Statements
in Solidarity with Mi'kmaq Fishers Canadian Union of Postal Workers 
CUPW
stands in solidarity with the Mi'kmaq lobster fishers asserting their
treaty right to fish for a moderate livelihood. CUPW also condemns the
hurtful and hateful actions by some non-Indigenous fishers and their
allies. Indigenous people are asserting their legal and traditional
rights to fish, should not be met with violence and hate. Reconciliation
with Indigenous people and communities is needed now more than ever if
we are to build a society based on fairness, equality, and justice. And
reconciliation requires us to respect treaties, understand the context
of situations, and stand against oppression and violence.  Indigenous people
took care of these lands for many years and welcomed many settlers. In
response, the settlers stole their lands and resources, sent their
children to residential schools, and denied Indigenous people basic
rights.
The Sipekne'katik First Nation people are
fighting for the right to fish, as set out in treaties their ancestors
signed with the British 260 years ago. CUPW recognizes that all Mi'kmaq
people have the right to fish for a moderate livelihood. This is
protected by the treaties and affirmed by the Supreme Court in the 1999
Donald Marshall decision. Treaty rights are also enshrined in Canadian
law through the constitution. Supporting the
Mi'kmaq people who are fighting for justice and the right to live in
dignity is part of our work to create a world where we are all equal.
It is part of reconciliation, which means building a new relationship
between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and following the 94 calls
to action that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released in
December 2015. We need to acknowledge the past
injustices that settlers imposed on Indigenous people and recognize the
present-day impacts of that colonization. We need to oppose those
injustices. We need to work on healing past injustices and move forward
towards a better future for everyone. It is in this spirit that CUPW
expresses our solidarity with the Mi'kmaq lobster fishers.
Here Are Some Things You Can Do
1. Donate Money
Frontlines: e-transfer to 752frontline@gmail.com
Sipekne'katik First Nation: e-transfer to monicah@sipeknekatik.ca
(paypal also). 2. Mail, email, or call your Federal
elected officials and tell them you support the Mi'kmaq
and you want the Government to take steps to protect the Mi'kmaq
fishers and to oppose violence against the fishers or criminalization
of the Mi'kmaq fishers. 3. Participate in an action
-- supporters are organizing events in many locations. 4.
Learn More
For non-Indigenous members, part of reconciliation is our
responsibility to educate ourselves and gain historical perspective.
Conflict over fisheries has been affecting the region for many years.
Learn about the Burnt Church crisis, for instance, that raged between
1999 and 2002. Learn about Clearwater -- the
company not only traps lobster to excess with government approval, but
it also does this outside of fishing seasonal parameters. Its CEO is
the wealthiest man in Nova Scotia. This
demonstrates quite clearly the colonial basis of our legal system, the
lack of government commitment to really engage in reconciliation, and
it flies in the face of conservation and sustainability. The
Supreme Court of Canada acted irresolutely in the matter of Treaty
Rights to fish for Indigenous people and helped to create a situation
where neo-liberal alliances between government and corporations would
flourish. And what of conservation and
sustainability? Clearwater fishes irresponsibly by using 6,500 traps,
exponentially more than what a Mi'kmaq livelihood boat would have (50).
But Fisheries and Oceans Canada says nothing.
This article was published in
Volume 50 Number 41 - October 31, 2020
Article Link:
Statements
in Solidarity with Mi'kmaq Fishers: Canadian Union of Postal Workers
Website: www.cpcml.ca
Email: editor@cpcml.ca
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