Elsipogtog First Nation Update on Fracking Protest

THUNDER BAY – “Myself and the Assembly of First Nations national office in Ottawa are making every effort to stay on top of the situation in Elsipogtog First Nation, New Brunswick and we are in touch with our Regional Chief, his office and other contacts in the region,” states Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo. “The situation is clearly fluid and at this point we are calling for calm on all sides. We strongly remind the RCMP that, as in the time of Treaty, their role is not to take sides in disputes but to maintain peace.The safety and security of our citizens and all parties is our foremost concern at this time.”

Forty people have been arrested in Rexton New Brunswick at a site where Aboriginal people were protesting a shale gas fracking operation.

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Background Information

RCMP have reported that protestors have been charged with firearms offences, uttering threats, intimidation, mischief, and refusing to abide by a court injunction.

The protesters were reportedly shot with rubber bullets and pepper spray. Five police vehicles were torched.

More details to come…