Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

October 19, 2013

Military assault on Mi'kmaq: 29 Messages of love and support


  • Twenty-nine messages of love and support

    By Brenda Norrell

    • ELSIPOGTOG, First Nation -- Global support poured in for Mi'kmaq who were attacked by Canadian police and military forces with snipers, police dogs and pepper spray.
    • Elsipogtog women and elderly were attacked during the raid on the peaceful anti-fracking camp.
    • At least two people were shot by police projectiles on Thursday, as police and snipers terrorized women and children for the benefit of a Texas fracking company.
    • The military assault on peaceful Native people is now a battle cry resounding around the world.
    • In solidarity, First Nations, including Mohawks and Six Nations, are blockading highways. First Nations marched through the streets in Winnipeg and more than 1,000 rallied in solidarity in Vancouver, while hundreds gathered outside of Parliament.
    • Patricia MacDonald sent this message of solidarity from a highway blockade in Ontario on Saturday.
    • “We had a gathering today on Highway 17 by Jocko Point in North Bay, Ontario. We said our prayers, blocked the highway with our signs and flags, and blocked the highway with a round dance with about five drummers here at Jocko Point. Lots of support, lots of people with the Warrior fist raised and horns honking as they drove by. Standing in support with you, our brothers and sisters at Elsipogtog.”
    • Heartfelt messages poured in from the Four Directions.
    • Cetandi Bolger said, “My heart goes out to you. If creator sees me fit someday I will stand next to you! Your pain and suffering is not in vain, keep walking, we are praying and you are loved. What you are doing for your people, you are doing for the generations and the world, and that is sacred beyond most peoples understanding. But you know! So stay strong in your prayers and stay focused. Love and prayers from this warrior woman to all of you! My relations!
    • Martha Many Grey Horses said, “Standing strong beside our powerful MiqMaq relatives standing up for the Earth our Mother! Sending protection prayers to them. Remember you are not alone in this struggle, maintain unity and support for each other.”
    • Terry Chi Ligii said, “Stand firm fellow native.”
    • Native Americans in the US arose in solidarity.
    • Candace Ducheneaux, Cheyenne River Lakota, said, “Tatanka Wakpala Tiospaye stands in solidarity with the Mi'kmaq Nation.” Mitakuye Oyasin, We are all related."  
      Dine' on Navajoland in the Southwest US echoed this solidarity.
    • Ronald Milford, Dine’ on the Navajo Nation said, “The same greedy, profit-driven energy companies are knocking at the doors of Navajoland again, even after all the devastating and destructive mining they imposed upon our lands. Stand United! Divide and conquer is their modus operandi. That is what they've done in other parts of Canada as well as the U.S.”
    • Sharon Maize Battles, from Dinetah (Navajoland), said, "I send solidarity, prayers and good thoughts to all the men and Women Warriors of the Mi'kmaq Nation."
    • Chili Yazzie -- Dine’ tribal leader in Shiprock, N.M., and an early member of XIT band and  the sounds of the American Indian Movement -- said, “Many of us, Southwest Dine’ stand with you in Solidarity. Thank you Sisters and Brothers for defending Mother Earth.”
    • Mervyn Tilden, Dine’, said, “In solidarity from Sovereign Dine’ Nation.”
    • Teddy Draper Jr., from the heart of Navajoland, said, “Stand strong friends and relations.”
    • Cat Carnes said, “Support from Indian Territory Oklahoma for Elsipogtog Mi’kmaq."
    • Helen Taylor said, “Call for prayers and pipes each day at noon each time zone in solidarity with our relatives.”
    • Messages of support came from as far away as France and Romania.
    • Messages of support poured in from Europe. In France, Franck Tso said, “I protest with the Mi'kmaq Nation, because shale gas is a poison for the land, water, animals and humans. Gas company, stay away from this territory!”
    • Zoi Lightfoot said, “All around the world people are watching and standing with you.”
    • James Blue Eddings said, “Wela’lioq! Continue your walk on the Good Red Road. Justice will prevail!”
    • In the US, the disturbing images from the assault on unarmed Native women and elderly, was shocking from coast to coast.
    • Gordon Sturrock in Eugene Oregon said, “Keep up the great work!”
    • Michelle Keenan said, “With love and solidarity from Pennsylvania. We are all One.”
    • Sharon Smith, “My heart and my prayers are with you! In Washington DC.”
    • Mara Indigo said, “I hereby declare solidarity with the Mi’kmaq Warriors who stand up against fracking on their sacred land! There is a Canadian company trying to frack my ancestor’s homelands! If they dare to start drilling, you’ll see me march against them too!”
    • Annette Howell in Chicago said, “I stand in solidarity with the Mi’kMaq people who are standing up for their land and for the future of their children. I am with you in spirit.”    
      Ellen Mcrae said, “I stand Solid with the Native people and Mi’k’Maq; this tribe I feel needs all of our support. They are doing nothing wrong but protecting the water for us all and the Children. If mankind had listened to our Native brothers and sisters and elders for thousands of years we could all live happy on Mother Earth and be safe in peace. Our mother Earth is not here to abuse and continue this abuse of water, trees, people and animals. I have said many times, 'listen to what the elders have said, live simple and walk a truthful life, speak from your heart for the good of all. This earth even each grain of sand, each living creature, we are all connected. What befalls the earth befalls the Earth befalls the children of the earth. A'ho.'"
    • In Arizona, James Zion said, “The true landlord is enforcing the social mortgage on the land.”
    • Katie Mitchell said, “What you are doing is good. You are even doing it for the ones who don’t know any better. We need this to be heard throughout the world. We are wanting this to stop for our future generations. They deserve clean earth and drinkable water.”
    • Rema Loeb said, "Thank you for your courageous defense of Mother of us all. Our prayers are with you."
    • Bravery in face of the military assault
    • As for those men, women and children who stood firm against the militarized oppression for big oil, Ruth Yaeck Mcintosh said, speaking for supporters around the world, "Thank you for your bravery."
    • Josephine James said, "I support your protest, prayers and smoke."
    • Deborah Cassel said, "We are all in this together! Committed to the long haul! No more Sacrifice Zones! Oil and Gas Companies need to clean up the messes and contamination they already made! All our children deserve a future!"
    • The United Opponents of Fracking International said, "Many of us like minded around the world have seen the brutal treatment of the Elsipogtog Mi'kmaq at the hands of the RCMP. The courage and leadership of the Elsipogtog Mi'kmaq in the face of such danger is an inspiring example that others might do well to follow. We stand in unity with the Elsipogtog Mi'kmaq and pray for strength, safety and victory."
    • Renee Still Day in the US summed up every one's thoughts: "You have shown such bravery and integrity. Just know we stand with you and you have our support and love! 
      "Stand Strong!"

      Messages of solidarity continued to pour in on Sunday.
      Mary Ellen Persuit said, “Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, in Solidarity ! Barb Blackhawk said, “It's probably a good thing I can't be up there with the demonstrators. My temper is too hot. I admire All of you for standing with your commitment to remain peaceful. I'll just sit here and share the information I get from and  about y'all around the globe so people know what you're doing and why. Bright Blessings to All of you!”
      Kathleen Feeney in New Brunswick, New Jersey sent support “in solidarity! Thank You.”
      Irvin Morris, Dine’ on Navajoland, said, “This Navajo sheepherder stands with all of you.”
      In Puerto Rico, Irma Iranzo sent this message: "Puerto Rico in solidarity with the Mi'kmaq Nation struggle! United we will win!"
      Tim Wozny said, "Northern California in solidarity with the Mi'k'Maq people."

      Daryl Hannah, Susan Sarandon, and Mark Ruffalo shared messages on Twitter


      Daryl Hannah, who was on Pine Ridge to support Lakotas fighting the Keystone XL tarsands pipeline, shared this photo and these words.

      "These are the brave women fighting shale gas facing the RCMP. This is Canada."

      Susan Sarandon said on Friday, "I stand with the Elsipogtog First Nation as they defend their water and land from Fracking.

      Mark Ruffalo, who is also supporting Native American resistance to the tarsands pipeleine, said, "The strength is in your numbers. We are there with you in spirit! Be loving in your resistance and you will win the day!"

      The Sierra Club released a statement in San Francisco.
      “Yesterday more than 40 members of the Elsipogtog First Nation, including Chief Arren Sock of the Mi'k Maq Nation, and supporters were arrested by police at an anti-fracking protest in New Brunswick, Canada. Photos of the incident show a militarized police force arresting injured protesters.”
      Michael Brune, Sierra Club executive director, issued the following response:
      “The Sierra Club stands with anti-fracking protesters in New Brunswick, Canada, and around the world who are protecting their land and their families from the real danger that fracking brings to the health and safety of their communities.
      “All Canadians and all Americans should ask themselves whether a police response with tactical units and snipers was meant to serve public safety, or squelch opposition to fracking in the service of the oil industry.”

      Day 1 Statements of Solidarity at: http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2013/10/support-pours-in-for-mikmaq-after.html

      NEWS UPDATE!
      By Brenda Norrell
      Censored News
      "With the Keystone XL tarsands pipeline plan thwarted by Native Americans in the US, TransCanada announced a new tarsands pipeline route from the west to the east in Canada. New Brunswick is part of this pipeline plan and Mi'kmaq warriors are now targeted by the oil and gas industry. On Thursday morning, the same morning that Mi'kmaq were attacked by snipers, Big Oil faced a public relations disaster because the story became public that thousands of song birds, including endangered species, had died in a gas flare in New Brunswick." http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2013/10/press-core-rsmp-and-armed-us.html


      CBC radio interview with Alan Marsh, who was at the scene. Marsh said he caught a glimpse of the person setting the police cars on fire and did not recognize him as ever having been at the camp.
      http://www.cbc.ca/player/Radio/ID/2412962477/
    brendanorrell@gmail.com

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