Sipekne’katik First Nation Stands with Protectors of the Unama’ki (Cape Breton) Highlands

Sipekne’katik First Nation Stands with Protectors of the Unama’ki (Cape Breton) Highlands

The Chief and Council of Sipekne’katik are voicing strong support for Mi’kmaw and peaceful protestors that are protecting the Unama’ki Highlands from ongoing logging operations.

Despite the provincial decision to close the highlands to hunting and other human activity, logging continues unchecked. This unjust double standard threatens the Mi’kmaq people’s treaty-protected rights.

“Detailed information about the health and sustainability of the moose population in the Highlands has not been shared with our community,” said the Sipekne’katik Chief and Council. “Closing the area to Mi’kmaw harvesters while allowing industrial activity like logging undermines our Treaty rights and our stewardship responsibilities.”

Sipekne’katik has long upheld its responsibility as caretakers of Mi’kma’ki, along with it’s traditional and treaty rights. Sipekne’katik emphasizes that decisions about the land and its resources must be made with full transparency and with absolute respect for all Mi’kmaq rights.

“Our members do not feel that their voices or rights are being respected,” added the Sipekne’katik Chief and Council. “The province’s actions contradict its stated commitments to reconciliation and to the environment. We will continue to stand in solidarity with those on the ground defending the Highlands from further harm.”

Sipekne’katik calls on the province to immediately halt logging operations in the Unama’ki Highlands and to work with all Mi’kmaq communities to ensure that land management decisions reflect our inherent rights, values, and responsibilities as Mi’kmaq people.