The court’s decision said that such harvestng was integral to the culture of the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet people.
However, it did put limits on that right, adding that harvesting for personal use is limited to lands traditionally used by the bands in question – and that wood can’t be sold commercially.
The case involved three New Bruswick aboriginals caught cutting Corwn timber for furniture, home construction and firewood.
The lawyer acting on behalf of two of the men, who were from the Woodstock First Nation, said although the case did not directly apply across the country, it did establish law that should serve as a guideline for other provinces.
