Riot Police Tear-Gas Mi'kmaq Protesting Fracking in New Brunswick

"Chaos has erupted as Chief Aaren Sock and council members from Elsipogtog First Nation are among at least 40 people arrested by riot-gear-clad police raiding a Mi'kmaq blockade protesting shale gas exploration in New Brunswick."



"Details are still emerging, but amateur photos and video have appeared online showing heavily armed police on the site and what appear to be snipers in nearby fields and forests. There are also photos of several police vehicles on fire. Those arrested, which may include elders conducting ceremonies at the site, are being detained by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). There were also some reports of shots fired.

Early this morning, hundreds of RCMP moved in to the site of a blockade that had been set up on provincial route 134 near Rexton, New Brunswick. They were enforcing an injunction that would end the blockade set up by Mi'kmaq protesters and their supporters."

Martha Troian reports for Indian Country Today Media Network October 17, 2013.

SEE ALSO:

"Violent Anti-Fracking Protest In N.B. Inspires Sympathy Rallies Countrywide" (Canadian Press)

"Cop Cars Burned, 40 Arrested at Canada Fracking Protest" (USA TODAY)

"RCMP, Protesters Withdraw After Shale Gas Clash in Rexton" (CBC News)

Source: Indian Country Today, 10/18/2013