Making First Nation law : Listuguj Mi'gmaq fishery

The law begins by pointing out that “we the indigenous peoples of Gespe’gewa’gi are vested by Gisiteget with sacred responsibilities for stewardship of the land, waters and all living things.” 1 It goes on to state that the law “is enacted pursuant to Mi’gmaq custom and in the exercise of the inherent jurisdiction of Listuguj First Nation….” The law specifies, among other things, where it applies, [...] The ancestors of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq depended on the resources of the Restigouche River, its watershed, and neighboring lands and waters. [...] The lives of the salmon and the lives of the Mi’gmaq were intertwined; they took care of each other. [...] The Keptins help to ensure strategic thinking and resource stewardship, taking a long-term view of the health of the resource and the communities. [...] The Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation Law on Fisheries and Fishing specifies, among other things: 1.) the goals of the law and of fisheries management; 2.) the territory within which the law would apply; 3.) a schedule for the development of an annual fishery management plan; and 4.) how the community would be consulted.