October 23, 2020 – We at the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) stand in solidarity with the Mi’kmaq people exercising their rights to fish and to a traditional livelihood, in the face of violence, vandalism and intimidation from commercial fishers.
The attacks against Mi’kmaq fishers in Nova Scotia and the lack of intervention from law enforcement violates human rights and demonstrates that such rights are not equitably upheld for Indigenous people. The actions of government, law enforcement, and commercial fishers reflects deeply entrenched racism and a complete disrespect for the Mi’kmaq people as the original and rightful stewards of the land.
We applaud the strength and resiliency of the Mi’kmaq people and we ask that both the federal and provincial governments act to ensure the safety of Mi’kmaq fishers and the protection of their constitutional rights.
