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AUGUST 14, 2000

In response to a raid by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Mi'kmaq Burnt Church First Nation organized a blockade of Trans-Canada Highway, a major commercial highway in New Brunswick.

The blockade is the latest in a series of skirmishes between the DFO and Mi'kmaq fisherman, who are intent on regulating their own treaty rights as guaranteed by the Marshall decision of 1999.

DFO officials began seizing lobster traps over the weekend. Fisherman say DFO drew guns in confrontations on the waters of Miramichi Bay, an allegation the DFO denies.

Matthew Coon Come, the new Cree leader of the Assembly of First Nations, says the Mi'kmaq are being unfairly "harassed" by DFO as if they were attempting to "deplete the whole ocean."

Get the Story:
Native blockade follows DFO raid on lobster traps (CBC 8/14)

Related Stories:
Mi'kmaq defy government (8/11)

Relevant Links:
The Assembly of First Nations - www.afn.ca