A message from Solidarity With Alton Gas Resistance (SWAGR)
It is important to have visitors at the Treaty Camp against Alton Gas. Please read the information below and consider visiting the camp.
- About the Treaty Camp
- Why it’s important to visit
- How to Visit
- About Alton Gas
- Location and Contact Info
1. About the Treaty Camp
Mi’kmaq Land and Water Protectors of Sipekne’katik are leading a campaign to defend the Shubenacadie River and surrounding area from the Alton Gas project.
Water Protectors have set up a ‘Treaty Camp’ directly in front of the gate to the Alton Gas worksite on Riverside Road in Fort Ellis, Nova Scotia. Water Protectors have been at the camp since May this year, and were at the Treaty Truck House near there for about a year before that.
They plan to stay at the site until the company stops the project and leaves, which will be at least the next several months and probably many more. They need people to come visit the camp, even if visits are brief and infrequent. At the camp, visitors can drop by and say hi, drop off supplies, or just offer your support.
2. Why Visit
Having visitors at the camp means those on the front-lines can take a quick break and take care of themselves.
For doing effective indigenous solidarity work, building relationships is key. Spending time with people at the camp builds the friendship and solidarity that we all need.
Those at the camp need people from nearby cities and towns to bring supplies. Here is a list of supplies that are constantly needed:
• Firewood
• Water
• Batteries for high
powered flashlights
• Duct tape for tarp repairs, signs
• Rope to hang tarps and clothes line
• Fresh
perishable foods daily
• Bags of ice for cooler
• Tobacco for offerings at site
• Some gas
money to pick up free wood and other local supplies/store etc.
3. How to Visit
The camp is near the Treaty Truck House at 693 Riverside Road, Fort Ellis – the exact location is available on Google Maps. It’s about a one hour drive from Halifax.
Generally, visitors are encouraged to visit during the day, after 11:00 am, and then ask if they are needed to stay overnight at some point. Visitors are asked to read this advice before going:
“This is an Indigenous-led fight. This means that settler allies should expect to listen to and learn from Mi’kmaq and other Indigenous folks who are at the camp. When you arrive, ask how you can help, and follow other people’s lead on interacting with passersby and visitors. Aggression or anger towards water protectors, neighbours, police, or security will not be tolerated.”
Ceremony
There are often ceremonies taking place at the camp. If you are not sure how to participate respectfully in a ceremony, ask for instructions before it begins, or just watch from the sidelines.
As a rule, asking about how to appropriately participate in or observe ceremony is appreciated.
Female-identified people are invited to wear floor length skirts during ceremony.
People should not participate in ceremonies or touch ceremonial object during menstruation or for the days immediately before or after. If you are on or around your period and a ceremony is taking place, please talk to an elder or ceremonial leader about how to watch from the sidelines, and do not touch any ceremonial objects.
Drugs and Alcohol
This is a spiritual camp in collaboration with Miami faith based treatment, drugs and alcohol are not tolerated. Please do not bring drugs or alcohol to the camp, nor visit the camp when you are under the influence.
What to Bring
Please bring everything you need to be self-sufficient and comfortable. This may include a tent and bed setup, a chair, water, a hat, something to read, rain coat, etc. There is a portapotty on site, but no shower. Water tanks are filled regularly, but it is advisable to bring a full water bottle.
Things that are always needed and wanted at the camp are: tobacco, firewood, cash, and prepared meals (ready to eat that day). There is a small cooler to keep some food cold.”
4. About the Alton Natural Gas Storage Facility Project
The Alton Gas project is a plan to store high-pressure natural gas in salt caverns about one kilometre underground near Stewiacke, Nova Scotia. The project will result in millions of litres of salt brine flowing into the Shubenacadie River every day for several years, and will expand Nova Scotia’s fossil fuel industry when we urgently need to be transitioning to renewable energy.
Here’s the latest development:
Referendum Planned for Alton Gas Development
5. Location and Contact Info
Treaty Truck House
693 Riverside Road
Fort Ellis,
Nova Scotia, Canada
For more information:
http://stopaltongas.wordpress.com