Joseph Jean Sock (left) and Shelley Young (middle). Photo by Michael Gorman/ Truro Bureau/ Chronicle-Herald.
On March 1, Shelley Young of the Eskasoni First Nation (in Nova Scotia) and Joseph Jean Sock of the Elsipogtog First Nation (in New Brunswick) began a hunger-strike at the Porcupine Lodge in the Millbrook First Nation (near the town of Truro, Nova Scotia).
The Halifax Chronicle-Herald reports, “They announced their intentions to fast until government and First Nations leaders begin to work with the people. …The two have been drinking only water since midnight on Thursday. Young and her group take issue with what she said is a lack of consultation between government and aboriginal leaders and a lack of consultation between aboriginal leaders and their communities.”
“(They also pointed) to the potential impacts of the federal government’s Bill C-45 on the environment…” The Cape Breton Post adds, “They say aboriginal leaders should not be dealing with a government that has openly disregarded First Nations treaties with the passing of Bill C-45.”
The Chronicle-Herald article adds, “The group includes about 20 people. Members joining Sock and Young will engage in four-day relay fasts as well as praying and traditional activities. They hope their ranks will grow as word spreads about their efforts. As for how far Sock and Young are willing to go with their fast, representatives said they hope it doesn’t come to a point where they have to consider that.”
The NB Media Coop notes, “A week after Chief Theresa Spence started her hunger strike, Mi’kmaq Sundance Leader Sock joined her in fasting.”
