SWN Resources Canada has been exploring for potential shale gas development sites under a permit issued by the province of New Brunswick. Beginning September 30th, a coalition of Elsipogtog band members and local supporters blockaded the company's seismic exploration trucks in a compound near Rexton, NB. SWN Resources had earlier told a Court of Queen's Bench hearing that the blockade of equipment was costing it $60,000 a day. Last Thursday the protest turned violent when RCMP raided the blockaded, enforcing the original injuction.

Grand Chief Derek Nepinak of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is in New Brunswick to bring AMC support for the Elsipogtog band. He described the RCMP raid on the protesters last week as the violent use of state power.