"The Great Spirit will look after people that look after water."

Interview with AFN Regional Chief for NB and PEI, Roger Augustine

by Miles Howe

Roger Augustine visited the sacred fire encampment in Elsipogtog on July 10th, 2103, his 66th birthday. [Photo: M. Howe]

ELSIPOGTOG, NEW BRUNSWICK - Yesterday, July 10th, was Roger Augustine's birthday. Augustine is the Assembly of First Nations' Regional Chief for New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

As promised on June 30th, Augustine spent the morning of his birthday at the sacred fire encampment in Elsipogtog, which for over a month now has represented the physical rallying point for those opposed to SWN Resource Canada's attempts at shale gas exploration in New Brunswick.

When I spoke with Roger on June 30th, he didn't have an opinion on shale gas, or at least not one he was willing to share publicly.

I wondered if the hours he spent at the sacred fire had given Augustine something upon which to make a public stand in regards to shale gas exploration in New Brunswick.

Please enjoy the following interview with AFN Regional Chief for New Brunswick and PEI, Roger Augustine.

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