September 22, 2020
On September 18, 2020, the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs (Assembly) declared a State of Emergency due to political unrest. This decision was made in response to the violence occurring over Mi’kmaq harvesters exercising their inherent treaty right to fish for a moderate livelihood.
The State of Emergency has been extended until Tuesday, September 29, 2020, with the possibility of extension at that time.
While the emergency command centre will remain active, the Assembly suggests that everyone makes safety the top priority as Hurricane Teddy has already begun to make landfall in Nova Scotia.
Discussions with various levels of government have been moving forward in productive ways, but the safety of harvesters and supporters continues to be of most importance. We will continue our efforts to ensure the protection of Mi’kmaw harvesters, families, and supporters.
The Assembly also wants to remind those who are considering travelling to the Digby area to show their support of the ongoing Mi’kmaq livelihood harvest, that COVID-19 restrictions and regulations must be adhered to in order to prevent the spread of the virus.