A CTV article detailing Eel Ground First Nation resuming a treaty fishery for snow crab despite negotiations with DFO.

FREDERICTON — The chief of the Eel Ground First Nation in northeastern New Brunswick says his members have resumed a treaty fishery for snow crab after growing frustrated with the pace of negotiations with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

Chief George Ginnish says the federal department is not sufficiently committed to providing his people access to the fishery.

“Eel Ground is the only Mi’kmaq community in the gulf region that does not have access to any snow crab,” he said in an interview Wednesday. “It would be a good foundation on which to build an economy.”

Ginnish said low income levels in the community means many people have to depend on programs to provide breakfast and hot lunches for their children. He said people in his community, also known as Natoaganeg, have gone hungry while waiting decades to exercise their fishing rights.

To read the full press release, click here.