“I’m extremely concerned about the situation for veterans and others who have lost their status. Particularly, I’m concerned about the health of veteran Richard Collier who is currently on day 26 of his hunger strike at his home in Pictou Landing, NS. This represents a serious situation both for Richard and other veterans who may be considering similar action in support of their cause.
On August 30 I met with Veterans Affairs Minister, Seamus O’Regan, together with three veterans and the provinces’ Deputy Minister of Indigenous Affairs. This meeting was extremely emotional and heartfelt with a commitment from the Minister to address this issue at the highest levels of government. However, to this day we still await a response from the Minister regarding our request to have veterans reinstated as members of Qalipu First Nation.
I call on all members of our communities to pray with me for Richard and his cause on behalf of veterans and all those that have lost status.”
-Chief Brendan Mitchell
Media:
CBC News, September 26, 2018
Mi’kmaw veteran’s hunger strike to protest removal of his Indian status in its 4th week