First Nations clash with police at anti-fracking protest

An anti-fracking protest by hundreds of indigenous Canadians turned violent on Thursday when police came to break up the action. Members of the Elsipogtog and Mi'kmaq First Nations tribes blocked a highway in the province of New Brunswick to stop shale gas company SWN Resources from continuing development in the area. Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrested at least 40 protesters and attempted to disperse the group with dogs, pepper spray, fire hoses, tear gas, rubber bullets, and snipers. Protesters responded by torching cars and throwing Molotov cocktails.

This latest incident reflects the ongoing tension between energy companies and indigenous peoples in Canada. Many used the hashtags #Elsipogtog, #Miqmakblockade, #IdleNoMore and #cdnpoli to share information about the protest.