December 15, 2020
On Sunday, an incident occurred in the Northumberland Straight near Pictou Landing First Nation. The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs (Assembly) have been made aware that a Pictou Landing community member had observed the crew aboard a fishing vessel removing lobster traps belonging to community Mi’kmaw harvesters from the water. The community member approached the fishing vessel in his small boat, and as he approached, the vessel accelerated toward him and fired shots from the vessel.
“Any type of violence directed at our harvesters is absolutely unacceptable, but hearing that shots were fired at a community member is very disturbing,” said Chief Gerald Toney, Assembly’s Fisheries Lead. “Our people have every right to be in the water, and for anyone to interfere with the lawful exercise of our Treaty Rights, in any form, is frustrating and wrong.”
Chief Andrea Paul, Pictou Landing First Nation, and local RCMP have confirmed that the man was not injured and returned safely to port.
Community members of Pictou Landing First Nation have been implementing a community developed Netukulimk Livelihood Management Plan since November 4, 2020, which went without major incident until the closing day of their season.
Due to this incident, community harvesters extended their season by one day, so that they could safely return to the water to retrieve all their traps and gear.
“Our harvesters were obviously shaken by this,” said Chief Andrea Paul. “We will continue to work with our harvesters and the RCMP to ensure the safety of all those who are out on the water. In addition, we ask that patrols of the Northumberland Strait and in Pictou Landing First Nation are increased to ensure everyone’s safety.”
The Assembly reiterates that the impacts of this situation hits the entire Nation and that there is no tolerance for violent behaviour towards our people.