A contingent of police and other government paramilitary forces were forced to retreat from an attack on the Elsipogtog First Nation in recent weeks. The state was attempting to violently enforce an illegal injunction on behalf of Southwestern Energy, a Texas-based company trying to exploit natural gas resources of the First Nation.
After the Elsipogtog people rejected advances from Southwestern Energy to initiate natural gas fracking on their land, the company sought the development regardless. Thus, the Elsipogtog First Nation established a blockade in defense of their land and water. From there the company was successful in seeking an illegal injunction for removal of the blockade.
The Canadian state employed military tactics, snipers, attack dogs, tear gas, and other forms of violence against the families of the First Nation as they demonstrated, rather than uphold their democratic decisions. This culminated in a week of intense violence against the Elsipogtog people during October. During this week, corporate and state media supported the violence by underreporting illegal activities and focusing coverage of the issue on irrelevant details that painted the First Nation in a bad light.
The Camosun College Student Society supports the Elsipogtog people, their fight against natural gas fracking, and the exercise of their right to self-determination. If members would like to get involved in this support they can email external@camosunstudent.orgĘor contact me through the CCSS offices on both campuses.
What does this have to do with Camosun?
Why does a group that apparently represents the students feel the need to spout off political statements?
Use your own personal Facebook and Twitter accounts to whine about your political beliefs.