The simple fact is that this trial should not be happening. The accused, Cody Caplin, a member of the Mi’kmaq Nation, is not a criminal. He simply exercised his constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty right as a member of his nation to fish in order to feed himself and his family on his people’s unceded territory. As Indigenous people, the right to survive and feed ourselves from our own lands is the most basic Aboriginal right that we have.
Opening statement from Cody Caplin at trial on Nov 30, 2023
My name is Cody Robert Ralph Brimsacle Caplin. I am a Mi’kmaw man, born and raised in the community of Ugpi’ganjig (Eel River Bar). My ancestors made nation-to-nation treaties with the British Crown, the French Crown, the United States of America, and with other Indigenous nations like the Mohawk Nation. We warred and we made peace. In 1725, my nation began what became our “Covenant Chain” treaty relationship with the British Crown, and this treaty was repeatedly renewed in different locations across Mi’kma’ki.
Videos from November 30th Meeting in Eel River Bar First Nation in support of Cody Caplin
On November 30th, 2023, Albert Marshall Jr., Chief Del Riley, and elder Albert Marshall Sr. addressed a gathering in Eel River Bar First Nation to speak about Micmac rights and to express support for Mi’kmaw fisherman, Cody Caplin. Caplin is currently facing 10 charges for fishing lobsters to feed himself and his family.
Story on Cody Caplin’s case syndicated across Canada
The following is the list of all media locations which published the story by Mike MacDonald in The Canadian Press entitled “Constitutional challenge in Indigenous lobster fishing case moving ahead this week.” We are grateful that Mi’kmaq rights issues are reaching a wider audience and that news about Cody’s case has reached an audience of millions.
Constitutional challenge in Indigenous lobster fishing case moving ahead this week
Cody Caplin, a member of the Eel River Bar First Nation, was fishing for lobster in the Bay of Chaleur in September 2018 when he and his brother Kyle were arrested and their boat was seized by federal fisheries officers. A year later, they were charged with 10 fishing offences, including trapping lobster out of season.
Former National Chief Del Riley to represent Mi’kmaw fisherman in constitutional challenge Nov 30th, Dec 1st in Campbellton, NB
A Public Meeting on the Aboriginal and treaty rights involved in the case will be held in Eel River Bar FN at 7pm on Thursday Nov, 30th. On September 12th, 2018, Mi’kmaw fisherman Cody Caplin of Eel River Bar First Nation had his lobsters, boat, and trailer seized by the Federal government’s Department of Fisheries…
Former National Chief Del Riley to assist Mi’kmaw fisherman in New Brunswick constitutional challenge
Fisherman Cody Caplin is self-representing in a court battle over Mi’kmaq fishing rights; six days of trial are scheduled in December. BY NEWS EDITOR ON NOVEMBER 20, 2023 CAMPBELLTON, NB – On October 12th, 2023, Mi’kmaw fisherman Cody Caplin appeared in court to fight an attempt by Crown prosecutor Denis Lavoie to summarily dismiss his constitutional challenge as…
Photo gallery of Chief Riley and Cody and Kyle Caplin fishing for lobster
Photos taken on October 12th, 2023.
The Proposed Millbrook FN Band Custom Election Code is a danger to democracy that empowers the Band Administration
The following is an assessment of the revised August version of Millbrook First Nation Band Custom Election Code which is being proposed to replace the current election system which is determined by sections 74(1)-80 of the Indian Act and the government of Canada’s Indian Band Election Regulations.
More than 50 Mi’kmaw fishers charged with fishery offences in Nova Scotia courts
From Ku’Ku’ Kwe News by Maureen Googoo September 25 2023 More than 50 Mi’kmaw fish harvesters from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are currently before the courts in Nova Scotia on fishery-related offences. The charges range from fishing for lobster or elver eels without authorization, failing to use lobster tags issued by Fisheries and Oceans…