The Sipekne’katik First Nation, a Mi’kmaq band in Nova Scotia, has quietly discontinued its legal case against Ottawa concerning its right to fish for lobster. This decision comes despite previous hopes of a historic deal, with the lawsuit, launched in 2021, having sought a declaration that federal regulations infringed on their treaty right to fish for a 'moderate livelihood'.
N.S. Mi’kmaq band drops case arguing federal rules don’t apply to its lobster fishery
Lobster fishery
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The Sipekne’katik First Nation, a Mi’kmaq band in Nova Scotia, has quietly discontinued its legal case against Ottawa concerning its right to fish for lobster. This decision comes despite previous hopes of a historic deal, with the lawsuit, launched in 2021, having sought a declaration that federal regulations infringed on their treaty right to fish for a 'moderate livelihood'.
Trending- 1 2021: Sipekne’katik First Nation launched lawsuit
- 2 Last December: Lawyer told court discussions were moving to a conclusion
- 3 June 6, 2025: Sipekne’katik’s lawyer sent letter to courts dropping the case
- 4 June 16: Deadline given by Justice Keith for mediation
- Legal case discontinued without a deal
- Uncertainty for the Mi’kmaq band's lobster fishery rights
- Non-Indigenous commercial fishers' concerns remain
What: Sipekne’katik First Nation discontinued its legal case against Ottawa concerning its lobster fishery rights.
When: June 6 (letter sent to courts), after discussions since last December.
Where: Nova Scotia Supreme Court, Ottawa, Nova Scotia.
Why: The band dropped the case without explanation or an announced deal, despite previous hopes of a historic settlement. The original lawsuit was based on the argument that federal regulations infringe on their treaty right to fish for a 'moderate livelihood,' supported by a 1999 Supreme Court of Canada decision.
How: The band's lawyer, Nathan Sutherland, sent a letter to the courts on June 6 to drop the case.