Traffic disruptions occurred on three highways in Nova Scotia as First Nations communities protested an RCMP raid on a cannabis shop in a Mi’kmaw village. The raid triggered tensions over Mi’kmaw cannabis sales. At Potlotek, Cape Breton, community members protested the police action, blocking RCMP officers behind a barricade. The officers seized cannabis products from the Sikku Shop on Highway 4, leading to a standoff with community members for several hours.
Potlotek band councillor Mary Johnson stated that the blockade on Highway 4 will continue until the confiscated products are returned. She emphasized the peaceful nature of the protest to convey dissatisfaction with the RCMP’s actions. Raylene Boyce, an employee at the shop, expressed gratitude for the community’s support, highlighting the familial bond within the store.
Meanwhile, RCMP reported executing a search warrant at the shop, resulting in two arrests related to the cannabis seizure. The RCMP affirmed the right to peaceful assembly but warned against crimes targeting individuals or property. The closures on Highway 4 caused traffic congestion, with rerouting measures in place.
Additionally, We’koqma’q First Nation staged a protest on Highway 105, while Sipekne’katik and Millbrook First Nations held demonstrations on Highway 102. These actions were responses to recent RCMP crackdowns on “illegal” cannabis stores in Mi’kmaw communities. The protests aimed to address concerns over jurisdiction and treaty rights regarding cannabis sales. Provincial officials reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing cannabis regulations despite the protests.
The demonstrations underscore escalating tensions within Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw communities regarding cannabis store raids. Mi’kmaw leaders argue that treaty rights protect their authority to sell cannabis, a position that remains legally unresolved in the province. The protests reflect ongoing disputes over the interpretation of these rights amidst law enforcement actions.