Sipekne’katik First Nation bans N.S. premier, justice minister from all band lands

The Sipekne’katik First Nation has banned the Nova Scotia premier, the justice minister and the minster of L’nu Affairs from all band lands, labelling them as “undesirables.”

In a news release, Sipekne’katik said it has signed a band council resolution banning Tim Houston, Scott Armstrong and Leah Martin from their band lands.

“During Premier Houston’s term of office, not once has he come to my community to develop relationships with the Sipekne’katik elected leadership,” said Chief Michelle Glasgow in the release. “He has continued to radicalize colonial practices to suppress our community and fellow Mik’maw by forming Laws that direct harm against us.

“He appointed a Justice Minister and Attorney General who does not follow the highest law of Canada, the Constitution, and appointed a disrespectful person who has no right to speak on our behalf, as the Minister of L’nu Affairs, Leah Martin - he should be deeply ashamed of these actions.”

Sipekne’katik said anyone who trespasses on their lands can be subject to a $50,000 fine.

The ban comes one week after Armstrong called on the RCMP to step up efforts against illegal cannabis shops in the province, including those on reserve land. Armstrong also sent a letter to the 13 Mi’kmaw chiefs, seeking their help in closing the illegal stores.

The move was strongly criticized by Sipekne’katik and the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs. Sipekne’katik chief and council said they were “appalled by the direct threat to our community’s safety.”

“Using public safety as a reason to override our inherent rights to self-govern and implement our treaty in a modern economic context is appalling,” said Glasgow in a previous written statement. “These are abuses of colonial power.”

Glasgow said Houston has “lost all credibility as the province’s elected Premier,” claiming he is violating constitutionally protected Mi’kmaw rights.

“This banning is not only for our protection, but for theirs,” Glasgow said.

Denise Corra, director of communications for the Department of Justice, said the government “takes threats upon the safety of the Premier and Ministers very seriously.”

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