CUPW stands in solidarity with the Mi’kmaq lobster fishers asserting their treaty right to fish for a moderate livelihood. CUPW also condemns the hurtful and hateful actions by some non-Indigenous fishers and their allies. Indigenous people are asserting their legal and traditional rights to fish, should not be met with violence and hate.
Reconciliation with Indigenous people and communities is needed now more than ever if we are to build a society based on fairness, equality, and justice. And reconciliation requires us to respect treaties, understand the context of situations, and stand against oppression and violence.
Indigenous people took care of these lands for many years and welcomed many settlers. In response, the settlers stole their lands and resources, sent their children to residential schools, and denied Indigenous people basic rights.