FEBRUARY 27, 2023 – Fresh off of a successful second meeting of more than 40 Micmac Rights Association members from nine different Micmac communities (including Eel River Bar, Elsipogtog, Eskasoni, Indian Brook, Listuguj, Membertou, Millbrook, Pictou Landing, and Whycocomagh) the Micmac Rights Association is stepping up its support for Micmac people facing criminalization for exercising their inherent Aboriginal and treaty rights.
An executive comprised of Matt Cope, Steven Googoo, Michelle Lantz, Albert Marshall Jr., and Hector Pictou was selected at the January 28th, 2023 meeting. Since the meeting, the executive committee decided to add William Paul to represent Membertou, and Cody Caplin to assist Hector Pictou in participating in executive meetings. A Micmac Rights Defense fund is being set up with the support of a prominent constitutional lawyer.
On February 15th, members of the Micmac Rights Association came out to show their support for Micmac fisherman Daniel Francis, who was in court over charges stemming from the transport of lobster. Members of Mr. Francis’ support team were barred entry to the courts by officers, but held a rally outside the courthouse.
Previously, the Micmac Rights Association came out to support Chris Googoo in the raising of his constitutional challenge on a Cannabis Act charge on October 11, 2022. The association also held rallies outside of the Eskasoni RCMP detachment and the Cape Breton Municipal Police Service on January 27th, 2023 in response to raids in Membertou and Eskasoni.
Members of the Association will be present for upcoming court hearings for fisherman Derek Maloney and Dana Syillyboy on March 17th, fisherman Daniel Francis on March 24th, store owner William Paul on March 27th, and for fisherman Matt Cope on April 15th.
For more information: Former National Chief Delbert Riley, and former National Chief for the Atlantic Region Hector Pictou, have been advising the Micmac Rights Association and are available for comment and media interviews. They and Chris Googoo, spokesperson for the Micmac Rights Association may be reached by emailing info@micmacrights.com.