Rough Waters: The Legacy of the Marshall Decisions Workshop

Workshop Contributors

This workshop brought together Indigenous leaders, industry people, policymakers, students, and academics to critically reflect on the legacy of the landmark 1999 Supreme Court of Canada Marshall Decisions, which affirmed First Nations’ treaty right to fish, hunt, and gather in pursuit of a moderate livelihood.

The opening keynote address, "Najiwswgeig - We Go Fishing" was given by Dr. L. Jane McMillan, legal anthropologist at Saint Francis Xavier University and the partner of the late Donald Marshall Jr..

It was held April 14, and 15 at Mount Allison University and was organized by Dr. Mario Levesque (Professor Canadian politics and public policy, Mount Allison University), the Hon. Graydon Nicholas (former Lt. Governor of New Brunswick, and Chancellor and Endowed Chair in Native Studies at St. Thomas University), and Dr. Ken Coates (Professor and Canada Research Chair in Regional Innovation at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Saskatchewan).

Workshop Progam

Over 100 people attended the 2-day event making it a resounding success! See pictures on the right.

The goal of the Rough Waters Workshop was for participants, a multidisciplinary team of researchers and knowledge keepers, to present and receive early feedback on their ideas of where we are today 25 years after the Marshall decisions in New Brunswick and more broadly, the Maritimes. This led to the publication of 17 articles in a special issue of the Journal of New Brunswick Studies. The special issue also includes the original texts of the 1760-1761 Peace and Friendship Treaties.

The Workshop also included a Fisheries Reconciliation Panel Friday evening.

A picture of the banner that was designed for the workshop.

Rough Waters Logo

The logo features Astuwicuwon, a work of public art (used with permission) by Wolastoqiyik artist Amber Solomon. Symbolizing the interconnectivity of life, community, and environment, it showcases connection to Mi’kma’ki through images of the land and water, as well as double-curve motifs, which embody balance and unity. Red dresses honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and a rainbow represents two-spirited people and the rainbow community.

Completing the logo are details including the ripples beneath Astuwicuwon, conference details, and bordering that were thoughtfully and creatively added by my students, Anna Hamilton (Double Major in Political Science and Art History) and Will Lint (Political Science Major).

Amber Solomon

Amber (she/her) is a proud Wolastoqiyik woman from Pilick (Kingsclear First Nation). She is currently studying at Mount Allison University working towards her Bachelor of Arts with a major in sociology and a double minor in Indigenous Studies and Canadian studies.

Behind the Scenes

The Rough Waters Workshop would not have been possible without the work of my students!

Twelve of them took a chance on an experiential learning course designed to organize the workshop. We met at least once per week (3hrs) to discuss what needed to be done, how to go about it, and progress made. In addition, students completed their TCPS 2.0 Ethics Certification, cultural competency training, and read widely on the Marshall decisions. This included reading the SCC decisions, L. Jane McMillan's book, Truth and Conviction: Donald Marshall Jr. and the Mi’kmaw Quest for Justice and Ken Coates' The Marshall Decision and Native Rights.

Topping it off were sessions with the authors, L. Jane McMillan, Ken Coates, as well as the Hon. Graydon Nicholas to discuss their experiences and the historical treaties.

For more information, see Service Learning Lessons Learned from Organizing the Marshall Decisions Workshop in the JNBS.

A picture of the 12 students involved in helping the workshop.

L-R standing: Alec Brooks, Alex Dool, Aidan Tomalty, Cas Ward (on screen), Mario Levesque, Oliver Batchilder, Mattigan MacLean, Bailey Little, Nana Adwoa Asantewa Ofori-Amanfo.

L-R seated: Will Lint, Maria Luiza de Barros Guiguer, Anna Hamilton, Hope Edmond.