Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) recovery strategy: chapter 6

Appendix A: Record of Cooperation and Consultation

 

The Paddlefish Recovery Strategy was prepared by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Trent University. Officials from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) were consulted during the preparation of this recovery strategy.

DFO has attempted to engage all potentially affected Aboriginal communities in Ontario during the development of the recovery strategy for the paddlefish. Information packages were sent to the Chief and Council of Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Algonquins of Ontario - Antoine, Algonquins of Ontario - Mattawa/North Bay, Aundeck-Omni-Kaning, Batchewana First Nation, Beausoleil, Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek, Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point, Chippewas of Georgina Island, Chippewas of Mnjikaning First Nation, Chippewas of Nawash First Nation, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Curve L., Dokis, Fort William, Garden River First Nation, Henvey Inlet First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, Magnetawan First Nation, M'Chigeeng First Nation, Michipicoten First Nation, Mississauga First Nation, Moose Deer Point, Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation, Pays Plat, Pic Mobert, Red Rock, Sagamok Anishnawbek, Saugeen First Nation #29 , Serpent River, Shawanaga First Nation, Sheguiandah, Sheshegwaning, Thessalon, Wahta Mohawk, Walpole Island, Wasauksing First Nation, Whitefish Lake, Whitefish River, Wikwemikong, and Zhiibaahaasing First Nation.  Information Packages were also sent to Ogemawahj Tribal Council, United Chiefs & Council of Manitoulin Island, North Shore Tribal Council, Waabinoong Bemjiwang Association of First Nations, Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians, Grand Council Treaty 3, Union of Ontario Indians (Anishnabek Nation), Chiefs of Ontario, Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), MNO Captains of the Hunt Region 2, 4, 5, 7, and 9, Métis National Council, and the Assembly of First Nations.  Members of these communities may have traveled or harvested fish from the waters of the Lake Superior, Lake Huron and Lake Erie where this fish species was historically found. Follow-up telephone calls were made to each community office to ensure that packages were received and to ask if they would like to schedule a meeting to learn more about species at risk in general and recovery strategies.

No meetings were held as a result of these letters and calls. Comments were received from Chippewas of Mnjikaning First Nation, Chippewas of Aamjiwnaang and the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians.

In addition to the above activities, DFO has established an ongoing dialogue with respect to aquatic species at risk in general with Walpole Island First Nation. Meetings have been held on several occasions with the director of the Walpole Island Natural Heritage Centre and the Fish and Game Enforcement Officer from Walpole Island First Nation. DFO also discussed SARA issues with a representative of the Six Nations of the Grand who works for the Six Nations EcoCentre and who also represents First Nation interests on the Grand River Fishes at Risk Management Plan, the Thames River Fish Management Plan and St. Clair River Management Strategy.

Information packages were sent to non-Aboriginal groups, environmental organizations and municipalities which may be impacted by the recovery strategy. As well, an announcement was placed in newspapers with circulation in the area where the paddlefish was historically found to inform landowners and the general public about the strategy and to request their comments. No comments were received.

A letter was sent to the province of Ontario and comments received were added to the recovery strategy.

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