I want to provide an update following the ongoing correspondence with many parties involved in the response to the MSC Baltic, the container ship grounded near Little Port, Newfoundland.

Over the past few weeks, an additional 290 cubes of oil have been removed, bringing the total to 600 cubes of hard oil recovered from the ship. Additionally, 24 shipping containers have been removed and transported to the Port of Corner Brook.

While two new tar balls have been recently discovered, I’m pleased to share that five previously collected samples have tested negative for a match with oil from the ship. Additional testing is being conducted on the remaining hard oil samples from the ship’s holding tanks, with a focus on identifying the source of any remaining oil.

Work continues to improve the road access to the site. The road is now open to truck traffic, and a turnaround is being constructed for larger equipment. We are relieved to know that emergency response teams are now able to bring in any necessary equipment safely.

A new vessel, the EEMS Dublin, has arrived on scene to assist in container removal under more challenging weather conditions. It has the capacity to transport approximately 50-70 containers back to port. Over the weekend, an additional 10 containers were removed, and half of the oil has been pumped from the ship’s main tanks. Over 550 cubic metres have been safely transferred to other MSC vessels.

We are pleased to see the continuous progress of this situation. A major spill would be catastrophic for our environment, for those who rely on these waters for their livelihoods and for the families who take part in the food fishery each year to feed their families.

This week, as we celebrated National Seal Products Day, we are reminded that traditional foods, including those harvested from our waters, are a vital part of our traditional way of life. These practices connect us to our culture and our ancestors. Protecting our lands and waters is essential to continuing these traditions for generations to come.

We will continue working with all involved including the Canadian Coast Guard, the Eastern Canada Response Corporation (ECRC) and Horizon Maritime. These partners have shown strong leadership and advocacy for a prompt response to this situation.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge and thank our Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) team. They have been actively monitoring the situation, conducting shoreline surveys, and providing crucial information to ensure our environment is protected. Their efforts reflect our shared responsibility to protect the environment, which supports our communities and the practices that are central to our identity as Mi’kmaq people.

Mi’kmaq Men and Two-Spirit individuals have long been pillars of strength in our communities – offering protection, guidance, and wisdom. We must recognize and support their efforts that help ensure our traditions and values continue to thrive.

Our teachings tell us that respect is the foundation of a strong and healthy community. The Moose Hide Campaign reminds us of our shared responsibility to stand against violence and build a world where everyone feels safe, seen, and supported. Ending violence begins with each of us, through education, awareness, and commitment to change.

A healthy community is one that embraces every person, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity and acceptance, ensuring that our LGBTQ2S+ family members feel supported and celebrated. Leadership means listening, learning, and standing against discrimination, so that our spaces remain welcoming and safe for all.

The Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, emphasized the importance of education in reconciliation, stating, “Education got us into this mess and education will get us out of it.”

Last week, I had the honor to attend the Patty Boy’s Project event in Gander, hosted by Smallwood Academy, led by their teacher Joanne Broders. It was truly inspiring to see students engage in studies on Truth and Reconciliation, while paying tribute to the life of Patrick Gehue, known to those who loved him as Patty Boy. Their commitment to understanding history and honoring his legacy was moving, and the support from Patrick’s family, friends, and our Mi’kmaq community was a testament to the power of collective learning and healing. This project is a perfect example of how we can incorporate Indigenous education in a meaningful way. I commend Ms. Boders and her students for their work and hope to see this continued throughout our province and beyond.

With gratitude, I acknowledge Chief Misel Joe, Noel Joe, the Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation, and Minister Scott Reid for their words and presence at the event. I would also like to give a special congratulations to all the students that convocated this week, including our former council member, Ivan J White, who received his Masters in Applied Literary Arts from Memorial University.

We must show gratitude to all men and Two-Spirit folks in our community that do their part, because everyone of us plays a role in empowering our youth and creating a better tomorrow.

Relevant Links:

Moose Hide Campaign: https://moosehidecampaign.ca/
Gov of Canada Supports for 2SLGBTQI+ community: https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/free-to-be-me.html
2SLGBTQIA+ community groups across Newfoundland and Labrador: https://guides.nlpl.ca/PrideReading/Community
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: https://nctr.ca/

This week, we gathered in remembrance as we honoured the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S). Each year these events grow in strength and reach, increasing education and understanding for both Indigenous and non-indigenous people. This increase in participation reflects the power of our voices and our determination to create a future rooted in safety and respect for one another.

Across our communities, many families carry the painful burden of loss and injustice. Their stories are at the heart of the 231 Calls to Justice, reminding us that this crisis is not far away from us, it is deeply personal. We must always hold space for these families by offering our support and amplifying their voices.

As violence continues to rise, not only in physical spaces but also through social media, our responsibility becomes even greater. Harm manifests in many ways, and we must stand firm in rejecting all forms of abuse, discrimination, and disrespect. It is essential that we cultivate a culture of accountability, ensuring that every member of our community is treated with dignity and care.

Through truth, we honor those we have lost. Through respect, we protect those who walk with us today. Through action, we shape a future where violence has no place in our communities.

Every day we should show our support, listen, learn, and stand alongside those who are affected. Together, we will continue to educate more hearts and minds, and work toward a world free of violence.

 Relevant Links:

The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, 231 Calls for Justice: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1731511917361/1731511970973

Hear Our Voices: MMIWG Policy Recommendations of the First Women of Newfoundland and Labrador: Microsoft Word – Hear Our Voices – FINAL.docx