In this feature-length documentary by Alanis Obomsawin, it's the summer of 2000 and the country watches in disbelief as federal fisheries wage war on the Mi'kmaq fishermen of Burnt Church, New Brunswick. Why would officials of the Canadian government attack citizens for exercising rights that had been affirmed by the highest court in the land? Casting her cinematic and intellectual nets into history to provide context, Obomsawin delineates the complex roots of the conflict with passion and clarity, building a persuasive defence of the Mi'kmaq position.
Pre-teach the various disputes that have occurred between Indigenous peoples and the government historically, especially regarding land and fishing rights. A good companion film to this one is Incident at Restigouche, which explores similar confrontations with the law. Have students compare and contrast the similarities and differences between the two incidents. Discuss the government’s justification for their actions. After viewing both films, conduct a full discussion around Aboriginal rights.