Sisson Mine opponents bracing for winter in isolated encampment

The threat of snow and freezing temperatures haven't deterred members of Maliseet First Nations who have set up an encampment near the proposed Sisson mine project.

The members of theWulustukyikgrandmothers and mothers say they arestillcommittedto staying deep in the New Brunswickforest, nomatter how harsh theconditions get, to protect the water and land from any mining development.

"The commitment is to stay out here all winter,"said Terry Sappier. "We'rejust trying to get our building up before the snow flies, so that's the challenge right now."

Sappier hasbeen living at the site near SissonBrook for more than four months, along with several other opponents of the project.

A trio of camper trailers parked alongside aseries of tents and tarp shelters make up the bulk of the encampment. They are heated and lit by a gas-powered generator. Several smallsolarpanels also help power the camp.

It all sitsapproximately13 kilometres from the nearest stretch of pavement on Route 107, and is only accessible by dirtlogging roads.

A mini-home had been donated to the group, and there were plans to move it to the encampment. But that plan has changed as the group hopes to find more permanent.

"Unfortunately, that didn't work out for us," said Sappier, the onlyone on site who speaks on camera. "So,TobiqueFirst Nations stepped upand they are building us a six-bedroom log cabin."

The foundation and floor of that cabin are built, with tresses waiting to be mounted.

But the hunting has been good.According toSappier, the group has been able to harvest deer and moose to feed them throughout the winter months.They are currently curing awhitetail deer hide.

But as the season changes, so have the challenges.

Sappier lists keeping warm as the hardest part of the day-to-day survival right now, an issue that will only get worse in the weeks ahead.

But she says the group of about adozen people who frequent the camp throughout the run of a week will continue to live in the camp until the threat of the Sisson Mining Project no longer exists.

The mine received federal environmental approval in June.

If built, the facility would be expected to run for close to 30 years, and is projected to cost $579 million.

The developer,Sisson Mine Ltd., says the mine could create 500positionsduringconstruction, and 300 while up and running.

In February 2017,thereweresixMaliseet First Nations that agreed to the Sission mine deal,includingTobique, Kingsclear, Woodstock, Oromocto, St. Mary's and Madawaska.

Since then, several groups have distanced themselves from that decision, including theWulustukyikgrandmothers and mothersin theencampment.