The Nunatsiavut Government is raising serious concerns with members of the NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) harvesting Atlantic salmon under a self‑declared system that has no legal standing. Such activity falls outside the established authorities of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and is therefore illegal. The Nunatsiavut Government views these actions as a direct threat to the conservation of Atlantic salmon and to the integrity of lawful fisheries management in Labrador.

The Nunatsiavut Government does not recognize the NCC as an Inuit organization capable of holding section 35 Constitutional rights. Furthermore, NCC is not recognized by any Inuit Treaty organization, nor by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) or the Innu Nation.

The conservation of Atlantic salmon stocks continues to be the Nunatsiavut Government’s foremost concern. Salmon populations throughout Labrador and Atlantic Canada face significant pressures, and conservation must remain the top priority for all governments, organizations, and harvesters. Any harvesting regime must be based on conservation needs, sound science, and legally established management frameworks.

The Nunatsiavut Government continues to work collaboratively with DFO on science, research, and fisheries monitoring, and harvests its allocations every year – creating jobs and economic opportunity for Labrador Inuit and other residents of Labrador. Under Inuit stewardship, northern Labrador salmon remain the only healthy population in North America – a point of pride for the Nunatsiavut Government.

The current Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) communal licensing system provides a lawful and effective mechanism for Indigenous food, social, and ceremonial harvesting while maintaining oversight and accountability. The Nunatsiavut Government maintains that this system has been functioning appropriately and continues to support responsible salmon management.

The Nunatsiavut Government asserts that all Atlantic salmon fisheries must operate within the authorities established by DFO and applicable legislation. Any harvesting activity conducted outside of those lawful authorities should be investigated by the appropriate enforcement agencies. Where violations are confirmed, existing laws should be enforced to their full extent.

The Nunatsiavut Government remains committed to protecting Atlantic salmon for future generations and to ensuring that fisheries management decisions are guided by conservation, respect for established rights, and the rule of law.

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