So, this isn't a local story, and it's not a story about poverty (per se), but I was completely astounded to hear this on CBC radio over my Sunday morning coffee, and because this blog is also about accessing justice, I hope you won't mind me writing this post.
According to the news story, the 250 year old bounty on Mi'kmaq scalps remains on the law books in Nova Scotia.
The bounty offered:
"And, we do hereby promise, by and with the advice and consent of His Majesty's Council, a reward of 30£ for every male Indian Prisoner, above the age of sixteen years, brought in alive; or for a scalp of such male Indian twenty-five pounds, and twenty-five pounds for every Indian woman or child brought in alive: Such rewards to be paid by the Officer commanding at any of His Majesty's Forts in this Province, immediately on receiving the Prisoners or Scalps above mentioned, according to the intent and meaning of this Proclamation."
This proclamation is still on the books and the Canadian government has steadfastly refused to rescind it.
From the Halifax Chronicle Herald: Like Scrooge, Halifax can control its future
From a 1999 (!?!?!?!?!?!) News Release from Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs : Canada must repeal scalping order against "Indians"
From a 2000 CBC News story: 200-year old scalp law still on Nova Scotia books
Here's some history: http://www.danielnpaul.com/BritishScalpProclamation-1756.html
And some more background: http://www.mediacoop.ca/blog/max-haiven/7577
