FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sipekne’katik First Nation Responds to Disrespectful Meeting with Federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

16 December 2025

Sipekne’katik First Nation Responds to Disrespectful Meeting with Federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

Indian Brook, Nova Scotia — Sipekne’katik First Nation is deeply disappointed by the conduct and positions taken during a recent meeting with Federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Joanne Thompson and her senior staff. The meeting, intended to advance dialogue on the implementation and protection of Mi’kmaw Treaty fishing rights, instead highlighted the Department of Fisheries and Oceans' (DFO) continued unwillingness to acknowledge and respect our constitutionally protected treaty and Aboriginal rights.

During the meeting, Sipekne’katik leadership raised longstanding concerns about discriminatory and hostile conduct by DFO officers toward community members exercising their affirmed Treaty right to fish for a moderate livelihood. These rights are not matters of debate or political preference—they are protected under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, which explicitly recognizes and guarantees existing Aboriginal and Treaty rights.

Despite this clear legal foundation, the Minister declined to acknowledge the existence of these rights during the discussion, repeatedly framing them as policy issues rather than constitutionally protected obligations. Instead, the Minister offered Sipekne’katik to purchase access through a $15M Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) grant.

“Sipekne’katik will not buy access; we are already guaranteed access through our Constitutionally protected treaty,” exclaimed Chief Michelle Glasgow during the meeting.

This position stands in direct contradiction to federal responsibilities and the foundational principles of the Crown–Indigenous relationship.

Even more troubling, the Minister’s staff's conduct during the meeting was blatantly disrespectful. While describing the discriminatory treatment our harvesters experience at the hands of DFO officers—including intimidation, harassment, and inequitable enforcement—the Minister’s Chief of Staff smirked dismissively.

This behaviour was unacceptable and deeply offensive, particularly given the seriousness of the issues raised and the lived experiences of our community members who face this mistreatment on the water.

“The government of Canada needs to understand that this is first and foremost about respect - respect for First Nations fisheries, and respect for First Nations leadership. The federal and provincial

governments’ disrespect in all these areas is unacceptable and unhelpful to a constructive working relationship. I stand in full and unwavering support of the Sipekne’katik First Nation,” said Nova Scotia Regional Chief Andrea Paul. “I call on the Federal Government to honour their obligations and uphold First Nation treaty rights in full. The Mi’kmaq people have always been stewards of these waters. Their rights are not negotiable- they are foundational to justice reconciliation, and the future of this region.”

“Our Nation came to that meeting in good faith, ready to move forward in a spirit of partnership and reconciliation. What we encountered instead was disregard,” said Chief Michelle Glasgow. “When federal officials smirk as we, the elected leadership of Sipekne’katik, describe discrimination against our people by DFO enforcement officers, it reveals a troubling lack of respect—not only for Sipekne’katik, but for the constitutional framework of this country.”

Sipekne’katik First Nation calls on the Minister to:

• Publicly affirm DFO’s obligation to uphold Section 35 Treaty rights.

• Direct her department and enforcement officers to cease discriminatory and unlawful interference with Mi’kmaw harvesters exercising their inherent rights.

• Commit to respectful, rights-based dialogue with Sipekne’katik leadership.

Sipekne’katik First Nation remains committed to advancing our Treaty rights, protecting our harvesters, and ensuring that our people are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. We call on the Minister to correct course, acknowledge her constitutional obligations, and take immediate steps to address the discriminatory actions of DFO officers and her senior staff toward Mi’kmaq fishers.

“We lift up Chief Michelle Glasgow and the Sipekne’katik First Nation for asserting their constitutionally protected Mi’kmaw Treaty fishing rights in Nova Scotia,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “We share the Nation’s concern regarding the government’s refusal to acknowledge the existence of these rights and call on the Minister to clarify her department's position. It should not be this difficult.”