All charges against Freddy Stoneypoint dismissed

By Leslie Knibbs

A Quebec judge has ruled that Freddy Stoneypoint’s presence alone at the site of the blockade on August 15, 2017 was not enough to prove criminal intent.  According to her ruling there was no direct evidence linking Stoneypoint to any of the charges.    As a result, Stoneypoint was given an absolute and unconditional discharge.

Last August, 11 days after a group had set up a blockade to protest Junex Oil Exploration’s activities in the Gaspé, Quebec, Freddy Stoneypoint from Sagamok Anishnawbek was the only person left at the blockade.

Others had left earlier after being served with an injunction by the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) to leave the site or face criminal charges.  According to Stoneypoint, most of those were zhaganaash.

“They seemed determined and fearless at first, until the injunction was served by police.  They quickly folded at the thought of criminal charges and eventually the camp broke down.  I knew I would eventually be the only one at the site,” said Stoneypoint.  “Sure enough, the zhaganaash started to leave their posts and walk away from the site into the forest, never to be seen again leaving me to stand my ground alone.”

For four days, Stoneypoint single-handedly manned a sacred fire while all the while helicopters were flying overhead day and night.  Countless police cars with armed officers were parked in front of the blockade.

“I felt confident that I was doing the right thing in standing my ground and honouring my commitment to the local traditional Mi’kmaq people to protect the site.”  Stoneypoint never imagined he would be abandoned and left to defend alone. He was arrested and held until released on bail days later.

“The arrest was extremely violent and over-the-top considering I was just one water protector tending to a fire,” said Stoneypoint.  “There was a helicopter, around 50 militarized SQ officers storming in from the sides of the mountain, and I heard that they even brought a tank to the base of the mountain. They pointed assault rifles in my face. One pressed their weapon on my face with so much force that it snapped my glasses in half. They were all white cops. I took a pretty hefty beating, but I’m happy that I survived to keep on fighting.”

Stoneypoint did not expect what would happen in court on June 8.  He anticipated a return date to address the charges and perhaps to set a date for trial. 30 minutes before the scheduled hearing, he returned to the van he travelled in, he went into his medicine bag, and lit some Sage.

“Nervously, I rubbed some bear grease on my face and hair and chewed on some bear root,” he said.  Stoneypoint smudged himself with sweetgrass and sang Migizi Song to calm himself down.  Following this private ceremony, he felt emotionally prepared, ready to cope with the coming stressful situation just as his ancestors would have done.

Stoneypoint’s father Robert, from Sagamok expressed his feelings on his son’s unconditional discharge.

“l am relieved, happy and at peace.  I say thank you to his lawyer, his friends, his supporters and to my family and community of Sagamok.  Even though this [is] great news for one man, there are others in court system fighting against injustices on our people.  Injustices [are]constantly being done on the one earth we all live on. We must continue to support the brave women and men out there who will speak out, contest, or protest corporations who continue to indulge Mother Earth for their own wealth and greed.”

Freddy says miigwetch to his friends and family who have supported him.

“Still can’t believe it. I’m so stunned and happy. Feels great to have some autonomy back! Those offerings I made to the fire really helped. I feel so grateful to the Creator and to the land.”