The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs is calling for a moratorium on community raids following highway blockages last week in response to the RCMP’s actions at Indigenous cannabis shops. In a news release, the Assembly said they will continue to assert Mi’kmaw rights to self-govern, including economic development and community safety. “We demand a moratorium be put on any other raids in our communities until we’ve had an opportunity to have real Nation-to-Nation conversations with Nova Scotia on the issues at hand,” said Chief Sidney Peters in the release. On April 2, the RCMP arrested two men and seized products at an illegal cannabis storefront on Highway 4 in Potlotek. Protestors later blocked the highway with heavy equipment and officers abandoned seven vehicles at the scene. There were also blockades reported on Highway 102, Highway 105 and Exit 36B of Highway 104. In a news release, the Potlotek First Nation rejected the RCMP’s description of the protest as a “illegal blockade.” “This is Mi’kmaw territory, and what took place was a power demonstration of unity and solidarity across our Nation,” the release reads. In a social media post over the weekend, Premier Tim Houston claimed “roadways are our lifeblood” and said blocking highways or roadways is never acceptable. “The unlawful obstruction of others is not peaceful. It undermines public safety, respect for law enforcement and the rule of law itself,” Houston said. “At any given time, people are travelling for critical reasons such as getting to medical appointments, hospitals, work and caring for their families. “The treatment of the RCMP that we have seen is not acceptable. They are doing their job to uphold the law and keep Nova Scotians safe. They deserve respect, not confrontation.” Houston also said his government has “offered a path forward” with First Nations communities to keep revenue from regulated cannabis sales in those communities. “To be clear, Government supports regulated dispensaries in First Nations communities where profits go into programs and supports that benefit the whole community, not just a handful of individuals operating outside the law,” he said. “This option exists and has existed for some time. Leadership is aware of it, and it deserves serious consideration.” The Assembly said it has tried to work with the provincial and federal governments on how cannabis legalization would be enacted in Mi’kmaw communities since 2017. They also said neither Houston nor any member of his government has reached out to them for a meeting. “We have long offered solutions to the provincial government on how Mi’kmaq could exercise our right to self-govern and still be transparent with them on how we intended to manage the sale of cannabis in our communities, but Nova Scotia has not been open to having any conversations with Mi’kmaw leadership,” Peters said. “We will continue to leave the door open for dialogue with Premier Houston, he just needs to act on our repeated offers to meet.” With files from The Canadian Press For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
