"I implore all of you to continue your struggle and to stand up for what you believe in regardless of the type of oppression that you will face before you"
The Mi'kmaq nation's previous ties to Salford was almost of curiosity value – indigenous Canadian people who loved to watch Coronation Street. The Mi'kmaq Chief even came over here to meet the cast and see the set a few years ago. It seemed strange because the lives and issues of the soap characters and the First Nation people were so different.
Now, however, the relationship between Salford and the Mi'kmaqs is centred around a common goal, the battle against fracking. On Friday, the Mi'kmaq flag was flown at Barton Moss on the daily protest against the IGas exploratory drilling site.
The Elsipogtog Mi'kmaq First Nation has been protesting against shale gas exploration in New Brunswick, Canada, which resulted in a huge battle with police last October when their Chief Arren Sock was one of over forty protectors arrested (see here). Yesterday, Suzanne Patles, from the Mi'kmaq Warrior Society sent a message of support to those fighting fracking in Salford…
"I am a member of the Mi'kmaq Warrior Society who has been at the forefront of the struggle against hydraulic fracturing. I have been arrested and charged several times for our struggle, yet the fire of resistance burns deep in my soul. It is imperative that we as human beings of this earth revolutionize our way of thinking and understanding of the world.
"We all know and are aware of the dangerous impacts of hydraulic fracturing, and we all recognize the need to protect the sacred lifeblood of mother earth; which is the water. I would like to commend all of you in the UK for standing up in unity and solidarity against the corporate colonialist beast that we all are defending ourselves against around the world.
"Despite the social conditions of our communities and the poverty that we face on a daily basis; it is we who understand the need to protect what we have left because we know how vital these things are in order to survive. It is we who have to pave the way forward in this revolution to show the world how to stand up, united with one voice and use our ideas to implement the change we want to create.
"So, from Mi'kmaq Territory and the Mi'kmaq Warrior Society we honour and respect your movement against corporate colonialism, specifically the practice of hydraulic fracturing. We need to unite as nations and declare the end for this type of resource extraction, and demand and help create greater water protections for our generations who have not yet inhabited the earth.
"Out of the smoky skies, and violent raid on our people on October 17th, the one thing that remains in our hearts is the love we have for our people, the land and the water; and our vow to protect it by any means necessary. We are at a time of prophecy, and urgency. Where we have to stand up and do whatever we can to revolutionise the world before it destroys itself.
"I implore all of you to continue your struggle and to stand up for what you believe in regardless of the type of oppression that you will face before you. Me and my spouse faced attempted assassination by the RCMP, violence and incarceration; yet we both are standing tall and proud; and are still standing up against the oppressor despite colonial oppression.
"So, stay strong, stand strong and continue to fight. When we work together with a common vision we can change the world. I love you all, and wish you all the best…"
Today sees the No to Fracking in Greater Manchester rally and march, beginning at 12:45 from Piccadilly Gardens. For further details click here
* The Salford Star would like to thank one of our readers, Louise Wallwein, who is currently in Canada, for arranging this message.
Main photo by Steven Speed
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