Aboriginal Rights Coalition – 
Contact: Margaret Tusz-King, spokesperson ARC-A Observer Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
September 18, 2000 

Firearms Not Observed in Possession of Warriors 

Atlantic Observer Project announces that their trained observers have witnessed no firearms in the possession of warriors at the Esgenoôpetitj (Burnt Church) Reserve. The Observer Team has been maintaining a 24-hour a day presence in the community of Esgenoôpetitj continuously since the current fall fishery began. They have not seen warriors carrying any firearms either on land or on the water. 

According to ARC Observer Judy Loo, "I have been on the water when warriors have faced armed DFO officers in much bigger boats and the warriors definitely did not carry firearms." 

ARC Observers have seen the warriors in the community of Esgenoôpetitj each day and have never seen any indication of firearms.  Loo says, "I am concerned that the media has widely broadcast unsubstantiated allegations about firearms. These allegations increase the level of fear heightening the potential for violence." 

Contact:     Margaret Tusz-King, spokesperson ARC-A Observer Project   (506) 536-0597