from Warrior Publications
LSIPOGTOG 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 Aaron 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.
Aftermath of police raid and burned out RCMP vehicles, Oct 17, 2013.
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.
Meanwhile the CBC reports that a request by SWN Resources Canada to extend a court injunction that prevents anyone from impeding its exploration activities in New Brunswick has been denied by a judge.
A celebration was staged outside the Moncton courthouse Monday after a judge refused to extend an injunction that prevented people from impeding SWN Resources Canada’s shale gas exploration. (Jen Choi/CBC)
Justice George Rideout issued a ruling Monday afternoon after hearing arguments in the Court of Queen’s Bench on Friday. Rideout did not state his reason in court, but said he would issue a written decision.
In the minutes leading up to the ruling, shale gas opponents, many from Elsipogtog First Nation, were drumming and singing in the courtroom and hallway.
The court building was also crowded with supporters of protesters arrested on Thursday during a confrontation between RCMP and shale gas opponents in Rexton, N.B.
Six of those arrested were held in jail through the weekend out of concern they would flee the area, or be involved in a revival of the protest.
