CPTNet
September 15, 2000
TORONTO: 

Delegation to Esgenoôpetitj (Burnt Church, New Brunswick)
announced for Oct. 11-18, 2000


Christian Peacemaker Teams has maintained a violence-reduction team at
esgenoôpetitj (Burnt Church, New Brunswick) since April 2000. We were
invited by the people of esgenoôpetitj to accompany them as they struggle
for respect and for the recognition of their inherent rights to fish.
Canadian fisheries officers have repeatedly attacked Aboriginal fishers,
seizing their traps, and ramming their boats. CPT observers on board the
fishing boats have documented many of these encounters and raised awareness
around the world of Canada's "gunboat diplomacy". The community continues
to struggle for recognition of its rights to a peaceful, sustainable
fishery. Delegation participants will meet various participants in the
fishery and government officials and join the CPT team in their watch duties at the bay.

Participants in this delegation should be prepared to:
- learn about Aboriginal issues through contact with people at esgenoôpetitj
- camp in the community under cool autumn conditions
- participate in a nonviolent public witness relating to Aboriginal fishing concerns
- arrange their own travel to and from Miramichi, New Brunswick. We can 
  help with advice on best means and routes
- communicate their experiences to local congregations, groups and the media upon return
- raise Cdn$250 to cover delegation expenses

CPT seeks individuals with some of the following experience and gifts:
- interest or experience in Aboriginal issues and human rights work
- commitment to or experience in nonviolent action
- willingness to engage in public witness, vigils and worship
- willingness to participate in daily periods of team worship and reflection

For more information or to apply contact:

Christian Peacemaker Teams, PO Box 72063, 1562 Danforth Ave., Toronto ON
M4J 5C1, ph 416-421-7079, fax 416-467-1508, email cptcan@web.ca ; or CPT,
POB 6508 Chicago, IL 60680, ph 312-455-1199, fax 312-432-1213, email
cpt@igc.org . An application form is also available on our website
http://www.prairienet.org/cpt