(Elsipogtog Chief Aaron Sock, left, walks next to New Brunswick Premier David Alward after a meeting earlier this fall. Alward wants to see the anti-shale gas protests broken, calling them a “beachhead” that could determine the fate of planned energy projects in the province. APTN/File)
APTN National News
Elsipogtog First Nation Chief Aaron Sock said his community would not be backing down from its battle with a Houston-based energy firm exploring for shale gas in the region.
Sock said that if “First Nations people across this country” unite they could “stop anything.”
Sock made the statements in a video interview with Idle No More organizer Clayton Thomas-Muller who was in the community Tuesday.
In the video, Sock called on Idle No More to remain in solidarity with Elsipogtog. He also said the community needed funds to help in its various legal fights.
“We are basically at our limits in paying for legal,” said the Mi’kmaq chief. “That is in terms of individual legal defense as well as band initiatives.”
Sock said he was “appreciative” of support demonstrations held Monday across the country.
“It makes me feel that we don’t stand alone and it keeps our morale strong, our confidence strong,” said Sock. “The resolve of the people still remains.”
The Mi’kmaq from Elsipogtog have led months-long battles against SWN Resources Canada. Dozens of community members have been arrested as a result.
The demonstrations continue several kilometres north of the Mi’kmaq community.
This has brought our community together, native, french and english, in a way nothing else could; it’ll be a net positive, regardless of the outcome for Kent County.
Thank you, Elsipogtog! Thanks, Chief Aaron Sock.
We owe you HUGE.