Community Member Charged Protecting Local Fishing Waters

A local fisherman was charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle, uttering threats and using his vessel as a weapon. While out on the St. Lawrence in Paul Sawatis Bay area, fishing in what is considered Mohawk Territory, Davey George came upon non-natives fishing in what he considers “our waters.” He approached the boat carrying the men and asked if they had a fishing license.

“I then told them, if you don’t have a license to fish here, you are trespassing. The man told me he was not trespassing because he was on the water,” George remarked.

They replied to him that they didn’t need a license to fish here. He persisted in questioning them and their right to fish without a proper license. At this point, a man took a gaff hook and scooped up George’s minnow trap to later dump it back in the boat, damaged. The men in turn questioned him about a gun case in his boat. George told him the gun was for ducks. The non-native reached for the case and it was then George placed a hand on his arm to prevent him from taking it.

“I asked if he was crazy and they told me they would come back with guns. I told them there was no need for that”. It was at this point, according to George, the man put his case back in the boat.

I recognize these men, and others as well. They have gill nets past Snye down east, and near Stanley Island and Calhoun Island. They put in perch hoop nets and it’s illegal to use those,” George commented.

“I’ve asked others who fish out there and I have never had any problems. I’ll ask if they have a license to fish our waters and if they don’t have one I’ll tell them they need to get one and then come back to fish.” George said. “I don’t see our police or conservation officers out there enforcing out laws. So I am doing the best I can to help. We need to protect our waters so certain fish aren’t overfished.”

When Indian Time contacted the MCA Compliance Office, they remarked, “People are required to possess a fishing license to fish in our waters. This entire incident is being investigated. Once it is determined we will proceed from there. People cannot take the law into their own hands. Right now we have four people to protect all of our waters.”

Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service stated this case is still under investigation.

Davey George is currently working to have the case bought back to Akwesasne and the Community Neh Kanikonriio Council.