Shale gas violence in New Brunswick highlights historic aboriginal … – 570 News

Shale gas violence in New Brunswick highlights historic aboriginal grievances

Dec 19, 2013

An obscure conflict between the Mi’kmaq of eastern New Brunswick and a company searching for shale gas had dragged on for more than two years before it exploded as a national issue two months ago amid images of flaming Molotov cocktails and torched police cars.

Until then, few Canadians had heard of the Elsipogtog First Nation or SWN Resources.

Like so many other disputes between aboriginals and companies hoping to exploit the land where they live, this quarrel failed to attract much attention until violence erupted Oct. 17. On that day, 40 protesters opposed to seismic testing were arrested before a backdrop of riot police and burning vehicles.

However, the high-profile clash near Rexton has obscured a broader debate over aboriginal rights and the historic grievances of the Elsipogtog First Nation, says Chelsea Vowel, a Metis writer and educator who specializes in indigenous law.

Read more: http://www.570news.com/2013/12/19/shale-gas-violence-in-new-brunswick-highlights-historic-aboriginal-grievances/