As tensions over Indigenous lobster fishery in Eastern Canada reached a boiling point this past year, revisit a key moment in this long dispute through the lens of Alanis Obomsawin, one of the most acclaimed Indigenous filmmakers in the world. It was the summer of 2000 and the country watched with disbelief as federal fishery officers appeared to wage war against the Mi'kmaq First Nation of Esgenoôpetitj (Burnt Church), New Brunswick. Why would government officials attack citizens for exercising rights that had already been affirmed by the highest court of the land? Casting her cinematic and intellectual nets into history to provide context, Obomsawin unravels the complex roots of the conflict with passion and clarity, building a persuasive defence of the Mi'kmaq position.

For Viola is supported by

The film will be available for 48 hours from when you start the stream. Please note streaming is only possible from inside Canada. Need assistance? Visit our FAQ page or email us at streamingsupport@hotdocs.ca.