The Squamish Nation has penned a letter in solidarity with Mi’kmaw Nation and Sipekne’Katik First Nation, condemning the ongoing racist, violent attacks on Mi’kmaq fishers in Nova Scotia.
“What the Mi’kmaq have been subjected to over the past week — both the violent actions of the non-Indigenous fishers, and the inaction of the federal and provincial governments and the RCMP — is nothing short of abhorrent,” said Chris Lewis, Squamish Nation spokesperson, in the letter.
“We stand in solidarity with our Mi’kmaq relatives, today and always.”
Conflict between Mi'kmaq fishers and non-Indigenous commercial fishers in southwest Nova Scotia arose last month when Sipekne'katik First Nation launched a self-regulated lobster fishery outside the federally regulated commercial fishing season, asserting their constitutionally protected treaty right to hunt, fish and gather year-round for a moderate livelihood.
In the letter, released Oct. 20, Squamish council co-chairs, Skwetsi7meltxw, Joshua Joseph, and Tiyáltelut, Kristen Rivers, called upon the federal and provincial governments to take immediate action in protecting the inherent rights, lives, and safety of Mi’kmaq fishers, including members of the Sipekne’katik First Nation.
Since Sep. 17 the attacks on Mi'kmaq fishers have included violent confrontations at the wharf of the self-regulated fishery in Weymouth, resulting in assault charges, lobster traps being removed in St. Mary’s Bay and lobster pounds being ransacked, as well as violent rock throwing, threats and vehicle fires. Most recently, on Oct. 17, a lobster pound in Middle West Pubnico holding the catch of Mi'kmaq fishers was burnt down.
In a statement, Mike Sack, chief of the Sipekne'katik First Nation, said the band had been blacklisted by lobster buyers and recent vandalism and the loss of potential sales had so far cost the band more than $1.5 million.
The Sipekne'katik band applied to the Nova Scotia Supreme Court for a temporary court injunction to put an end to the violence and disruptions at wharves in Saulnierville and Weymouth, and to protect their lobster traps at sea. At a hearing in Halifax today, Oct. 21, the interim injunction was issued by Justice Jamie Chipman, in a bid to help end the conflict and protect Mi'kmaq fishers.
The @SquamishNation Council has released a letter of support for the Mi’kmaw Nation and their fisherman during the ongoing fight for their treaty and Indigenous rights.
— Khelsilem | T̓łakwasik̓an (@Khelsilem) October 21, 2020
We also approved sending $3000 to the Sipenkne’katik First Nation who have been at the forefront of this work. https://t.co/aFMrrRoyUu
Khelsilem, Squamish Nation spokesperson, said Sipekne’katik and Mi’kmaw were leading by example for all First Nations in exercising Indigenous and treaty rights.
“You are role models for many First Nations, and we at the Squamish Nation send a message to your people and your fisherman of the Mi’kmaq Nation that you are not alone, and we have your back,” he said in the letter.
Squamish Nation called on all relevant levels of government and their leaders to act “quickly and decisively," highlighting "the attacks are in direct contravention of the Supreme Court of Canada’s 1999 ruling (R v. Marshall) that protects indigenous peoples' inherent rights to fishing – activities."
“There is no space for governments to stand by and be complicit as blatant acts of racism and violence are perpetrated. The government must act to uphold the Indigenous and treaty rights of the Mi’kmaq,” the letter stated.
Last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called on Novia Scotia police to ensure the safety of people involved in the self-regulated fishery. Following this, four Liberal cabinet ministers joined the NDP in requesting an emergency debate in the House of Commons.
In response to criticism of how the attacks had been handled by police so far, RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki issued a statement Wednesday assuring all Canadians that “we are fully committed to keeping the peace, keeping people safe and enforcing the law.”
She said the Nova Scotia RCMP had launched investigations into a number of incidents with two people already charged.
“I can assure you that if and when criminal actions are pursued, the RCMP will investigate,” Lucki said in a statement.
She said the command team in Nova Scotia – supported by national headquarters – was closely monitoring the situation.
“We all want the same thing – a peaceful resolution to this dispute," Lucki said.
"All parties must come together for this to happen.This includes the RCMP, local/provincial/federal governments and all members of the community.”
- with files from The Canadian Press
