful Neyaashiinigmiing (Cape Croker) on the Georgian Bay side of the Bruce Peninsula. Chippewas of Nawash is one half of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, whose traditional territory occupies much of southern Ontario, from the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, south to Goderich, from Lake Huron to Collingwood. The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation people are known for their hospitality, protection of the environment within their Traditional Territory, and vigorous defense of their long tradition of Indigenous commercial fishing.

Chippewas of Nawash Supports Local Food Banks

Food banks have always been important to communities, helping residents in times of need. The support of food banks is now more critical than ever, as we try to maintain our social distance and avoid unnecessary trips to the supermarket. The Nawash Food Bank has been blessed with donations from many people and organizations, including other food banks in the area who found extra to share with us from their own supplies. The Chief and Council are pleased to announce that Chippewas of Nawash is paying that generosity forward with donations of fresh-caught whitefish and salmon to area food banks.

Nawash fishing boats are the only ones on the water these days, making local fish a rarity. The Wiarton Salvation Army Food Bank, and Owen Sound M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre Food Bank each gratefully received 200 pounds of fresh whitefish and salmon, caught and packaged by Nawash fishermen and their crews. The Council and all of Chippewas of Nawash are happy to support local food banks, who are doing such good and vital work during the pandemic. We also hope that our members who live these communities, and may be in need, can visit the food banks and enjoy a taste of home. Chi-meegwech!

Fishing Licences do not require immediate renewal

The Band Office will remain closed to the public during the pandemic crisis, and will not be renewing fishing licenses until a process for safely dealing with public requests has been implemented. Chief Nadjiwon would like to assure those holding fishing licenses, however, that their licenses will remain valid until further notice. It is not necessary to renew fishing licenses at this time. The Administration will advise the fishing community, with reasonable notice, when the licenses need to be renewed again. Chief and Council thanks the fishing community for their patience and hard work during this difficult period.