Dozens of people came together in Halifax on Saturday afternoon to stand up in solidarity and show their support for the Standing Rock protest.
“We should all be united,” Jessica Shortt said. “This is wrong in many, many ways. Not just the water – land, disrespect. I want to show my kids that it’s good to stand up together and fight for what’s right, for their future.”
WATCH: North Dakota pipeline protest turns violent
Protesters said the Dakota Access Pipeline puts a critical resource at stake – water. For many, it’s an emotional time.
“I’ve been wanting to do something for so long and I’m happy,” Jordan Ladouceur said, fighting back tears.
“These are happy tears, because everyone here – I felt the love as soon as I got here and I’m just happy, just happy everyone is here.”
Ladouceur brought his family to the protest to try and help raise awareness and teach his children about their heritage.
“My kids are half Native, as I am full Native,” he said. “I’d like them to know about their culture, about culture in between our races and their future as well, because my baby can’t drink oil.”
Although protesters said their thoughts are with those who are protesting in Standing Rock, there’s also concerns about what is happening in their own region.
Many said they are worried about what impact installing tidal turbines in the Bay of Fundy will have on fish stocks. They’re also concerned about how the Alton Natural Gas Storage project will impact the Shubenacadie River.
READ MORE: Mi’kmaq protesters move away from Alton Gas construction site entrance
“Some of the issues are here in Canada, some of the issues are here in the (United) States but we all have to stand together and unite. Hopefully we can solve things,” Jean Paradis said.
Paradis said although multiple projects are of concern to many, it all boils down to protecting the one resource everyone depends on.
“It’s all walks of life, all colours of life, it affects everybody. We want to have water for our next generations and if no one stands up for it, we ain’t going to have it for future generations,” he said.
Comments