Premier Tim Houston answers questions from reporters at One Government Place on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Photo by Ryan Taplin /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentSipekne’katik First Nation has banned Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, Justice Minister and Attorney General Scott Armstrong and L’nu Affairs Minister Leah Martin from all band lands as “undesirables,” citing concerns for safety and a breakdown in government relationships.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentIssued Tuesday, the band council resolution states that trespassing by the premier or one of the named ministers would carry a fine of $50,000. Article contentArticle contentArticle contentSipekne’katik Chief Michelle Glasgow said the decision reflects growing concerns over the province’s lack of engagement and increasing legal pressures on First Nations communities. Article content“During Premier Houston’s term of office, not once has he come to my community to develop relationships with the Sipekne’katik elected leadership,” she wrote. Article contentShe argued that the province has acted unilaterally on matters involving First Nations and “has continued to radicalize colonial practices to suppress our community and fellow Mik’maw by forming laws that direct harm against us.” Article contentGlasgow said Houston’s choice of ministers has contributed to the rift. Article content“He appointed a justice minister and attorney general who does not follow the highest law of Canada, the Constitution, and appointed a disrespectful person who has no right to speak on our behalf as the minister of L’nu affairs,” she said. “He should be deeply ashamed of his actions.”Article contentArticle contentGlasgow said Houston “has lost all credibility” on Indigenous issues and “continues to violate constitutionally protected Mi’kmaw rights.” Article contentArticle contentThe dispute comes after the province announced it would crack down on illegal cannabis sellers, including Mi’kmaw-operated dispensaries.Article contentThe resolution says the provincial government has “no jurisdiction on reserve lands,” quoting Section 35 of the Constitution Act which recognizes and affirms existing First Nations and treaty rights. Article contentPreviously, First Nation advocates and leaders have said that retailing cannabis falls under treaty and self-government authority. The province has said unregulated cannabis poses a safety threat, and the enforcement is provincewide.
Sipekne’katik First Nation bans Nova Scotia premier, citing ‘colonial practices’
