ABORIGINAL JUSTICE delegation to Elsipogtog First Nation 27 Sept. – 7 Oct. 2013
To view the on-line version click
here<http://www.cpt.org/cptnet/2013/08/08/aboriginal-justice-join-delegation
-sovereign-elsipogtog-first-nation-27-september->.
CPTnet
8 June 2013
ABORIGINAL JUSTICE: Join delegation to sovereign Elsipogtog First Nation 27
September – 7 October 2013
From time immemorial, the peoples of the sovereign Mi’kmaq territory of
Signigtog have lived upon their traditional lands with their own
governments, political systems, language, culture, spirituality, and diverse
means of livelihood. They have never surrendered their sovereignty or
jurisdiction over their lands.
In 1701, the British Crown began to sign Peace and Friendship Treaties with
the Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot First Peoples to end
hostilities and encourage cooperation between the British and First Peoples.
The Peace and Friendship Treaties recognize Aboriginal sovereignty and title
to the lands they traditionally use and occupy. What is now called Crown
Land in the Province of New Brunswick is unceded land and subject to Mi’kmaq
jurisdiction.
On 14 May 2012, the Band Council of Elsipogtog First Nation, a Mi’kmaq
community, passed a resolution opposing shale gas exploration and
development within Elsipogtog First Nation and the Province of New
Brunswick, citing concerns about the environment and the need for direct
consultation by the Crown. On 30 May 2013, the Mi’kmaq Grand Council of the
Signigtog District 6 issued a public notice prohibiting all “shale gas
exploration and/or development” without the “expressed written consent and
full participation of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council and the Mi’kmaq people of
the Signigtog District.”
The Elsipogtog First Nation and non-Aboriginal landowners in Kent County,
New Brunswick are fighting to stop shale gas exploration by SWN Resources.
They are concerned fracking will lead to the depletion of groundwater and
widespread water contamination.
On 14 June, the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) arrested twelve people
who were trying to stop the progress of SWN trucks. At least thirty-three
people have been arrested so far. The police roughly handled three Mi’kmaq
women as they were in the middle of conducting a ceremony, a serious
violation of cultural protocols.
A CPT team has been on site since 30 June 2013.
Explore what it means to live in right relationship with the earth and each
other. Find out what it means to be an ally to indigenous communities
engaged in healing, resisting colonialism, and struggling to have their
sovereignty acknowledged and respected. From a base in Kent County, New
Brunswick, and visits to Elsipogtog traditional lands, the delegation will
meet with Indigenous and non-Indigenous community leaders and residents.
Delegates will develop an analysis of colonialism, participate in undoing
racism training, plan, and/or participate in events as allies in the
struggle for justice and dignity for Indigenous peoples.
FUNDRAISING EXPECTATION: $625 (Cdn or USD). Delegates arrange and pay for
their own transportation to Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.
Click here to apply. <http://cpt.org/participate/delegation/apply>
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MISSION: Christian Peacemaker Teams: Building partnerships to transform
violence and oppression.
VISION: A world of communities that together embrace the diversity of the
human family and live justly and peaceably with all creation.
VALUES: Christian Peacemaker Teams is committed to work and relationships
that:
* Honor and reflect the presence of faith and spirituality
* Strengthen grassroots initiatives
* Transform structures of domination and oppression
* Embody creative non-violence and liberating love
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