The rain and windy weather couldn’t stop a group of Aboriginal Nova Scotians from protesting water issues that are affecting indigenous communities across the province.
The rally was held near the sight of the controversial Alton Gas project, which would release salt brine into the Stewiacke River.
“I think Nova Scotians need to take it serious,” said Cheryl Maloney of the Truckhouse Resistance to Alton Gas. “Canadians need to take it serious, and our government."
After the rally, a Thanksgiving feast was held at the Millbrook First Nation. While lots of food was served, the conversation remained on water.
"Water is important, our environment is important, and all these industrial projects have to stop," said Maloney.
Elder Josephine Mandamin is the founder of the Mother Earth Water Walk and came to Nova Scotia from Thunder Bay, Ont. to support the cause.
"I've been hearing many things about the water, how it turns red, turns black, and I wanted to see for myself what it was really like," she said.
Monday’s gather is part of the national day of action, where indigenous people across the country are holding events to raise awareness of issues affecting their communities.
Last week, the Potlotek First Nation in Cape Breton held a protest to raise awareness about the quality of their water. They say the water ranges in colour from a dull yellow to a dark black, and has led to health issues for children in the community.
“The water has to be clean, we have to drink that water, and if I showed you the black water, would you drink that water?" said Mandamin.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau campaigned with a promise to end boil water advisories on Canada's reserves within five years, but many say that's not soon enough.
"If it was a city that was without water, they'd go there and help out right away, but if it's First Nations they don't do anything," said Mandamin.
On a day when Canadians gave thanks, some would be thankful just to hear their voices heard.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Allan April.
