(Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Derek Nepinak (L) holds an eagle feather he received following a ceremony with (R) Elsipogtog Chief Arren Sock APTN/Photo)

APTN National News
ELSIPOGTOG FIRST NATION, NB--The RCMP vacated its detachment on Elsipogtog First Nation following a police raid on an anti-fracking encampment just north of the community.

Elsipogtog Chief Arren Sock said band officials were working on a transition plan to have the RCMP return to the community as early as Monday.

“Unfortunately they have left,” said Sock.

RCMP Const. Jullie Rogers-Marsh said a fire at the detachment forced the officers out.

“There was some damage sustained and it needs repairs and our members are not using it at this time,” said Rogers-Marsh.

Rogers-Marsh said someone tried to set fire to the detachment, which is next to the community hall, early Friday morning following Thursday’s raid that led to 40 arrests, the seizure of three rifles and improvised explosive devices.

Sock said the raid “shattered” a 20-year relationship between the RCMP and the community.

“Right now we are still reeling from it and healing as best we can,” said Sock, following a ceremony with the senior grand chief of Manitoba.

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Derek Nepinak arrived in Elsipogtog late Saturday night and visited the encampment that was the scene of Thursday’s raid.

Nepinak and Sock participated in a ceremony at Elsipogtog’s Sundance grounds. The two exchanged gifts. Nepinak offered Sock a beaver pelt, sage and pipe tobacco from Kahnawake. Sock offered Nepinak a thick braid of sweetgrass and a hand-woven basket.

“Love and respect for one another is what is going to win the day,” said Nepinak, who was also gifted an eagle feather.

The two are expected to attend a community meeting scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

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Mark Blackburn

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