Despite apology, Mtis leader still stuck with ticket for illegal fishing

Even though MtisleaderErnieDesjarlais received a personal apology after wildlife officers interrupted a traditional gathering and seized dozens of smoked fish, he is still stuck with a ticket for illegal fishing and a court date.

Alberta Indigenous Relations Minister RichardFeehanapologized Saturday evening after the officers were filmed taking the fish and issuing two tickets for fishing without a license.

Desjarlais said he's happy the province apologized but he still has some hard feelings about the ordeal.

"We had a good time at the camp until the fishing officers showed up. They ruined everything," Desjarlais said.

• Province apologizes after wildlife officers seize fish from northern Alberta Mtis camp
• Mtis elder won't cut his hair until Alberta respects Mtis rights

RAW: Alberta Fish and Wildlife seize fish from a Mtis camp

7 years ago

Duration 1:56

WARNING: Video contains language some might find offensive. Viewer discretion is advised. Alberta Fish and Wildlife officers seize fish from a Mtis camp outside Conklin, just south of Fort McMurray. Video supplied by Roxy Power.

The incident happened Fridayat the Conklin Mtis Cultural Camp, about 150 kilometres south ofFort McMurray.

Wildlife investigators were called to the camp because of an illegal net in Christina Lake, a governmentmedia release said.

Officers did not find the net and instead seized the fish after members could not produce a fishing licence.

Alberta requires people who fish with a net to have a Mtis Domestic Fishing Licence.

"We don't need a letter. One hundred years ago we didn't need a letter to go and harvest," saidDesjarlais, who is president of the Conklin Community Association."My mom and elders say they just went out and harvested."

Desjarlais is scheduled to appear in court to answer the fineof fishing without a licence onJan.14th.

'Our food was taken away from our plates'

Elder Margaret Quintal said it was an emotional weekend for the community.

Quintal said the camp was an opportunity to teach traditional values toyoung people. Organizers hoped to teach them how to smoke fish over a wood frame and then eat it for supper.

"I feel really saddened our elderly people had to see this happen and also our children," Quintal said.

Instead, they ate bannock and soup.

"The elders were looking so forward to supper that day where they would enjoy this smoked fish and this was taken away," Quintal said. "It's like our food was taken away from our plates."

Quintal said she thinks the situationcould havebeen handled with more respect.

Community leadersgathered for a press conference in Conklinand said the incident was just one example of the mistreatment Mtis have received over the years in northern Alberta.

Issues like overcrowded housing and a lack of clean water and sewage serviceswere examples of the systemic neglect they and Indigenous people in the region face, they said.

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