Ontario Extending its Partnership with Nipissing First Nation to Support Walleye Recovery
Press Release
March 12, 2019
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Ontario’s Government for the People is working with Nipissing First Nation to renew joint efforts to sustainably manage the Lake Nipissing fisheries and support the recovery of the walleye population.
“Our government is committed to work together with Indigenous partners to create and support jobs and economic opportunities in Northern Ontario,” said John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “We have signed a new three-year agreement that will support Nipissing First Nation’s commercial fishery, helping to promote sustainable economic growth and resource management.”
The new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) came into effect March 11, 2019 and ends March 10, 2022. It will support the recovery of the walleye population and build on successes achieved, including:
- Establishing strong relationships between Ontario and the Nipissing First Nation that respect the First Nation’s treaty rights to commercially fish the waters of Lake Nipissing
- Improving the sharing of fisheries data to inform effective science-based management decisions on Lake Nipissing
- Providing resources to support the implementation of Nipissing First Nation’s Fisheries Law and help manage its commercial fishery on the lake
- Supporting education and compliance through restorative justice
“Our goal is to work cooperatively to support a healthy, sustainable fishery that our nation can continue to enjoy and rely on for generations to come,” said Chief Scott McLeod. “This will be achieved through the full implementation of Nipissing First Nation’s Fisheries Law.”
For a printed copy of the MOU contact Nipissing First Nation at 705-753-2050 or Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry North Bay District at 705-475-5550.
Quick Facts
- The Ministry and Nipissing First Nation were awarded the 2018 Gold Deloitte Public Sector Leadership Award for cooperative efforts related to managing the Lake Nipissing fisheries.
- Walleye populations are improving, though still in recovery.
- Sustainable harvest maximums have been set based on shared data and analysis.
Additional Resources
Media Contacts
Media Desk
MediaDesk.MNRF@ontario.ca
416-314-2106
Justine Lewkowicz
Minister’s Office
Justine.Lewkowicz@ontario.ca
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