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Lax Kw'alaams Fishery Rights: B.C. Native Band Can't Run Commercial Fishery, Supreme Court Says

First Posted: 11/10/11 10:23 AM ET Updated: 11/10/11 07:07 PM ET

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OTTAWA - The Supreme Court of Canada has rejected a British Columbia native band's claim that it has a constitutional right to run a commercial fishery.

In a unanimous 7-0 decision, the court has dismissed an appeal from the Lax Kw'alaams band from the Prince Rupert region.

The band claimed it had a constitutionally protected aboriginal right to catch halibut, herring, crabs and other species for commercial use, based on its traditional lifestyle before European contact.

The British Columbia Supreme Court and Court of Appeal rejected the claim.

The Supreme Court followed suit.

The band has a right to fish for food, social and ceremonial purposes, but not to a commercial fishery.

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OTTAWA - The Supreme Court of Canada has rejected a British Columbia native band's claim that it has a constitutional right to run a commercial fishery.In a unanimous 7-0 decision, the court has dismi...
OTTAWA - The Supreme Court of Canada has rejected a British Columbia native band's claim that it has a constitutional right to run a commercial fishery.In a unanimous 7-0 decision, the court has dismi...
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Jake Thomas
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03:51 AM on 11/11/2011
The Supreme Courts of British Columbia have dropped the ball on this issue. This is an injustice to all indigenous peoples of the world. Canada needs to recognize that we are a Nation of Nations. We destroyed First Nations Culture we raped their people, killed them and stole their land. Our Courts have proven once again that truth and justice is a joke in this land. This decision is a loss for all Canadians and once again we prove to the world what a moral backwater we are.
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