Madam Speaker, over the last two months, there has been escalating tensions in the province of Nova Scotia between the Mi'kmaq First Nation and the non-Indigenous fishermen. The issue at hand is about the rights of Indigenous people. The Mi'kmaq are exercising their constitutionally affirmed right to fish for a moderate livelihood. However, the Mi'kmaq are being met with serious resistance, violence, and hate from non-Indigenous fishermen who are terrorizing the Mi'kmaq to intimidate and suppress their Indigenous rights.
Therefore, Madam Speaker, I stand today in this House to declare my solidarity with the Mi'kmaq nation inserting their Indigenous rights. I also strongly confirm and denounce the ongoing violence penetrated against the Mi'kmaq. The level of violence and intimidation being done toward the Mi'kmaq is extremely concerning given widespread reports of non-Indigenous fishermen engaging in several criminal activities, including intentionally ramming and shooting flares at the Mi'kmaq boats, the destruction of property, the cutting of traps, and various illegal protests hindering Mi'kmaq fishermen activities.
Madam Speaker, as a former Chief, I know from experience what it's like to fight and defend Indigenous rights. I did so on a regular basis at Salt River because it's a constant struggle to have Indigenous rights recognized and affirmed by the courts and by governments alike.
Madam Speaker, regardless of where disputes like these take place, I will always stand with the Indigenous people who are fighting for and asserting their rights. To me, it doesn't matter where any First Nation is located because we are all fighting the same struggle. Thus, I believe it is extremely important that fellow First Nation leaders and organizations vocalize their support and stand in solidarity with any rights-based conflicts, wherever they may be.
In closing, Madam Speaker, I urge both the federal government and the provincial Government of Nova Scotia to take immediate action and safeguard the inherent rights of First Nations in this conflict. I also encourage our northern organizations and leaders to vocalize their support and solidarity in the rights-based conflict. Thank you, Madam Speaker.