Tkaronto and Coast Salish Territory (Toronto and Vancouver) – In response to the violent and racist attacks on Mi’kmaq fishermen in Nova Scotia, Greenpeace Canada head of Nature and Food Shane Moffatt and head of Oceans and Plastics Sarah King commented:
“The images of mobs terrorising Mi’kmaq fisherfolk this week are a shocking wake up call to the realities of colonial violence still experienced by far too many Indigenous communities exercising their rights. Whether the RCMP was unwilling or unable to do their job, they have failed this community and the entire country.
Let there be no doubt – this is not about conservation or a health risk to the lobster stocks, it is about the right to fish. A discussion about conservation must centre respect for the Mi’kmaq’s right to fish, knowledge about the lobster and decision-making in their own waters. Time and again we have seen that Indigenous Peoples are the best stewards of the land and water.
Furthermore, systemic racism and colonialism has caused higher rates of poverty and food insecurity among many Indigneous communities. The solution to these conditions is also through respecting their rights so that folks like the Mi’kmaq fishers, including Mi’kmaq women, can make a livelihood and feed their families.
The Federal government’s inaction is hitting the brakes on reconciliation. It’s time to start defending the rights of this vulnerable community and ensuring those responsible for the violence and intimidation are held accountable. We can’t allow history to keep repeating itself.”
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For more information, please contact:
Loujain Kurdi, Communications Officer, Greenpeace Canada, [email protected]; +1 (514) 577-6657
