Rights Violations Against Sipekne katik Addressed by the United Nations
Treaty Fishery Anticipated to Re-open in June
SIPEKNE’KATIK, FN. Following a submission to the United Nations detailing the racist and violent acts of last fall including those against the Mi’kmaq people of Sipekne’katik, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has now called on Canada to account for these actions. A team comprised of Mi’kmaq legal counsel, as well as human rights experts, Justice for Girls and community members compiled the final document for review and provided CERD with regular status updates throughout the winter. “We are grateful for the team who took the initiative to work through the necessary international channels to bring attention to the human rights violations our fishers and community members have endured,” said Chief Mike Sack.
Share Mi kmaq lobster fisher Avery Basque, from Potlotek First Nation, prepares to tie up to the wharf upon returning from hauling traps on a lobster boat captained by his father, Michael Basque. Concern about the possibility of further violent protests by commercial lobster harvesters has prompted Sipekne’katik First Nation to explore precautionary safety measures as it gets ready to open its own fishery. Photo: Darren Calabrese / The Narwhal
After a violent clash over lobster fishing on Canada’s east coast last year, a First Nations Chief says he will request United Nations peacekeepers to keep his people safe on the water this summer – predicting tensions will reach a boiling point.