Mi’kmaq women hold press conference after mischief charges

Lorraine Clair and Suzanne Patles hold press conference in Elsipogtog. Photo by M. Howe. — Lorraine Clair and Susanne Patles hold press conference in Elsipogtog. Photo by M. Howe.

Elsipogtog – Lorraine Clair and Susanne Patles, arrested on separate occasions on charges of mischief while engaged in prayer along Highway 126 in Kent County, New Brunswick, held a press conference on June 11th.

The two recounted the events that led up to their arrest, Clair in particular describing the physical nature of her arrest by RCMP. Clair, now wearing a cast over her right forearm, noted that she has suffered extensive muscle and tendon damage as a result of her arrest.

The two women also issued an open call urging supporters from all nations to attend the lighting of a sacred fire near Elsipogtog that afternoon. The fire will carry on for the foreseeable future. Clair asked that those not able to attend light their own fires and to pray in solidarity with the area’s anti-fracking efforts.

Please enjoy the full audio of today’s press conference, where Clair and Patles describe their arrests as well as their duty as Mi’kmaq women to defend the waters.

This article was first published by the Halifax Media Co-op.