Yesterday the federal government announced that the site of the Shubenacadie Residential School has been designated a National Historic Site. “When you come here you can feel the spirits here, and feel the energy,” says Dorene Bernard in a moving short video.
On a chilly Thursday earlier this week about 100 people rallied in front of the Halifax Regional Police Station on Gottingen Street to show solidarity with Wet’suwet’en land defenders fighting the Coastal GasLink (CGL) pipeline.
News release: Water protector and Mi’kmaq Elder Dorene Bernard did not mince words during a speech by Premier McNeil this morning. The premier’s talk was entitled ‘Open for Business: Nova Scotia on the Move’, which Bernard says is a blatant glossing over of the Indigenous right to free, prior, and informed consent. “We’re only open for business if treaty rights holders give their free, prior, and informed consent,” says Bernard. “That consent doesn’t come from the KMK termination table, it comes from the people and the traditional governments.”
Media release by the Alton Gas water protectors who are concerned about Alton gas’ recent notice of intent to enter the camp and resume work without any meaningful community and public consultation.
Scotch Village, in Hants County, has a long history shaped by its original Mi’kmaq inhabitants, Acadians, African Nova Scotians, and Planters’ descendants. In July 2017 people from these communities met to commemorate and celebrate their diverse but intersecting histories.The event makes for a fascinating Weekend Video, and a very appropriate one to ring in the new year. The event was organized by my beloved sister in law Carolyn van Gurp, and it features many inspiring people like Dorene Bernard and Dr. Afua Cooper, to name just a few.
A four-day Mi’kma’ki Water Symposium offers a unique opportunity to explore the many issues that are impacting our Mother Earth and water and the protectors of the water, here in Mi’kmaki. We talked to Dorene Bernard, one of the organizers.
Last night about 40 protesters gathered outside a Liberal fundraiser on Gotting Street hosted by MP Andy Fillmore and with federal environment minister Catherine McKenna as the guest of honour. The perception among protesters is that provincial and federal Liberals may say the right things, but fall far short when it comes to to actively fighting climate change and recognizing the obligation to consult with First Nations.