CUPE Nova Scotia strongly condemns the anti-Indigenous racism and violence that has rocked our province in recent days.
CUPE Nova Scotia stands in solidarity with the Mi’kmaq fishers who are exercising their constitutional right to engage in a “moderate livelihood” fishery. In 1999, the Marshall Decision of the Supreme Court of Canada confirmed this right, which arises from the Peace and Friendship Treaties of 1760 and 1761. It is time that the rights of the Mi’kmaq, and all of Canada’s Indigenous People’s, are made a priority by our federal and provincial leaders.
The federal and provincial governments, as well as the RCMP, have failed to protect the rights, lives, and livelihoods of the Mi’kmaq. The violence and intimidation perpetrated against Mi’kmaq as well as the recent acts of vandalism and arson are inexcusable.
Both the federal and provincial governments must act to ensure the safety of Mi’kmaq fishers as they participate in a legal fishery that is their constitutional right. CUPE Nova Scotia also calls on the Federal Government to ensure that the increased RCMP presence that is deployed have appropriate cultural safety and anti-Indigenous racism training.
Please stand with us, alongside the Mi’kmaq, to decry racism and violence against Indigenous people.
Image from the Mi’kmaw Place Names Digital Atlas and Website Project via https://www.mapdev.ca/placenames.