Clashes over indigenous fishing rights in the Atlantic province of Nova Scotia have turned violent in recent days, drawing condemnation from senior government officials.

Tensions between local commercial fishermen and fishers from the Mi'kmaq First Nation in the province have escalated in recent days, resulting in several suspected cases of arson and multiple arrests.

The Supreme Court of Canada ruled in 1999 that the Mi'kmaq First Nation had the right to hunt and fish for a "moderate livelihood" in its traditional territory.

But the ruling left many gray areas - including the practical definition of "moderate livelihood" - leading Mi'kmaq fishermen to begin catching lobster outside the federally mandated fishing season, raising the ire of local commercial lobster fishers.

Protests in support of both sides resulted in clashes last week that at times turned violent, with one person being arrested after attacking Chief Michael Sack of the Sipekne'atik First Nation. The head of the province's fishing union resigned, citing concerns for his personal safety.