First Nations communities in the Gasp unite against fracking

A group of First Nations communities inQuebec have come out in opposition to hydraulic fracturing projects on their territories inthe Gasp and onAnticostiIsland.

Faced with a number of potential energy projects,Mi'kmaq communities inGespeg, Listuguj and Gesgapegiaghaveteamed up withthe Innu people in Mingan and MaliseetsfromViger todemand respect for their ancestral rights.

The group isdenouncingPetrolia in particular, after the company announced it was considering hydro frackingfor itsHaldimandsites,located next to a residential area in Gasp.

• Gasp citizens concerned fracking could be on the table for Petrolia's Haldimand oil project

The First Nations communities are concerned about the effect the Petroliaprojectcould have on habitat, wildlife and drinking water.

The head of theMi'kmaqGespegNation,ManonJeannotte,said that they are ready to take legal action if the communities are not properly consulted.

If necessary,community members will occupy the drill sites,Jeannotte said.The communities also wantto meet with the provincialgovernment.

Along with theHaldimand site, Petrolia is also involved in a controversial joint venture on Anticosti Island, located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

The joint venture is currently preparing sites on the island for an exploratory fracking operation.

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