(Coast Salish Territory – Vancouver, BC) The BC Métis Federation leadership stands in full support with Elsipogtog First Nation community and leadership in their defence against fracking and shale gas development within their territories.
The Elsipogtog First Nation has been protesting energy company SWN Resources outside Rexton, New Brunswick. Yesterday the conflict erupted with RCMP vehicles being burnt and approximately 40 arrests. In spite of best efforts of Elsipogtog Chief and Council to resolve this issue peacefully, the heavily armed RCMP aggressively moved in yesterday to enforce an injunction.
BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry stated; “This heavy handed action only reinforces what the recent United Nations Representative Dr. James Anaya’s, UN Special Rapporteur, stated in terms of a crisis in Canada this past week. This First Nations is standing up to protect their lands and the environment for all.”
BC Métis Federation President Henry concluded, “This significant conflict sets the stage for future relations with all Aboriginal people and in light of industry developments in British Columbia, I am very concerned about the potential for ongoing and future serious conflict. Relationships should be building with Aboriginal people by industry and governments, not being turned in such a negative manner. It was truly disturbing to see how the RCMP and governments are handling this latest conflict and I am sure it is far from over.”
For more information about the BC Métis Federation please review the website please at www.bcmetis.com.
Media Inquiries:
Keith Henry
President
BC Métis Federation
#300-3665 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC V5R 5W2
Office 1-604-638-7220
Cell 1-778-388-5013
Email k.henry@bcmetis.com
[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/BCMF-Press-Release-October-18-2013-First-Nations-Conflict-1.pdf” style=”download”]Download this Press Release in PDF[/ilink]
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