[Indigsol] Algonquin Native Lights Sacred Fire to Denounce Anticipated Forest Destruction

[ipsmo at riseup.net]

Here is the latest update on the Beaver Pond Forest situation:

"Beaver Pond tree-cutting delayed until at least Jan. 31"
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Beaver+Pond+tree+cutting+delayed+until+least/4132379/story.html


...and...


MEDIA RELEASE
January 19, 2011
For Immediate Release

Algonquin Native Lights Sacred Fire to Denounce Anticipated Forest
Destruction

OTTAWA –  Algonquin Daniel Bernard “Amikwabe” set up a camp this morning
to keep a Sacred Fire burning round the clock next to the entrance of the
Beaver Pond forest at the end of Walden Drive in Kanata.  This is a
personal initiative “to denounce the massacre of the wildlife and this
sacred forest” in response to a declaration by Algonquin Elder William
Commanda that the forest is sacred.

The landowner, KNL Developments, moved tree-clearing equipment on to
Beaver Pond lands January 18 after receiving City of Ottawa approval to
proceed with plans to build a housing development.  Development plans have
been contested by citizens for decades, and protest has peaked in recent
months.

Grandfather William Commanda, the most senior Algonquin Elder, has stated
that the area is sacred to his people, and has written letters to all
levels of government urging protection of the land.  Four First Nations
groups, Chiefs, and Elders have written similar letters of concern (see
links below).

Archaeological artifacts have been found nearby that show evidence of
pre-contact civilization.  Natives and non-Natives alike are calling for a
comprehensive archaeological assessment and meaningful consultations with
Aboriginal peoples before any development proceeds.

On January 12, the City’s Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Subcommittee passed
a resolution noting that the City of Ottawa “should be seen as an example
role-model to other municipalities in Canada in respecting Aboriginal
affairs” and asked the City take the lead in conducting a new
archaeological survey of the entire South March Highlands.

Gordon O’Connor, MP for Carleton-Mississippi Mills, recently asked the
National Capital Commission to include the Beaver Pond forest in its
upcoming revision of the Greenbelt master plan. Carleton-Mississippi Mills
MPP Norm Sterling wrote letters January 17 to the Premier of Ontario and
several other Ministers in support of protecting this land.

Robert Lovelace, former Chief of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation,
recently wrote that “If Mayor Jim Watson were a real leader, he would know
enough to realize that the incremental destruction of the last wildlands
in the city needs to stop.  As a real Chief, he would be on the side of
the people and the land.” (see link below)

A Sacred Fire is a peaceful religious observance.  Bernard, of the
Algonquin Beaver Clan, invites others to join him and pray for the forest
and the animals.  He plans to keep the fire burning until Sunday, January
23.

Members of the community are providing support to Bernard, and will be
joining him throughout the protest.  All are committed to protecting the
Beaver Pond forest and other environmentally sensitive areas of the South
March Highlands, which is home to more than 675 species, including 19
species at risk, and recognized by the City as one of the most biodiverse
areas in Ottawa

- 30-

For more information:
Steve Hulaj -- 613 878-1135

Directions:
Exit Highway 417 at Terry Fox Drive and go North past the shopping
centers.  Turn Right and take Kanata Avenue up the hill.  Proceed past
Goulbourn Forced Road on the left and high school on right, to Walden. 
Turn Left on Walden and proceed to the very end.


BACKGROUND:

Letters sent by First Nations to-date:
http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2011-01-09-Kinounchepirini_Algonquin_FirstNation_Letter.jpg
http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2011-01-09-SMH_Ottawa_Algonquin_FN_Support.pdf
http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2011-01-10-AAFN_letter%20to_Ottawa.pdf
http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2011-01-14-Ottawa_Letter_From_Kichesipirini_Algonqiun_FN.pdf

And by Grandfather William Commanda:
http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2010-08-24_Circle_of_Nations-South_March_Highlands.pdf
http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2010-12-20-GWC_Letter_To_Council.pdf
http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2011-01-05-GWC-Message_Regarding_Development_at_South_March_Highlands

And by other Grandfathers:
http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2010-08-14-A_plea_for_the_forest-Grandfather_Albert_Dumond.pdf
http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2011-01-14-Grandfather_Lovelace_Letter_to_the_Editor_Revelation18.pdf

Motion passed unanimously by Ottawa’s Aboriginal Affairs Advisory
Subcommittee:
http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2011-01-12-Unanimous_AHCAC_Motion_on_SMH.pdf

  Background info:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZBcLvtcJBY (4 minute documentary video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhSU5heJl5o (cultural and natural heritage
video)
http://www.renaud.ca/public/Presentations/2011-01-13-SMH-1-SMH_Overview_v16.pdf
 (SMH Overview presentation)
http://www.renaud.ca/public/Presentations/2010-12-07-SMH-2-Stewardship_Plan_Overview_v4.pdf

Other Letters of Support (e.g. David Suzuki Foundation, MP Gordon
O’Connor, MPP Norm Sterling) may be downloaded from
http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/

www.ottawasgreatforest.com (website for the stewardship plan to protect
the SMH)
www.southmarchhighlands.ca (website for the coalition to protect the SMH)

Submission to NCC on South March Highlands: 
http://www.renaud.ca/public/Presentations/2010-09-07%20Greenbelt%20Coalition%20Position%20Paper%20App5%20-%20SMH.pdf