Ripples of resilience : the political ecology of Mi'kmaq fisheries and resource management

Abstract

This thesis examines the governance of Mi'kmaq lobster fisheries in Canada, analyzing the intersection of environmental governance, Indigenous rights, decoloniality and the concept of "moderate livelihood." Utilizing a Political Ecology framework, it delves into the socio-environmental dynamics and power relations affecting Indigenous lobster fisheries. The study traces the Mi'kmaq's historical struggles for sovereignty and fishing rights, highlighted by legal landmarks like the Sparrow and Marshall decisions. It critiques the "moderate livelihood" framework for restricting Indigenous access to resources and advocates for a shift towards recognizing and integrating Indigenous knowledge and inherent resource management rights. The thesis suggests adopting co-management through the Two-Eyed Seeing approach to blend Indigenous knowledge with Western practices for sustainable, equitable fisheries management.