Ardoch Algonquin First Nation+Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation

[Stop Uranium Mining]

A call for Ontario to settle mining dispute with Ardoch Algonquins
February 20, 2008
http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/ ... =9024#9024
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Algonquins launched a canoe protest to raise awareness of their uranium mining moratorium. . .
September 24, 2007
http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/ ... 9#8599.htm
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BACKGROUND

News and Comment
by Tehaliwaskenhas - Bob Kennedy
( Onyota'a:ka / Oneida )

Copyright
Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

February 17, 2008 - Frontenac Ventures Corporation, a uranium prospecting company was successful in having two Algonquin leaders sentenced to six months jail time for contempt of court in connection with an injunction they refused to follow. However, Ardoch Algonquin First Nation Chief Paula Sherman has young children, so Superior Court Justice Douglas Cunningham agreed not to actually send her to jail - she promised to adhere to the court injunction. But former chief Robert Lovelace was sent to jail. He also must pay a stiff fine of $25,000. Chief Sherman was fined $15,000 and the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation was also fined $10,000. The injunction is still in force - it prohibits them from blocking the uranium mining company from exploring land - Algonquin's land near Sharbot Lake, in the Ottawa valley.
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Chief Paula Sherman and former Chief Robert Lovelace, two leaders of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation will appear in a Kingston court today to find out if they will be sent to jail for refusing to comply with an injunction. It prohibits them from blocking a uranium mining company which has plans to explore land which is Algonquins land near Sharbot Lake, in the Ottawa valley. Lawyers for Frontenac Ventures have asked Justice Cunningham of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to impose lengthy jail terms and stiff fines. In addition they asked the court to prohibit the Algonquins from pursuing legal action challenging the constitutional validity of Ontario's Mining Act which does not require consultation with First Nations before mineral exploration proceeds. "It's sad that it has come to this. The government of Ontario has refused to consult with our community about uranium exploration on our land, despite several Supreme Court decisions which clearly say that governments must consult us before approving industrial activities on our land. The failure of the province to respect Aboriginal rights protected under the Constitution has led to this mess," said Chief Sherman. "None of us wants to go to jail or pay punitive fines, and I will miss my children terribly if I am incarcerated, but we are bound by Algonquin law which prohibits uranium mining and exploration in our territory. I cannot obey the injunction." said Robert Lovelace. The Algonquins are not alone in their fight to protect their traditional lands from univted mining activities. Leaders of the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation in northern Ontario were found in contempt of court in a similar case involving mineral exploration. They will be sentenced in April.
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PERSPECTIVES . . .
http://www.dominionpaper.ca/topics/algonquin

Canada has a long history of uranium mining. Uranium mined by Sahtugot'ine (the Dene First Nation of Sahtu, or Great Bear Lake), who were hired by the government, was used to create the first atomic bombs, detonated on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. . . Though an official warning was issued by the federal government in 1931, warning of the risks of handling uranium ore, mine workers were not informed of the risk. . . In the 1960s, many of the Sahtugot'ine workers began to die of cancer of the lung, colon, and kidney. http://www.dominionpaper.ca/articles/1414

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Action Plan To Address Concerns Raised By The Community Of Déline About Risks To Human And Environmental Health From Exposure To Radiation And Heavy Metals From The Former Port Radium Mine, Great Bear Lake (NWT)
http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ps/nap/consi ... dex_e.html

Deline Uranium Team
http://www.delineuraniumteam.com

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Indigenous Peoples and uranium mining - yesterday and today . . .
http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/ ... =7882#7882

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Also of interest
http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/ ... =7806#7806
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Why Algonquin First Nations Are Blocking Uranium Exploration in Ontario
A Letter from the the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation and the Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation to Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.

"We must insist upon recognition of Algonquin law as it pertains to protection of the earth and upon recognition of our legal title to the subject lands."

August 14, 2007

The Honourable Dalton McGuinty
Premier of Ontario
Legislative Building
Queen's Park
Toronto ON M7A 1A1

Dear Premier McGuinty:

We are writing to seek your intervention in the impasse that currently exists with respect to uranium exploration in Algonquin territory.

We, the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation and the Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation, are indigenous people; our ancestors having hunted, fished, and trapped in the Ottawa and Mattawa watersheds since time immemorial. These lands are our home. As you, your government and the Government of Canada know, we are not a conquered people, nor have we entered into treaties with the Crown. We continue to hold Aboriginal title to these lands, the environmental health of which is critical to the continued pursuit of our traditional cultures and our survival as Aboriginal peoples. We have presented our claim to the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada. The Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation is currently in negotiations with both governments, while the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation awaits further developments in Canadian and Ontario law and policy before joining such negotiations.

While we generally permit activities by non-Algonquins in our territory, and indeed welcome settlers and the development they bring, we cannot accept uranium exploration. We are bound by our traditional laws which demand a high standard of care for the land. Uranium exploration threatens the land and thus our health, well-being and cultural survival. Doreen Davis, Chief, Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation raised concerns about uranium exploration at the Algonquin land claim negotiation table in March 2007 when she first learned of the exploration, but this matter was not taken up at the table by Ontario. Thus, in defence of our laws and territory and Algonquin culture, we took the extraordinary step of asserting our Aboriginal title to lands subject to uranium exploration. We have been working closely and cooperatively with the Ontario Provincial Police to ensure that the camp is peaceful and the protest non-violent and shall continue to do so.

Frontenac Ventures Corporation has brought an action against us in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for an injunction and is seeking damages of $77 million. Initial hearings were held the week of July 30, 2007. We attended in Court to present our views and to hear the case against us.

We appreciate the challenge facing the Court. An adversarial system, such as that used in the Ontario Courts, is contrary to Algonquin traditional dispute resolution mechanisms and does damage to the relationship between Aboriginal peoples and the Crown. While we respect the Ontario Court system and the rule of law, we cannot inure to the Court in this case and will not be proceeding any further with the Court process as it relates to Frontenac Venture’s motion for an injunction against us. We must insist upon recognition of Algonquin law as it pertains to protection of the earth and upon recognition of our legal title to the subject lands.

We take note of recent developments to improve relations between First Nations and the Province. Commissioner Linden noted in his statement upon releasing his report on the Ipperwash Inquiry, “The single biggest source of frustration, distrust, and ill-feeling among aboriginal people in Ontario is our [the Provincial Government’s] failure to deal in a just and expeditious way with breaches of treaty and other legal obligations to First Nations”. As a particular recommendation, Commissioner Linden suggested, “the Provincial Government should promote respect and understanding for the duty to consult within relevant provincial authorities”, which would include the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.

Commissioner Linden was also of the view that Court sanctioned processes such as injunctions where Aboriginal rights are at issue, are not appropriate or desirable and should be used only as a last resort. He was further of the view that Ontario must take the initiative in meeting its obligation to ensure that meaningful, good-faith efforts are made to accommodate the interests of Aboriginal peoples and to respect our rights in the course of managing natural resource development. The Supreme Court of Canada in cases such as Delgamuukw, Haida, and Mikisew, has consistently upheld Constitutional recognition of Aboriginal rights and title and encouraged governments to resolve conflicting claims through negotiation, not through the Courts.

We agree with the comments and recommendations made by Commissioner Linden and the Supreme Court of Canada. Unfortunately, we find ourselves embroiled in a situation Commissioner Linden recommended should be avoided. Ontario has granted mining claims and is considering renewal of a mining lease for uranium exploration in territory subject to a land claim currently under negotiation. Ontario did not consult with us as it is obliged to under Canadian law before authorizing resource development in territory held under Aboriginal title. We now face an injunction brought by a third party. Ontario’s failure to take appropriate and timely action has led to the current unfortunate circumstances and we look to the Government of Ontario to take swift action to resolve this matter outside of the courts.

We wish to resolve this matter peacefully. In this regard, we are seeking the following in order to move forward:

an immediate moratorium on uranium exploration in our territory; and
direct government-to-government negotiations between Ontario and the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation regarding the use, management and conservation of lands and resources within our territory.
We propose to establish a negotiation circle to discuss these matters in an open and cooperative fashion with the intent of resolving disputes in an atmosphere of respect and accommodation. We invite senior officials from the Ontario Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines to participate, as well as representatives of the Federal Government. We propose an initial meeting to take place during the week of August 20, 2007 at the camp we have established in North Frontenac Township.

We are looking forward to your positive response to these suggestions within one week of receipt of this letter. Failing a response, we will take additional peaceful efforts to bring public attention to the failure of your government to observe the rule of law and respond with good faith to directions from the Supreme Court of Canada and the recommendations from Commissioner Linden.

Yours truly,

Chief Doreen Davis
Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation

Co-Chief Paula Sherman
Ardoch Algonquin First Nation

cc: Rick Bartolucci, Minister, Northern Development and Mines; Michael Bryant, Minister, of the Attorney General; David Ramsay, Minister, of Aboriginal Affairs; Jim Prentice, Minister, Indian and Northern Affairs; Bob Potts, Chief Negotiator, Algonquins of Ontario; Legal counsel, FVC; Legal Counsel, O.P.P.

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ARDOCH ALGONQUIN FIRST NATION
SHABOT OBADJIWAN FIRST NATION

July 25, 2007 – For Immediate Release

ALGONQUINS PROTEST AGAINST URANIUM EXPLORATION WILL AFFECT TRAFFIC ON TRANSCANADA

Ardoch Algonquin First Nation and Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation will be conducting a protest and information toll on Highway 7 in Perth on July 28th from 3pm-6pm to bring attention to the issue of uranium exploration and mining in North Frontenac County.

This will be the third action by the Algonquin alliance to bring attention to the fact that mining claims were registered and issued to Frontenac Ventures Corporation for land where Algonquin title and jurisdiction remain and where required consultation never took place.

Consultation must take place between the Crown and the two affected First Nation communities prior to any mining or land use permits being issued. More actions are planned along Highway 7 over the next few months until a positive resolution has been achieved.


For more information please contact: Chief Paula Sherman, 613-329-3706 HYPERLINK "mailto:omamikwe@bell.blackberry.net" omamikwe@bell.blackberry.net; Chief Randy Cota – (613) 541-8205;
or our lawyer, Christopher Reid: lawreid@aol.com (416) 466-9928.

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ARDOCH ALGONQUIN FIRST NATION
SHABOT OBADJIWAN FIRST NATION

July 25, 2007 – For Immediate Release

ALGONQUINS SUED BY URANIUM MINING COMPANY

The Algonquin First Nations occupying a proposed uranium mine site in eastern Ontario are being sued by the mining company, Frontenac Ventures Corporation, for $77 million dollars in damages, as well as a court order ending our protest and forcing us to vacate our land.

In their Statement of Claim, which was served on our lawyer today, the company makes absurd and outrageous claims that we are “threatening” and “intimidating” them and their employees. In fact, our peaceful protest has been completely non-violent and non-threatening from the beginning, even when the president of FVC threatened to send in armed paramilitaries to attack us.

We are not afraid and we have no plans to end our protest! In fact, news of the company’s legal action has brought more supporters to our protest camp at the mine site. Meanwhile, the provincial government, which has the legal obligation to consult with us, remains conspicuously silent.

Last year Frontenac Ventures Corporation began aggressively exploring for uranium on our land in Frontenac County in eastern Ontario. FVC have now staked hundreds of mineral claims covering more than 5,000 hectares of land and have clear-cut large areas of forest to make way for the next phase of exploration: drilling core samples to determine how much uranium is under the land they have staked. The government of Ontario has allowed all of this to happen without any consultations whatsoever with our communities, in clear violation of Canadian law.

Last week, after we rejected an offer by the company to end our protest in exchange for $10,000 blood money, we again called for the province to begin discussions with us to end the standoff. The province has still not responded.

AAFN members, together with our neighbours, the Shabot Obaadjiwan Algonquin First Nation, have occupied the site of the proposed uranium mine since June 29 and we have informed Frontenac Ventures that no further mineral staking or exploration activity will be allowed within our territory at this time.

Today, Chief Doreen Davis of Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation and Paula Sherman, Co-Chief of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation again called on the province to begin consultations to resolve the issues which led to the protest. Said Chief Sherman, “we have yet to hear anything from Premier McGuinty or his Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, David Ramsay, and so far none of their officials have even had the courtesy to return our calls, emails or letters, They do not appear to have any interest in resolving this mess or meeting their legal obligation to consult with us.”

For more information please contact: Chief Paula Sherman, 613-329-3706 omamikwe@bell.blackberry.net; Chief Randy Cota – (613) 541-8205;
or our lawyer, Christopher Reid: lawreid@aol.com (416) 466-9928.
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Algonquin Alliance Statement Against Uranium Exploration and Mining
July 24, 2007

On June 28, 2007 leadership and members of Ardoch Algonquin First Nation and Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation moved to secure the site of a proposed uranium mine in the traditional lands of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation near Ardoch Ontario. Frontenac Ventures Corporation, under the ownership of George White had been notified by mail to vacate the premises prior to the 28th with his equipment and staff. On the 28th members of the two Algonquin communities moved in and secured the site to prevent the drilling of uranium core samples which were slated to begin the following week.

Upon securing the site, the two communities established an alliance whose overall purpose was to prohibit access to the site and any proposed drilling within and around the site and all associated sites by Frontenac Ventures Corporation. The Algonquin alliance discovered through an initial search that multiple users had been granted access to the site and land surrounding the site by the MNR, Mining and Northern Development and private owners. At no time did any of these ministries or private owners contact or secure permission from Algonquin people to use the lands or resources in question. In fact, while Algonquin people in the area had heard rumors of a proposed uranium mine in Frontenac County, we were not aware of the plans to develop a mine on our traditional territory until Gloria Morrison, a private land owner in the region, attended a council meeting and asked for the Ardoch Algonquin council’s help in protecting her property. Gloria came to the meeting because 60 acres of her 100 acre holding had been staked by Frontenac Ventures under the Mining Act. She had exhausted all other alternatives at that point and hoped that Algonquin people could help her as she understood that the land she had purchased was in the historical territory of Algonquin people.

As already mentioned the overall purpose of the Algonquin alliance is to prohibit access to the site and any proposed drilling within and around the site and all associated sites. This includes sites that are privately owned and leased to Frontenac Ventures Corporation as this usage is against the Original Teachings and Guiding Principles which provide the guidance necessary to live within Mino-Pimaadiziwin (which means to live the good life, in a balanced way that promotes the sustainability of the Natural World and all living entities). The alliance is using a four-pronged approach to dealing with uranium exploration and mining which includes education of the larger community on the dangers of uranium exploration and mining and direct action in various locations in Algonquin territory to bring local, national and international attention to the issue. The two Algonquin communities who make up this alliance are also concerned with their responsibility as Anishinaabe people to examine prior usage of the land and resources by all users who have been granted access by the province of Ontario. Part of that strategy is to develop sound mechanisms for restoring balance to the land and waterways that have been impacted by their activities on the land and also create protocols of interaction that can be used with future users so that the same mistakes do not occur again.

The alliance also has to deal with the other users who were granted access to our territory through the province. One such user is MREL. MREL is a company that has moved heavily into the defence and security industry, and in particular the development of a range of vehicle disrupters which are used to neutralize improvised explosive devises and bomb laden vehicles, placed in anything from regular automobiles up to tractor trailer sized trucks. The units are robot deployed and designed to minimize collateral damage. The thrust of their work is humanitarian with an emphasis on saving lives, both by countering the threat of bombs in the civilian community, as well as to improve the defence capability of Canadian troops.

As MREL’s current contract is designed to save lives, and not connected to the drilling of core samples or uranium mining, the alliance has made the decision to permit MREL to enter the site under a memorandum of understanding between MREL and Ardoch and Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nations. The memorandum of understanding will cover only the current project related to their research on vehicle disrupters. It will cover the nature of required clean-up from previous MREL work, set out the protocols for relating to the land in a way that promotes balanced relationships with the land and waterscapes, while also enabling MREL to complete the project in the designated timeframe. Any other usage of the site by MREL would have to be renegotiated. The MOU will also address the issue of securing the site while MREL is conducting their research. MREL has also come out openly against George While and Frontenac Ventures Corporation and has provided the alliance with numerous documents, maps, and correspondence that supports our position against uranium mining.

The alliance is also concerned with a new tendency on the part of some individuals to treat this site as a tourist attraction. The articulation of our autonomy here is a serious issue for both Ardoch Algonquin First Nation and for Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation. We have secured the area for the sole purpose of preventing the drilling of core samples which would lead to the development of a uranium mine on our traditional territory. Securing the area means literally keeping everyone out unless they have been invited to enter at the main gate where the encampment is located. This policy is necessary to secure the safety of everyone, inside and outside the gate. The entire parameter has been secured through the use of warriors to prevent access to Frontenac Venture Corporation and no one should enter the site as you could be seen as working for FVC. This encampment and occupation of the surrounding land and watersheds is part of an ongoing resistance on the part of these two First Nations to resist the attempts of Frontenac Ventures Corporation to drill core samples, it should respectfully not be treated as a tourist attraction.

The Algonquin alliance and resistance force is being assisted by CCAMU, Mining Watch, and other environmental and citizenship groups who are opposed to uranium mining. Many of the individuals involved in the various groups have had their own property staked under the Mining Act by Frontenac Ventures Corporation. While Algonquin people are concentrating on direct actions that articulate our autonomy in the valley of the Kiji Sìbì (which is a necessary component in the overall efforts to prevent uranium exploration and mining on our traditional lands), our non-Aboriginal friends and neighbors have renewed ancient relationships with the Algonquin people and communities here and have taken up once again their side of the wampum belt that was neglected long ago by their ancestors. Their efforts to create and disperse important information on the Mining Act and impacts of uranium mining have gone a long way in gaining outside support for our struggle to stop Frontenac in their tracks. Our non-Aboriginal neighbors have also created a network of support for the Algonquin and other Aboriginal communities who remain on the site behind the gate. This network of concerned friends and neighbors have taken it upon themselves to make sure that the people who remain there have the food, supplies, and necessities needed to maintain the occupation until a positive resolution can be achieved. Both Algonquin communities, as well as the other Aboriginal people at the site greatly appreciate the dedication and sacrifices made by everyone who has supported and continues to support our efforts to stop the proposed uranium exploration and mining on Algonquin land and that of our neighbors.

Direct Action

The alliance has taken several direct actions in the past few weeks to draw attention to the issue including two protest marches down Highway 7 in Sharbot Lake. The next direct action will take place on July 28 in Perth. Those wishing to participate in the action should meet at the lot behind Wendys at 3pm. This particular action will take place at two spots on Highway 7. There will be pylons inserted into the middle of the road to slow it down to two lanes. We will be setting up information tolls at each end of perth on Highway 7. Cars will be allowed to travel but at a much slower pace which will permit us to provide info on the issue and also ask for donations which are needed to sustain the resistance force at the site and to pay for legal fees. We will need volunteers to stand at each end of the highway with picket signs and eight people to work the information toll. We will maintain the information toll from 3pm-6pm. We will continue to plan such actions on Highway Seven moving next to Carleton Place and eastward……eventually reaching Ottawa if necessary.

Legal Strategy

The Algonquin alliance has secured the legal services of Chris Reid, who is an expert on Aboriginal rights and law. Chris is working from the legal standpoint that Algonquin people never surrendered our lands and thus our autonomy and jurisdiction remain intact in the areas in which Frontenac Ventures Corporation has staked and plans to drill core samples. The details of that strategy need to remain confidential, but we will keep you updated on the progress made.


Response from Frontenac Ventures Corporation

Frontenac Ventures Corporation has responded to our protest in a variety of ways, including issuing a statement in the Globe and Mail wherein Frontenac’s CEO George White suggested that perhaps companies in Canada should utilize paramilitary forces such as those used in Africa (if you have seen Blood Diamond you will get the idea) to protect mining interests from people such as ourselves, which he equated with terrorism. In a meeting held last week, White’s lawyer said several nasty things about our Mohawk allies and asked point blank if there were Mohawk warriors on the premises. White also promised swift legal action against us at that meeting and has followed through with that threat as we have been told that he has filed a 77 million dollar law suit against the two Algonquin communities here and their associated leaders. While a security force showed up at several points today trying to serve the notice, no one accepted it and they will know deliver it to our legal team which is being led by Chris Reid out of Toronto.

Fundraising

Given the length of time we will need to maintain the occupation of our lands and the nature of the legal issues, we will need to implement and maintain various fundraising initiatives and activities over the next few months. Frank Morrison, who alerted us to the activities of Frontenac Ventures Corporation, is in the process of organizing a major benefit concert to take place in Carleton Place which will help in that regard, as will the one that is scheduled for Weds in Sharbot Lake. If you are not able to come and stand with us on the ground here please get involved in organizing fundraising activities to support our efforts here and what will be undoubtedly a lengthy and costly legal battle. All funds raised can be dropped off at the gate or mailed to 1045 Canoe Lane Ardoch, ON. Please specify that mailed funds go to fight uranium mining and the efforts of the Algonquin people occupying the site. If you are not able to get involved in the organization of fundraising activities, please consider dropping off or sending in your donation to support this important issue. Uranium exploration and mining will destroy our traditional territory and make it impossible to live off the land or to maintain our responsibilities to the land and waterways. We are doing this for the benefit of your children and grandchildren, so that they will have a future as Algonquin people.

CHI-MIIGWECH!

The Algonquin Alliance of Ardoch Algonquin First Nation & Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation

[Ardoch Algonquins- Mining]

81 Organizations Sign Statement of Support for the Ardoch Algonquin Blockade of FVC Uranium Mining Site on Algonquin Territory in Ontario, Canada

WASHINGTON - September 14, 2007

Nuclear Information and Resource Service, Greenpeace Canada, Mining Watch Canada, Voices Opposed to Environmental Racism and dozens of other organizations sent a statement of support for the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation’s blockade of sites on territory staked out by Frontenac Ventures Corporation for uranium mining. Aboriginal and jurisdictional title to the land is held by the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation. The statement was sent to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Minister of Indian Affairs Chuck Strahl, Ontario Premier, Dalton McGuinty and Ontario Minister of Aboriginal Affairs David Ramsey.

The statement was signed by 81 organizations from 12 different countries and 107 individuals, including members of 11 First Nations or Native American Tribes. These included notables such as musician/activists Bonnie Raitt and Graham Nash, and Ojibwe activist Winona LaDuke.

Since June 28, 2007 members of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, other First Nations and their supporters have been conducting a brave nonviolent direct action by occupying a staging site for uranium exploration. 30,000 acres have been staked out for uranium exploration at Sharbot Lake in Algonquin territory.

The mining company filed a $77 million suit against the First Nations seeking a court order for their removal. In response an injunction was issued by the Ontario Supreme Court ordering the First Nations and their supporters to evacuate the property and making them subject to arrest for failing to obey the order.

The Ontario Provincial Police thus far have remained reluctant to exacerbate the situation, and have not enforced the order. There is a provincial election on October 10, 2007. Greenpeace Canada Executive Director Bruce Cox said, “Uranium mining and the McGuinty government’s $40 billion dollar nuclear power program need to be key issues… in the election.”

Co-chief Paula Sherman of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation said, “Our opposition to uranium exploration and mining is based on health concerns as well as our inherent responsibility to protect the land.” Said Dave Martin, energy coordinator of Greenpeace Canada, “Past uranium mining in Ontario left a deadly legacy of 200 million tons of toxic tailings in the Elliott Lake and Bancroft areas. Ontario uranium should be left in the ground. There are too many environmental, safety and economic reasons to oppose both uranium mining and nuclear power.”

“We are calling for Premier McGuinty to enact an immediate moratorium on uranium exploration and mining for Ontario, following the existing precedent in Nova Scotia,” said John Kittle, spokesperson for the Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium.

Joan Kuyek from Mining Watch Canada said "Ontario has to learn to respect the rights of Aboriginal people to protect their lands and resources; the Algonquins provide a model for us all."

For more info contact:
Co-Chief Joan Sherman,
momamikwe@bell.blackberry.net

613-279-1327
http://www.aafna.ca

Dave Martin, Energy Coordinator, Greenpeace Canada
dave.martin@yto.greenpeace.org 416-597-8408 x3050
http://www.greenpeace.org/canada/


Joan Kuyek, National Coordinator, Mining Watch Canada
joan@miningwatch.ca 613-569-3439
http://www.miningwatch.ca

[Algonquins Canoe Protest]

ALGONQUIN CANOE PROTEST
DECLARES A MORATORIUM on URANIUM EXPLORATION and MINING IN ALL of ONTARIO

The Algonquin People invite their friends and supporters on a historical journey to Ottawa.

We will be transporting two maiden Water-Carriers from the Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation and Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, in a traditional birchbark canoe, accompanied by escort canoes.

The paddlers will be ceremonially descending the headwaters of the Mississippi watershed to Victoria Island and up to Parliament Hill.

The water and the message of their demand for a moratorium on uranium mining will be poured out on the steps of the Parliament Buildings to show how the waters of the Mississippi are close at hand to Ottawa.

A proclamation demanding a Moratorium on Uranium Mining will be delivered to the Governments of Canada and Ontario.

PLEASE COME TO SUPPORT THIS HISTORICAL EVENT
ALL ARE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE
WE NEED YOUR PRESENCE ALONG THE WAY BUT ESPECIALLY AT 9:30AM SEPTEMBER 28 , 2007 FOR THE FINAL PORTAGE FROM VICTORY ISLAND TO PARILAMENT HILL

Launch Date: Saturday, September 22nd at 11am, in Ardoch Ontario (the location of the Historical Rice War) Portage for awareness and

Press Conference : Tuesday, September 25th in Carleton Place Riverside Park (10:00)

Portage for awareness and Press Conference: Tuesday, September 25th in Almonte (around 5:00pm).

Ottawa River Journey: September 26th - 27th paddling from Galetta to Victoria Island (Sacred neutral territory of the Algonquins)

Meeting Quebec Participants: September 27th (location to be announced).
Brittania Bay to Victoria Island is a lot of Portage. We will be in Brittania Bay Thursday September 27 in the morning. The river is low so take care.

Grandfather William Commanda has blessed and welcomed us to land at Victoria Island on the afternoon and evening of Thursday, September 27th.

The Algonquin Chiefs will sign the Proclamation Document to be presented to the government. (6pm)

RALLY OF THE CANOES SEPTEMBER 28TH 10AM AT PARLIAMENT HILL

Final Portage with Rally on Parliament Hill: Friday, September 28th at 10-12am for a Rally of the Canoes.

Everyone can meet the paddlers with their signs, T-shirts, drums and voices at Victoria Island. Start the march to Parliament Hill at 9:30am.
(Canoes and Kayaks can be brought to Victoria Island on the 27th and kept securely overnight or early Friday for the Canoe Protest on the morning of Friday, September 28th.)

After Rally Events: we will continue to the Rideau Canal and paddle up to Dow's Lake. From there the message will be taken to Dalton McGuinty's riding office.

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Background on Algonquin's uranium mining protest . . .
http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/ ... =8574#8574