Ecology Action Centre Joins Sacred Fire Protest Against Shale Gas
In recognition of Indigenous leadership and our mutual goals for a healthy and just planet, on Thursday July 18th Ecology Action Centre (EAC) staff and volunteers travel to the Sacred Fire protest in Wabanaki, Elisipogtog, (Kent County, NB). The EAC stands with the Mi’Kmaq, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, Acadian and other Maritimers against the current seismic testing for shale gas. The EAC continues to be inspired by the Idle No More Movement that emerged in response to sweeping federal reforms to environmental protections and treaty rights, in particular Bill C-45.
The EAC has organized two car loads of supporters to bring supplies and stand alongside the protesting group. The EAC will arrive at the Sacred Fire around lunch time, and spend the day demonstrating in solidarity with protesters. Ecology Action Centre asks its members and supporters to join and/or support the protests with donations of food and camping supplies. A full list of donation requests is available on the Sacred Fire website: http://sacredfirenb.wordpress.com/wishlist/
According to EAC Event and Volunteer Coordinator Tamar Eylon, “Racism is alive and well in Canada and all attacks on Aboriginal People’s land must be understood in a colonial context. The Ecology Action Centre strives to work cooperatively with First Nations communities to protect and restore the world we live in.” Tamar adds, “For centuries Aboriginal people have fought for environmental justice. Now we have the science to reinforce their claims. Change is long overdue.”
The EAC has expressed deep concern over shale gas for several years. “The ramifications of this industry already extend from New Brunswick into Nova Scotia since our government is allowing fracking waste water from New Brunswick to be stored and released in Nova Scotia,” reports EAC Geoscience Coordinator Jennifer West. “We need to pause this industry until we are certain that our water resources and community values are protected. Dangerous water and ground contamination are unnecessary in the context of renewable energy opportunities such as wind and solar power,” says Jennifer. As leading members of the Nova Scotia Fracking Resource and Action Coalition (NOFRAC), EAC encourages Nova Scotia to ban the development of shale gas and hydraulic fracturing, or, at the very least, enact a moratorium for a minimum of 10 years.
About the EAC:
Since 1971, the EAC has been working to build a healthier, more sustainable environment, working closely with social and natural scientists to make strong use of science in communicating its message to the public.
Voted the “Best Activist Organization" in The Coast for eight years running, and one of the Globe and Mail's 10 best-run charities in Canada, the EAC is a powerful voice for the environment, with the ability to make real change. Our current areas of focus include Built Environment, Marine Issues, Coastal Issues, Wilderness, Food, Transportation and Energy Issues that affect all maritime individuals and families.
Contacts
Tamar Eylon, Event and Volunteer Coordinator, Ecology Action Centre
429-2202
Jennifer West, Geoscience Coordinator, Ecology Action Centre
442-5046
The site for the Halifax local of The Media Co-op has been archived and will no longer be updated. Please visit the main Media Co-op website to learn more about the organization.
