Award-winning journalist. Proud Mi'kmaw from @Sipeknekatik/ Indian Brook FN, N.S. Owner/Editor of Ku'ku'kwes News. My other Twitter account is @Kukukwes.
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Articles by Maureen Googoo
New Brunswick Election - October 21, 2024
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Fisheries Court Cases Roundup: February 5-9, 2024
Ashton Bernard, 34, from Eskasoni First Nation Arden Bernard, 25, from Eskasoni First Nation Rayen Francis, 25, from Pictou Landing First Nation Zachery Nicholas, 37, from Pictou Landing First Nation A provincial court judge in Bridgewater, N.S. confirmed that a sentencing circle has been scheduled for one of four Mi’kmaw fishermen charged with illegally fishing for lobster during a closed commercial season.
Fisheries Court Cases Roundup: February 19-23, 2024
Daniel Francis, 45, from Pictou Landing First Nation Trent Francis, 33, from Pictou Landing First Nation A two-day trial got underway for Daniel Francis and Trent Francis in Dartmouth Provincial Court on fishery obstruction charges. Both men, who are members of the Pictou Landing First Nation near New Glasgow, N.S. are charged with obstructing a fishery officer while they were transporting lobster from a wharf in Saulnierville, N.S. to a facility near Popes Harbour, N.S., in September 2021.
Fisheries Court Cases Roundup: January 29 - February 2, 2024
Ashton Bernard, 33, from Eskasoni First Nation Lawyer Alex McKillop joined court via phone on behalf of his client, Ashton Bernard, before Judge Laurel Halfpenny-MacQuarrie for a status update. Bernard, 33, from the Eskasoni First Nation in Unama’ki (Cape Breton) is charged with four fishery offences for lobster fishing during a closed commercial season.
Fisheries Court Cases Roundup: January 22-26, 2024
Eight Mi’kmaw fishermen from Sipekne’katik and Eskasoni First Nations were scheduled to appear in Digby Provincial Court on January 22. Levi Toney, 29, from Sipekne’katik First Nation Levi Toney is charged with four counts of violating the Fisheries Act for lobster fishing in St. Mary’s Bay during a closed commercial season. According to court documents, the alleged offences occurred on August 16, 2021, but Toney was not charged until November 10, 2022.
Fishery court cases roundup: Jan. 15-19, 2024
The fishery trial for Jordan Chasse, George Denny, Nathan Toney and Jonathan Johnson in Digby Provincial Court was adjourned on Jan. 15 due to technical difficulties connecting all parties via conference call. Jordan Chasse, 31, from Sipekne’katik First Nation, George Denny, 44, and Jonathan Johnson, 42, of Eskasoni First Nation are charged with possessing lobster during a closed season, lobster fishing without proper tags issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and without authorization.
Fishery court cases roundup: Jan. 8-12, 2024
A new fishery charge against Cory Francis, 54, was withdrawn during a court hearing in Digby Provincial Court on Jan. 8. Francis, a member of the Wasoqopa’q (Acadia) First Nation, was scheduled to be arraigned for an alleged fishery offence that happened in 2021. According to court documents, Francis was accused of having lobster traps on board a fishing vessel without valid tags issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The alleged offence happened on Aug.
NS judge dismisses fishery obstruction charges against two Mi’kmaw men
A Nova Scotia judge dismissed fishery obstruction charges against two Mi’kmaw men who were transporting crates of lobsters from the Saulnierville wharf in September 2021. Provincial Court Judge Brad Sarson found that the two fishery officers with Fisheries and Oceans Canada who charged Daniel Francis and Trent Francis violated the men’s rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms when they arrested them and failed to inform them of their right to seek legal counsel.
Mi’kmaw leaders accuse DFO of racism after fishermen were forced to walk at night without phones, shoes
Mi’kmaw leaders are accusing Fishery and Oceans Canada, or DFO, of systemic racism after two Mi’kmaw fishermen from Unama’ki (Cape Breton) were forced to walk along the highway at night without their phones and shoes after fishery officers seized their belongings.
Fishery court cases roundup: Jan. 2-5, 2024
There were three fishery-related court cases in Nova Scotia provincial courts this week. All of them involve Mi’kmaw fishermen challenging fishery-related charges against them on constitutional grounds. The hearings this week dealt with pre-trial motions. A hearing is scheduled in Yarmouth Provincial Court on Mar. 5 to settle a dispute between Jason Lamrock’s lawyer and the federal crown attorney Sarah Newton over aspects of an agreed statement of facts related to Lamrock’s fishing rights case.
Former Sipekne’katik Chief charged with assault in two separate cases
The former chief of the Sipekne’katik First Nation in Nova Scotia is facing assault charges in two separate cases. Michael Patrick Sack, 42, is charged with aggravated assault for allegedly wounding another man at or near Saulnierville, N.S. on October 28, 2023. Sack’s defence lawyer, Mark Bailey, appeared on his behalf in Digby Provincial Court before Judge Timothy Landry on Jan. 2.
"We can't use our treaty rights to fish." Mi'kmaw fishermen upset with fines following sentencing circle for fishery offences – Ku'ku'kwes News
Two Mi’kmaw fishermen from the Pictou Landing First Nation in Nova Scotia are upset with the amount of fines they received following a sentencing circle for lobster fishing out of season. A provincial court judge fined William Nicholas and his son, Zachery Nicholas, a total of $7,000 during a sentencing circle held in their home community on Dec. 8.
List of 54 Mi'kmaw fishers charged with fishery offences – Ku'ku'kwes News
Ku’ku’kwes News has been tracking the court cases of 54 Mi’kmaw fish harvesters from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick who are before the Nova Scotia courts for fishery-related offences. Trials are either already underway or are scheduled to begin in 23 of the cases. Several fishers have been forced to represent themselves because they were unable to hire lawyers. Bench warrants have been issued for ten fishers for failing to appear in court.
More than 50 Mi'kmaw fishers charged with fishery offences in Nova Scotia courts – Ku'ku'kwes News
More than 50 Mi’kmaw fish harvesters from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are currently before the courts in Nova Scotia on fishery-related offences. The charges range from fishing for lobster or elver eels without authorization, failing to use lobster tags issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, or DFO, and obstructing a fishery officer in his or her duties.
Sipekne'katik First Nation sues federal government for seizing lobster traps – Ku'ku'kwes News
The Sipekne’katik First Nation in Nova Scotia is suing the federal government over treaty right infringement after officers with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans seized lobster traps belonging to its band members. Sipenkne’katik alleges that DFO fishery officers hauled lobster traps belonging to two of its band members from waters in St. Mary’s Bay near Saulnierville, N.S. July 18-19.
NS Mi'kmaw leaders link lack of DFO control over elver eel fishery to shooting of Eskasoni man – Ku'ku'kwes News
Mi’kmaw leaders in Nova Scotia are accusing the Department of Fisheries and Oceans of not doing enough to control the elver eel fishery following an alleged shooting of an Eskasoni man in Meteghan, N.S. “We had previously expressed concerns to DFO about the safety of our harvesters in this region, but we certainly did not anticipate things going this bad, this quickly,” Annapolis Valley First Nation Chief Gerald Toney said in a news release on April 6.
Elver eel fishery trials set for Mi'kmaw fishermen in Dartmouth Court – Ku'ku'kwes News
The first of three trials over the treaty right to catch and sell fish for several Mi’kmaw fishermen gets underway in Dartmouth, N.S. today. Five Mi’kmaw fishermen are charged with illegally fishing for baby eels, also known as elver eels. If convicted, the fishermen could each be fined a maximum of $500,000. A trial for two fishermen from the Eskasoni First Nation, N.S., who are also charged illegally fishing for elver eels, is scheduled for May 2.
Nova Scotia judge dismisses charges against three Mi'kmaw fishermen – Ku'ku'kwes News
A Nova Scotia provincial court judge has dismissed fishery charges against three Mi’kmaw lobster fishermen who argued they had a constitutionally protected treaty right to catch and sell fish to earn a moderate livelihood. In his decision in Digby Provincial Court, Judge Timothy Landry said the federal crown failed to provide evidence to prove the fishermen, all from the Sipekne’katik First Nation, did not have any other legal authority under the Fisheries Act to fish for lobster.
"It's wild." Sipekne'katik First Nation elects first female chief – Ku'ku'kwes News
Michelle Glasgow says she is still in shock at becoming the first woman to be elected chief of Sipekne’katik First Nation in Nova Scotia. “I don’t even know how to describe it in words,” Glasgow said in her first media interview since the results of the Nov. 2 election were announced late Thursday evening. “It’s wild.” Glasgow, 40, was one of two band councillors who challenged incumbent Mike Sack for the position of chief. The other councillor was Brandon Maloney.
Nova Scotia judge reserves decision in treaty fishing rights case – Ku'ku'kwes News
A Nova Scotia provincial court judge has reserved his decision in a court case that involves the treaty right to fish to earn a moderate livelihood. Leon Knockwood, 27, James Nevin, 38, and Logan Pierro-Howe, 24, from the Sipekne’katik First Nation, N.S. are charged with several fishery violations that allegedly occurred near the wharf in Weymouth, N.S. in Nov. 2018. The fishermen say they have a treaty right to catch and sell lobster to earn a moderate livelihood.
Mi'kmaw lawyer says federal government wants to limit treaty rights in Marshall decision through the courts – Ku'ku'kwes News
A lawyer who is representing several Mi’kmaw fishermen in three separate fishery trials in Nova Scotia says the federal government is using the courts to limit where his clients can practice their treaty fishing rights. “Rights are territorial-based rights. We have rights throughout our entire territory. Mi’kma’ki is an entire territory,” McDonald explained. Mi’kma’ki is the traditional territory of the Mi’kmaw people.
Moderate livelihood treaty right at centre of fishery trial in Nova Scotia – Ku'ku'kwes News
A trial involving three Mi’kmaw fishermen who say they were exercising their treaty right to fish for a living when they were charged with fishery offences is currently underway in Digby, N.S. James Nevin, 38, Logan Pierro-Howe, 24, and Leon Knockwood, 27, from the Sipekne’katik First Nation are each charged with four counts of violating the Aboriginal Communal Fishing Licenses Regulations and the Atlantic Fishery Regulations under the Fisheries Act.
Mi'kmaw Family and Children's Services sues Sipekne'katik following order to leave community – Ku'ku'kwes News
An Indigenous agency that provides child protection and family support services to First Nation communities in Nova Scotia is suing the province’s second largest Mi’kmaw First Nation after it was ordered to leave one of its communities. In a lawsuit filed with Nova Scotia Supreme Court on Dec.
Mi'kmaw fisherman to set date for trial on constitutional challenge in October – Ku'ku'kwes News
A Mi’kmaw fisherman who is fighting fishery charges against him on constitutional grounds will return to court in October to set a trial date. Cory Francis, 53, appeared before Judge Paul Scovil in provincial court in Bridgewater, N.S. on Monday to provide an update on his constitutional challenge notice as part of his defence.
Mi'kmaw fisherman seeks court approval to fight fishery charges on constitutional grounds – Ku'ku'kwes News
A Mi’kmaw fisherman from Nova Scotia is seeking permission from a provincial court judge to challenge fishery offences against him on constitutional grounds. Cory Francis, 53, from the Acadia First Nation near Yarmouth, N.S. argues that his aboriginal and treaty rights to catch and sell American eels are constitutionally protected and the charges against him should be dismissed.
Mi'kmaw play, KOQM, describes colonialism in Nova Scotia from a Mi'kmaw woman's perspective – Ku'ku'kwes News
Mi’kmaw poet and storyteller shalan joudry says she was inspired to write her play, KOQM, when she noticed the town of Annapolis Royal’s plans in 2021 to celebrate 400 years of the signing of the 1621 Charter of New Scotland (Nova Scotia). “Annapolis Royal is celebrated as a European colonial town and I understand that they want to celebrate,” joudry, a member of the Bear River First Nation, explained.
Resiliency Centre a dream come true for Nova Scotia Native Women's Association – Ku'ku'kwes News
Bernadette Marshall says it has always been her dream to have a centre just for Mi’kmaw women in Nova Scotia. Now, the president of the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association says that dream will become a reality. The NSNWA has announced it will soon begin construction for a Mi’kmaw resiliency centre that will support Indigenous women, girls, two-spirited LGBTQIA people and their families in Nova Scotia. “We’re going to have a safe place for women. We’re going to have healing for women there.
Mi'kmaw fisherman using 1752 treaty, ancestry in legal battle with DFO – Ku'ku'kwes News
A Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw fisherman says he has a constitutionally protected treaty right to catch and sell fish because he is a direct descendant of the Mi’kmaw Grand Chief who signed one of the Peace and Friendship treaties with the British Crown in the 1700s. Matthew Cope, 36, of the Millbrook First Nation near Truro, N.S. says he has proof Mi’kmaw Grand Chief Jean Baptiste Cope, who signed the Peace and Friendship Treaty of 1752 on behalf of the Mi’kmaq, is his direct relative.
Mi'kmaw Language Act proclamation takes centre stage at opening ceremony of NS Mi'kmaw Summer Games – Ku'ku'kwes News
Mi’kmaw leaders and athletes from across Nova Scotia gathered in Potlotek Mi’kmaw Nation Sunday afternoon to celebrate the opening of the Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Summer Games and the proclamation of the Mi’kmaw Language Act. The celebration of the document that recognizes Mi’kmaw as the original language of Nova Scotia dominated the opening ceremony for the annual multi-sport competition. “It’s not English. It’s not French.
Countdown for the 2023 North American Indigenous Games in Halifax begins – Ku'ku'kwes News
The official year-long countdown to the North American Indigenous Games in Halifax in July 2023 has begun. The NAIG 2023 organizing committee launched the countdown at an event along the Halifax waterfront on July 15. The event included a showcase of Mi’kmaw culture and musical talent. “This is going to be the biggest multi-sport games in the history of Atlantic Canada,” Halifax Mayor Mike Savage said to the crowd that gathered for the countdown event.
Former AFN vice-chief not guilty of sex assault – Ku'ku'kwes News
A former Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw chief and Assembly of First Nations regional vice-chief has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a woman at his home in We’koqma’q First Nation, N.S. in 2013. Judge Shane Russell acquitted Morley Googoo of the charge in Sydney Provincial Court on July 8. In his decision, Judge Russell said the crown failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt that Googoo had violently sexually assaulted the woman in March 2013.
Trial of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw cultural educator charged with indecent act underway – Ku'ku'kwes News
Warning: This news story contains details of a sexual nature A woman who has accused a well-known Mi’kmaw cultural educator from Nova Scotia of committing an indecent act in front of her testified in court that she feared for her safety when the alleged incident happened. Trevor Sanipass, 46, is accused of masturbating in front of a woman after they had harvested birch bark in Colchester County, N.S., in July 2019.
Accuser testifies in sex assault trial of former AFN Vice-Chief Morley Googoo – Ku'ku'kwes News
Morley Googoo, right, follows his lawyer, Christopher Conohan, into Wagmatcook Provincial Court on Apr. 22, 2022 for his sexual assault trial/Photo by Stephen Brake The woman who has accused former Assembly of First Nations Vice-Chief Morley Googoo of sexual assault said she felt “weird” after consuming a soft drink he offered her on the night of the alleged incident.
Federal government provides $326K in search for unmarked graves at Shubenacadie residential school site – Ku'ku'kwes News
Dorene Bernard, an Indian Residential School survivor and Mi'kmaw elder speaks at a news conference in Indian Brook First Nation, N.S. on April 20, 2022/ Photo by Stephen Brake The federal government is providing $326,700 to go towards a project to search for unmarked graves of Indigenous children who died while attending the former Shubenacadie Indian Residential School in Nova Scotia.
AFN National Chief calls on DFO to stop intimidating, harassing Mi'kmaw fishers – Ku'ku'kwes News
AFN National Chief RoseAnne Archibald, front centre, on board the fishing vessel, Mama Ain't Happy, on Sept. 9, 2021/Photo by Stephen Brake The National Chief for the Assembly of First Nations is calling on the federal government to stop criminalizing treaty rights and end the harassment and intimidation of Mi’kmaw fishers on the waters.
Millbrook First Nation woman charged in connection with death of Sipekne'katik man – Ku'ku'kwes News
Douglas "Bert" Knockwood in 2016/Photo by Stephen Brake A woman from the Millbrook First Nation in Nova Scotia has been charged in connection with the death of a man from the Sipekne’katik First Nation. Adria Gloade, 37, is charged with being accessory after the fact to the murder of Douglas Bert Knockwood. According to an RCMP news release, she was arrested in Quebec without incident on Aug. 26 and transferred to Nova Scotia.
Sipekne'katik chief arrested, detained by DFO following launch of annual treaty lobster fishery – Ku'ku'kwes News
Sipekne'katik Chief Mike Sack outside of the DFO office in Meteghan, N.S. on Aug. 16, 2021/Photo by Stephen Brake The chief of the Sipekne’katik First Nation in Nova Scotia was arrested and questioned by federal fishery officers Monday just as community fishers began its annual treaty lobster fishery in Saulnierville, N.S. Chief Mike Sack said he was pulled over by officers with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans just as he was leaving the wharf in Saulnierville, N.S. early Monday afternoon.
Nova Scotia NDP leader says fish-buying regulations can change to accommodate moderate livelihood treaty right – Ku'ku'kwes News
NDP Leader Gary Burrill, left, Liberal Party Leader Iain Rankin, centre, and Progressive Conservative Party Leader Tim Houston/Photos by Stephen Brake The leader of the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party says the province can change fish-buying regulations to accommodate First Nations’ treaty right to buy and sell fish to earn a moderate livelihood.
Second Mi'kmaw candidate running in Nova Scotia election – Ku'ku'kwes News
Bryson Syliboy is the NDP candidate for the Nova Scotia riding of Richmond in the upcoming provincial election/Photo by Stephen Brake A second Mi’kmaw person is running in the Nova Scotia election. Bryson Syliboy is the New Democratic Party candidate in the provincial riding of Richmond in Cape Breton. If elected, Syliboy would be the first openly gay Mi’kmaw elected to the Nova Scotia legislature.
Mi'kmaw woman hopes to make history in Nova Scotia election – Ku'ku'kwes News
Nadine Bernard is running for the Liberal party in the N.S. riding of Victoria-The Lakes/Photo by Stephen Brake Nadine Bernard hopes to make history on August 17 by becoming the first Mi’kmaw person to be elected to the Nova Scotia legislature. The Mi’kmaw woman is the provincial Liberal Party candidate for the riding, Victoria-The Lakes, in Cape Breton. She is one of two candidates hoping to unseat incumbent Keith Bain with the Progressive Conservative Party.
Federal government announces funding for NS language projects, COVID-19 relief for Indigenous businesses – Ku'ku'kwes News
Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller, right, presented Membertou First Nation Chief Terrance Paul with a painting during an announcement on federal funding on July 12/Photo by Stephen Brake An organization in charge of education in Nova Scotia First Nation communities will be responsible for managing federal funds to revive and preserve the Mi’kmaw language in the province.
AFN votes to create new vice-chief position for PEI First Nations – Ku'ku'kwes News
Lennox Island First Nation Chief Darlene Bernard, left, and Abegweit First Nation Chief Roderick Gould/Photos by Stephen Brake and AFN The Assembly of First Nations has voted to create a new vice-chief position to solely represent the two Mi’kmaw First Nation communities in Prince Edward Island. The newly created position would sit on the AFN’s executive committee representing the Lennox Island First Nation and Abegweit First Nation in PEI.
Mi'kmaw culture and Indigenous resiliency replace Canada Day celebrations on July 1 – Ku'ku'kwes News
Two children sit along the banks of the Shubenacadie River on July 1/Photo by Stephen Brake There was no parade along Main Street in the Village of Shubenacadie, N.S. this year to celebrate Canada Day. Instead, more than 200 people chose to gather along the banks of the Shubenacadie River on July 1 to join the survivors of the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School to take part in cultural activities to counter the devastating effects the former school had on Indigenous people in Canada.
RCMP say a church fire at a Nova Scotia First Nation is suspicious – Ku'ku'kwes News
RCMP is investigating the cause of a fire at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Indian Brook First Nation, N.S. on June 30/Photo by Stephen Brake The RCMP is investigating a fire that happened at a Catholic church in Indian Brook First Nation, N.S. According to the RCMP, police and the local fire department responded to a fire at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Indian Brook shortly after 4 a.m on June 30. The fire caused significant damage to the back side of the church.
Sipekne'katik fisherman says delay in fishery launch the smart decision for now – Ku'ku'kwes News
Sipekne'katik lobster harvester Robert Syliboy/Photo by Stephen Brake Robert Syliboy said he was reluctant to drop his lobster traps in St. Mary’s Bay this week. “If I put my gear in the water today, it would likely be gone by tomorrow,” the Mi’kmaw fisherman said on Thursday. Syliboy, a member of the Sipekne’katik First Nation in Nova Scotia, said his community’s decision to delay the start of its own fishery this week was the smart thing to do for now.
Memorial set up to mourn discovery of remains of 215 children who attended B.C. residential school – Ku'ku'kwes News
Orange ribbons and teddy bears tied to a guardrail near the former site of the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School/Photo by Stephen Brake Teddy bears, flowers and orange ribbons were tied to the guardrail near the site of a former residential school in Nova Scotia to mourn the discovery of children’s remains on the grounds of another former residential school across the country in British Columbia.
United Nations committee seeks answers from Canada over racism, violence against Mi'kmaw fishers – Ku'ku'kwes News
Mi'kmaw fishers observe non-Indigenous lobster boats nearby on Sept. 17, 2020/Photo by Stephen Brake A United Nations committee is seeking answers from Canada regarding the racism and violence Mi’kmaw lobster fishers experienced while they exercised their treaty right to fish for a moderate livelihood in Nova Scotia last fall.
Sipekne'katik to resume lobster fishing under moderate livelihood June 1 – Ku'ku'kwes News
Saulnierville Wharf on Sept. 24, 2020/Photo by Stephen Brake The Sipekne’katik First Nation in Nova Scotia says it plans to continue on with its own treaty fishery in St. Mary’s Bay in June despite the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’s directive that all moderate livelihood fishing activities must occur during the department’s own commercial fishing seasons.
Paqtnkek Chief Paul Prosper elected AFN Vice-Chief for NS/NL – Ku'ku'kwes News
Paqtnkek Chief Paul Prosper was elected AFN Regional Vice-Chief for NS/NL on Sept. 3, 2020/Photo by Stephen Brake A Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chief has been elected as a regional vice-chief for the Assembly of First Nations. Chief Paul Prosper of the Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation will represent Mi’kmaw chiefs from Nova Scotia and Newfoundland on the AFN executive committee.
Sipekne'katik sues Nova Scotia, says fish buying regulations infringe on treaty rights – Ku'ku'kwes News
Sipekne'katik fishermen Lance Bernard, left, and David Balfour haul lobster traps from St. Mary's Bay on Sept. 25, 2020/Photo by Stephen Brake The Sipekne’katik First Nation is suing the Nova Scotia government over regulations that oversee fish and seafood sales from fish harvesters to buyers, calling them unconstitutional and an infringement of Mi’kmaw treaty rights. In the lawsuit, which was filed in Nova Scotia Supreme Court on Feb.
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