MCK closely monitoring situation in Mi’gmaq Territory, condemns RCMP actions

10/17/2013

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke would like to inform the community that Chief & Council are closely monitoring a situation in New Brunswick, where Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers are reported to have dismantled a protest barricade erected by people – both Native and non-Native – opposed to the practice of ‘fracking’ for oil.

Many of the protesters are Mi’gmaq, on whose original Territory energy companies are preparing to engage in the controversial practice. There are reports of arrests and minor injuries at this time.

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke condemns the heavy-handed actions of the RCMP and would like to assure the community that it is in contact with various leaders and people in the affected area. It is attempting to separate fact from misinformation in order to properly analyze the situation and consider a proper course of action.

“We are strongly urging the RCMP and various government agencies that it is far better to sit and discuss these issues instead of resorting to potentially violent actions,” said Chief Bob Patton, who used to live in the area and maintains many contacts. “Peaceful solutions are far preferable to the alternative. We will be prepared to offer support, moral and otherwise, should the need arise.”