The Burnt Church Crisis was a significant conflict in Canada between 1999 and 2002, primarily involving the Mi’kmaq First Nation and the non-Indigenous fishing community in New Brunswick. The issue arose when the Mi’kmaq claimed their rights to fish for lobster in the waters around Burnt Church, based on a 1999 Supreme Court ruling that recognized their treaty rights.
Tensions escalated when the Mi’kmaq began to fish commercially, leading to confrontations with local fishers who believed this violated conservation efforts and regulations. The situation became more heated with protests, physical altercations, and the burning of a fishing stage. The crisis highlighted deep divisions between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, raising important questions about Indigenous rights, resource management, and reconciliation in Canada.
Overall, the Burnt Church Crisis underscored the ongoing struggles for Indigenous rights and self-determination in the face of historical injustices.