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Is the Crown at war with us?

In the summer of 2000, federal fishery officers appeared to wage war on the Mi'gmaq fishermen of Burnt Church, New Brunswick. Why would officials of the Canadian government attack citizens for exercising rights that had been affirmed by the highest court in the land? Alanis Obomsawin casts her nets into history to provide a context for the events on Miramichi Bay.
Gil Cardinal

Gil Cardinal

As the confrontation between Mi’gmaq fisherman in Burnt Church, New Brunswick and federal fishery officers comes to a head, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ boats violently ram and run over the much smaller boats of the Mi’gmaq fishers. Watching the footage, I’m reminded of the brutal scene during the Oka Crisis where the Kahnawake Mohawks are stoned as they cross the Mercier bridge [see Alanis Obomsawin’s Rocks at Whiskey Trench].


Extrait de la sélection : The Aboriginal Voice: the National Film Board and Aboriginal Filmmaking through the Years

Alanis Obomsawin

Alanis Obomsawin

I was back in Restigouche because there was another stand taking place concerning logging issues (this led to the film Our Nationhood) when the raids occurred in Burnt Church. When I found out about what was going on there with the Mi'gmaq fishermen, I made this film.

There were three films on the Mi'gmaq people – Incident at Restigouche, Is the Crown at war with us and Our Nationhood.


Extrait de la sélection : Alanis Obomsawin Retrospective

Niveau scolaire 10 - 12

Aboriginal Studies / History/Politics

Aboriginal Studies / Identity/Society

Geography / Territory: Native

Social Studies / Law

Description pédagogique:

Pre-teach the various disputes that have occurred between Native peoples and the government historically, especially regarding land and fishing rights. A good companion film to this one is Incident at Restigouche, which explores similar confrontations with the law. Have students compare and contrast the similarities and differences between the two incidents. Discuss the government’s justification for their actions. After viewing both films, conduct a full discussion around Aboriginal rights. This film contains scenes of violence.


 

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