The Association of Nova Scotia University Teachers stands in support and solidarity with the Mi’kmaq peoples, as they assert their recognized treaty right to fish.
We interpret the current controversy occurring in Saint Mary’s Bay, NS over the Mi’kmaq right to fish as a visible sign that racism, thinly veiled as concern for conservation of lobster stocks, is alive and well in Nova Scotia.
As an advocacy group representing faculty unions that are committed to justice and to peaceful and respectful negotiations to attain fair decisions for both sides in any dispute, we also advocate for peaceful negotiations and fairness in all sectors – including fishery. Therefore, we strongly deplore the use of violence to prevent Mi’kmaq fishers from harvesting their catch and we call on the RCMP to protect the lives and property of all involved in this dispute, including the lives and property of First Nations peoples.
We call on the Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia, to ensure Mi’kmaq fishers are protected while they pursue their legal right to fish.
We call on federal fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan to work quickly and transparently to find a resolution that respects and protects the treaty rights of the Mi’kmaq and the Marshall decision.
We call on Nova Scotians from all sectors to stand with the Mi’kmaq, as they assert their treaty rights, one sector at a time.
Dr. Scott Stewart, President, ANSUT
Dr. Diane Piccitto, President, MSVUFA
Mathew Reichertz, President, FUNSCAD
Dr. Richard Karsten, President, AUFA