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ESGENOOPETITIJ (Burnt Church, NB) - A delegation of twelve Christians from Canada and the USA will arrive in Esgenoôpetitj (Burnt Church, New Brunswick) on August 19, 2001 at the start of the fall lobster-fishing season to provide encouragement to those who have experienced violence while exercising their right to fish and to challenge violations of human rights.

Delegation leader William Payne from Toronto ON said, "The Miqmaq community of Esgeoôpetitj is struggling for the recognition of its right to a peaceful, sustainable lobster fishery under its own Conservation Management plan. We know it is important to have 'outsiders' present to reduce the kind of violence perpetrated by Canadian fisheries officials and police last year."

Members of the delegation come from varied walks of life and include a former Member of Parliament, students, teachers, production workers, a concert pianist, ands pastors. They have had experience in the Middle East, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Aboriginal communities, the Black Panthers, and rape crisis centres.

The delegation plans to hear from fishers, community members, and Canadian officials and will promote active nonviolence and respectful dialogue in settling this conflict.

The delegates include: Rob Burdette (Butler OH), Robin Buyers (Toronto ON), Bob Carlsten (Denver CO), Tom Cavanagh (Lennoxville QC), Jill Foster (Hull QC), Don Heap (Toronto ON), Rod Orr (Cuba IL), Marilyn Roper (Houlton ME), Abigail Smith (Gibson City IL), Lorraine Snyder (Kitchener ON), Shira Taylor (Toronto ON), and Heather Toews (Waterloo ON).

Christian Peacemaker Teams is a violence-reduction initiative of Mennonites, Brethren, Friends and other Christians and has maintained a presence at Esgenoôpetitj since April 2000 at the invitation of the community.