Mississauga and Serpent River First Nations plan Wednesday protest in support of Indigenous fishing rights

An Ontario Provincial Police crest is displayed on the arm of an officer. (Andrew Lahodynskyj / The Canadian Press)

Sudbury — Motorists travelling on Highway 17 on Wednesday morning should expect traffic delays, the Ontario Provincial Police said Tuesday afternoon.

The traffic slowdown will be between Serpent River First Nation and Mississauga First Nation.

"Members of the Mississauga and Serpent River First Nation communities are planning peaceful moving slowdown in support of the Mi'kmaw Indigenous fishing rights," police said in a news release. "At 10 a.m., Mississauga and Serpent River First Nation members will leave their locations to meet on Highway 17 at Pronto Road. There will be a short traditional exchange by the chiefs at that time."

Members of the OPP and Mississauga First Nation police will be assisting with traffic safety, police said.

"The travelling public is advised to possibly expect delays and are encouraged to exercise patience and safe driving habits," the release said. "There are no traffic re-routes around this area."

The public is being asked not to contact the OPP for road closure information, but instead call the Ministry of Transportation at 1-800-268-4686.