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Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says blocking highways is unacceptable after First Nations protesters brought traffic to a standstill late last week.
In a Saturday evening statement, Houston said roadways “are our lifeblood” and must remain accessible for people travelling for critical reasons like medical appointments.
Potlotek First Nation says it rejects the RCMP’s description of earlier protests as an “illegal blockade,” but did not provide specific legal rationale in a news release Saturday.
Its leaders said blocking Highway 4 after Mounties raided a community cannabis shop Thursday was instead a “powerful demonstration of unity and solidarity across our Nation.”
Two men were arrested and product was seized in Thursday morning’s raid — the latest amid Nova Scotia’s crackdown on unregulated marijuana.
The RCMP says its officers left seven vehicles behind after heavy equipment was used to block the two-lane highway and only recovered them the following day.
Dispute over treaty rights
Houston also said the treatment of the RCMP is unacceptable and that law enforcement must always be supported.
Nova Scotia says that cannabis sales aren’t a treaty right because only the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation is allowed to sell the product.
Potlotek is also telling Nova Scotia leaders that any enforcement without respecting Mi’kmaw jurisdiction creates conflict and risks public safety.
The war of words between the provincial government and Indigenous leaders marks the latest escalation in tensions over the issue of Indigenous jurisdiction in Nova Scotia.
CBC has requested comment from Potlotek First Nation and the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs.
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