Over the past few weeks, the conflict arising in Nova Scotia between Mi’kmaq and settler fishers has stayed at a high boil. Developing from disputes on Indigenous fishing rights and lobster fishing, the situation quickly devolved into acts of destruction and violence towards Indigenous fishers and their defenders. With headlines downplaying the crimes against the Mi’kmaq and coverage avoiding the racism that fuels many of these actions, some artists are doing what they can to decrease their own presence and aid Indigenous voices in this trying time.

In response to this ongoing conflict, Like A Motorcycle is halting all promotion for their upcoming album Dead Broke to bring awareness to the difficulties facing Indigenous fishers during this time.

The band made an announcement via their Instagram this week stating that they would be shifting their efforts and providing free copies of the album to anyone that can prove they have financially supported the Indigenous fisherfolk.

“The province we live in is in a state of emergency.
We are rolling out an album meanwhile people in our community are under attack and having their livelihoods threatened. We don’t have a lot of tools in our belt or money in our pockets but we have this platform so here goes:

Instead of spending money on our album – send us receipts of your e-transfers to monicah@sipeknekatik.ca or photos of your physical donations to @radstorm902 and we will send you a download code on release day. Donations can be made directly by e-transfer or PayPal to: monicah@sipeknekatik.ca – Make the subject line: 1752 Moderate Livelihood.

DM us or email likeamotorcycle@gmail.com w/ a screen grab. Or if that sounds like too much work just donate and throw our download code in the trash. We don’t care. Just support.

If you’re somehow not informed about what’s going on here between the Indigenous and Commercial fishers and the violence happening – take a minute to do some research and join us all in feeling ashamed. We are all treaty people. Fuck this.

We are currently working on the next instalment of our game show in which we will also be asking for support/donations in the name of this issue but it can not wait. As you’ve seen – support is needed immediately. Now. Yesterday.
Any other artists wanna hop on here or what? Y’all got some download codes you can part with?
Donate your music for money for folks ?! 🧐🧐
Do it – post it. Get it going.
-LAM”

Many other artists have begun to follow suit; offering free albums to fans who can prove they’ve donated to Indigenous fishers during this time.

TJ Webb, another local musician, has been working behind the scenes to organize these individual efforts, something he views as “an obligation on our part.”

“What you’re doing basically doesn’t exist if people don’t open themselves up to accepting your art,” Webb states. “And because of that, I think a sense of humanity, community, and camaraderie has to exist in you.

“Your art can’t exist without those communities, so when they are in duress you better get off your ass and do something.”

Webb doesn’t believe the actions by Like A Motorcycle were originally intended as a “rally cry”, but the independent music scene seems to have taken up the cause all the same.

The full list of participating artists now includes: Like a Motorcycle, Dearly Beloved, Burry, Hemineglect, Thomas Stajcer, No, It’s Fine, TJ Webb, Matty Grace, Daveband, High October, Matt Steele & The Corvette Sunset.

While it doesn’t resolve the issue or shield from the abuse that has been so quickly organized, Mi’kmaq fishers have been receiving a growing show of support across the country as the violence against them comes into the spotlight. Nova Scotian restaurants are ceasing dishes that use lobster or highlighting ones that only use lobster provided by Indigenous fisheries, and the public is choosing to pass on large-scale commercial seafood.

A show of solidarity from artists can be a powerful support for groups in crisis. Whether it be taking a step back and using one’s voice for who needs it most right now or choosing to put revenue where it can make a difference, it can help movements reach people it might not otherwise. With the struggles of Indigenous Canadians so encapsulated by the ongoing conflict in Nova Scotia, the need for support is clearer than ever.

Any artists interested in contributing can contact TJ Webb via email  or Instagram.

For more information visit Artists Supporting Indigenous Fisherman.