Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

NEGUAC, NEW BRUNSWICK - On August 14, 2001, members of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) placed a man inside a gigantic lobster trap in front of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) office in Neguac, New Brunswick, to illustrate the "trap" of violence and intimidation in which the DFO has put itself as it abuses First Nations fishing rights.

This public witness also included a modern-day version of the Battle of Jericho, in which CPTers prayed and marched around the DFO office seven times, blew a ram's horn, and shouted for justice and for a recognition of First Nations' inherent fishing rights.

During the event, members of CPT dramatized how DFO officers and government officials have been caught in the trap of violence, and how they now have an opportunity to escape from the trap and find new ways of dialoguing with First Nations peoples. After the events of last fall when DFO officers rammed boats, beat native fishers, and intimidated members of the Esgenoôpetitj community (Burnt Church), many people fear that the DFO will continue their violent behaviour during this fall's lobster fishing season.

"It's simply unacceptable that our federal fisheries officers acted in this way," stated CPT member Natasha Krahn. "Those of us who are Canadian citizens need to recognize that the DFO is acting on our behalf, and that we need to denounce their violence. It's time to let them know that there are nonviolent ways of dealing with this situation."

CPT is hoping that both Canadian citizens and internationals will speak out in favour of a nation-to-nation dialogue between the Canadian government and First Nations peoples. "As a citizen of the USA, I think it's important to call on other nations to speak out," said CPT member Janet Shoemaker. "This is essentially a matter of justice between international neighbours--in this case between Canada and the Mi'kmaq First Nation."

Although DFO officers and staff were invited to observe the prayer vigil, none chose to take up the invitation. On the contrary, six DFO officers left the building by the back door and drove away.

Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has maintained a presence in Esgenoôpetitj (Burnt Church) since April 2000 at the invitation of community leaders, and will be accompanying the community as it asserts its inherent right to fish for lobster.