management tools used to control and protect
the number and species of fish in Canada.
These government regulations can’t replace

aboriginal fishing rights in British Columbia.

3. Aboriginal fishing rights are flexible in nature, and
must be interpreted flexibly so they can evolve

over time.

~ This means that aboriginal people can use
modern equipment and technology when
fishing without affecting their aboriginal
fishing rights.

4. Aboriginal fishing rights have “first priority” —
second in importance only to the conservation of

the province’s fish population.

~ This means that aboriginal fisheries must take
priority in fisheries planning, and that
aboriginal fisheries are more important than
any other fishing interest, including

commercial and sport fisheries.

Also, if there are only enough fish to meet
conservation levels and aboriginal fishing
requirements, the DFO must ensure that the
province’s aboriginal people are able to fish
their quota before other fishing groups.

5. The courts say that Section 35 is a “promise” to

the aboriginal people of Canada. They have ruled