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The National Fisheries Strategic Conference, held for the last three days in Halifax, ended today with the Chiefs and technicians in attendance agreeing to present options to their communities on the course of action to be undertaken in the next months. The Assembly of First Nations will then incorporate regional and community responses into a final strategy approach for First Nations in this critical field.

"The meeting has been quite successful in getting the delegates to identify some options that meet First Nations expectations in the area of fisheries. The range of issues and proposed options that were discussed mean that delegates must now return to their respective regions and discuss these with their leaders and community members. The responses from these consultations will define our course of action for the coming year", stated Vice-Chief Herb George of the British Columbia Region.

The delegates have agreed to keep these options confidential for the time being until consultations have been done across the communities in Canada. However, all options are based on the Constitution’s and the Supreme Court’s recognition of Aboriginal and Treaty Rights.

"The delegates have made it clear that the recognition of our rights are the minimum standard by which we will operate. We are not ready to either cede or undermine our rights in any manner", stated Vice-Chief Rick Simon of the Nova Scotia Region.

"Delegates have demonstrated a willingness to discuss with governments and other groups in order to avoid a repetition of events following the Marshall decision. However, there must be a similar willingness from others to also discuss and come to an understanding that recognizes our rights. We are open to discussions and hope that all parties will express the same open-mindedness in talking with us", said Chief Reg Maloney of the Atlantic Policy Congress.

Chiefs and delegates will exchange results of their regional and local consultations in the next few weeks and will make public their final course of action once these exchanges have taken place.

For more information, contact Jean LaRose, phone: 613-241-6789 (ext.251), e-mail: jlarose@afn.ca, cell phone: 613-795-9664 or contact Cara Currie, phone: 613-241-6789 (ext.253).