CPTNet
Jun 28, 2001
TORONTO: Delegation to Esgenoôpetitj (Burnt Church, New Brunswick)
announced for August 19-28, 2001

The Mi'kmaq community of Esgenoôpetitj (Burnt Church, New Brunswick) is
struggling for recognition of its right to a peaceful, sustainable lobster
fishery. At the invitation of the community, Christian Peacemaker Teams
(CPT) has
maintained a violence-reduction team at the fishery since April 2000. You
are invited to participate in a CPT delegation to Esgenoôpetitj in August
2001.

Last year, Canadian fisheries officers repeatedly attacked Aboriginal
fishers, seizing their traps, and ramming their boats. CPT observers on
board the fishing boats documented many of these encounters and raised
awareness around the world. CPT's summary report "Gunboat Diplomacy" called
attention to the Canada's abuse of human rights at Esgenoôpetitj
(http://www.cpt.org/canada/enreport.htm).

The Mi'kmaq people in Esgenoôpetitj fear that the government has not yet
changed its course of action and that there could be more violence during
the fall fishery which begins in mid-August. Delegation participants will
meet various people related to the issue and may join the CPT team in its
daily work.

Participants in this delegation should be prepared to:

*learn about Aboriginal issues through contact with people at
Esgenoôpetitj camp in the community under cool summer conditions and/or
stay with local Mi'qmaq families

*possibly participate in a nonviolent public witness relating to Aboriginal
fishing concerns communicate their experiences to local congregations,
groups and the media upon return

*raise Cdn$400 (US$260) to cover delegation expenses. In addition to this,
delegation participants will be responsible for the transportation costs to
Miramichi, N.B. CPT will arrange the transportation.

CPT seeks individuals with some of the following experience and gifts:
-interest or experience in Aboriginal issues and human rights work

-commitment to or experience in non-violent action

-willingness to engage in public witness, vigils and worship

-willingness to participate in daily periods of team worship and reflection

For more information or an application form, contact

Christian Peacemaker Teams, PO Box 72063, 1562 Danforth Ave., Toronto ON
M4J 5C1, ph 4164217079, fax 4164671508, email guest.60139 [at] MennoLink [dot] org?Subject=Re:%20TORONTO:%20Delegation%20to%20Esgenopetitj%20(Burnt%20Church,%20New%20Brunswick)%20announced%20for%20August%2019-28,%202001&In-Reply-To=<993755925@mennolink>; or
CPT, POB 6508 Chicago, IL 60680, ph 3124551199, fax 3124321213, email
cpt [at] igc [dot] org. An application form is also available on the CPT website
http://www.cpt.org/delegations/delegations.php

Claire Evans
Administrative Coordinator
Christian Peacemaker Teams
PO Box 6508
Chicago, IL 60680
Tel: 312-455-1199; Fax: 312-432-1213