Ken Summers takes a close look at the history of Alton Gas and Indigenous consultations. With so many players, the KMKNO, the Assembly of Mi’kmaq Chiefs, Millbrook First Nation, and Sipekne’katik, it’s complicated and things aren’t always what they seem.
Some 70 environmentalists from across Nova Scotia rallied at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Halifax while inside senators were conducting hearings on Ottawa’s new Impact Assessment Act, or Bill C-69. Bill C-69 contains legislation that defines how federal environmental assessments are conducted.
With the recent injunction, the forcible removal of the grandmothers from the river site, altogether the total disregard for Treaty rights, and yesterday the mean-spirited destruction of the straw-bale house, it may look as if the water protectors are fighting a losing battle. However, looks are deceiving, and Alton Gas has its own share of problems.
Please join us on Monday, April 15 @ 12:00pm noon on the highway at Exit 11 in Stewiake for a highway slowdown where we will be passing out information pamphlets regarding Alton Gas Project.
Media release: In recently released documents accessed through Access to Information and Freedom of Information legislation, Water Protectors have learned that Alton Gas’ current plan to release high concentration brine into the Sipekne’katik/ Shubenacadie River would be out of compliance with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC’s) general prohibition on the release of deleterious substances into waterways where fish frequent. Also attached the documents the news release refers to. Stay tuned for more on this.
Today, the RCMP moved to enforce an injunction on behalf of Alton Gas (a subsidiary of Alberta-based AltaGas) against Mi’kmaq water protectors at the Shubenacadie River. They arrested Mi’kmaq grandmothers, and have blocked others from accessing the site.
Join us at the legislature to make a public show of solidarity against this clear violation of the treaties of Peace and Friendship.
Young people speaking truth to power, is there anything more uplifting than that?
Please help raise a proper Legal Fund to Stop Alton Gas from destroying the Shubenacadie River! Mi’kmaq water protectors have the strongest rights to a clean river, but legal campaigns are expensive. Please help protect the water for all living beings and future generations.
Most news organizations in Nova Scotia refer to the Alton Gas water protectors as protesters. I suspect many journalists and editors gravitate to the term protesters because it feels like the more neutral term. The problem is, when you take a closer look, you will find it’s not so neutral after all.
Come on down to Mailtland next Sunday, to eat some delicious spaghetti and take part in a silent auction in support of the legal battles of the Sipekne’katik River Water Protectors.