[Indigsol] Algonquin protest on july 28

[Ben Powless]

im actually gonna try and make it down to six nations this weekend (annual
powwow) but i talked with doreen last week (the site is right near my moms
farm on highway 7) and we talked about putting together a fundraiser here in
ottawa sometime maybe in august, if anyone else would be interested in
working on that. i may be trying to get a ride out to six nations, will let
you know if i do (im trying to leave tomorrow though) and if we can pass by
perth. peace
ben

On 26/07/07, Matt Kristjansson <keepitclear at hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> hey yall
> ive most likely got saturday off. i've hitched that stretch of highway 7
> before, and it's slow, but doable. if anyone is down to drive, even
> better.
> i may actually stay at the blockade site a day or two, but yeah, i'll know
> for sure by tommorow whether i can do it or not. i'd really like to. matt,
> please keep in touch and we'll figure shit out if we have to hitch.
> take care,
> matt k.
>
> >From: "Dan (OPIRG-Carleton)" <opirgadmin at gmail.com>
> >To: "mattm-b at resist.ca" <mattm-b at resist.ca>
> >CC: indigsol at lists.resist.ca
> >Subject: Re: [Indigsol] Algonquin protest on july 28
> >Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2007 11:27:24 -0400
> >
> >I'd really like to go, but I don't think I have a car.  Anyone else?
> >
> >D.
> >
> >On 7/26/07, mattm-b at resist.ca <mattm-b at resist.ca> wrote:
> > > hi,
> > >
> > > some of you may already know: there will be a protest on saturday,
> july
> >28
> > > from 3-6pm against the uranium mine.
> > >
> > > does anybody want to go?  does anybody have a way to get out there?
> > >
> > > can i or we hitchike?
> > >
> > > matt
> > >
> > >
> >
> http://intercontinentalcry.org/algonquin-protest-and-information-toll-july-28/
> > >
> > > *ALGONQUINS PROTEST AGAINST URANIUM EXPLORATION WILL AFFECT TRAFFIC ON
> > > TRANSCANADA *
> > >  <http://intercontinentalcry.org/wp-content/uploads/perth-ontario.png>
> > >
> > > 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 omamikwe at bell.blackberry.net;
> > > Chief Randy Cota – (613) 541-8205;
> > > or our lawyer, Christopher Reid – lawreid at aol.com (416) 466-9928.
> > >
> > > *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."
> > >
> > > *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
> > >
> > > *For more information please contact: *
> > > Chief Paula Sherman – 613-329-3706 omamikwe at bell.blackberry.net;
> > > Chief Randy Cota – (613) 541-8205;
> > > or our lawyer, Christopher Reid – lawreid at aol.com (416) 466-9928.
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > Indigsol mailing list
> > > Indigsol at lists.resist.ca
> > > https://lists.resist.ca/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/indigsol
> > >
> >
> >
> >--
> >Organizational Development and Administrative Coordinator
> >OPIRG-Carleton
> >V: 613 520 2757
> >E: opirgadmin at gmail.com
> >F: 613 520 3789
> >www.opirg-carleton.org
> >
> >OPIRG-Carleton
> >326 Unicentre, Carleton University
> >1125 Colonel By Dr., K1S 5B6
> >_______________________________________________
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> >https://lists.resist.ca/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/indigsol
>
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-- 
"In life we meet extraordinary people who follow us wherever we may go" -
Trisha Nagpal
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