[IPSM] News Update: Protestors block road to uranium mine

[Indigenous Peoples Solidarity Movment - Montreal]

sask.cbc Protestors block road to uranium mine

SASKATOON - Members of the Clearwater River Dene Nation have set up a
blockade on the road that goes through their reserve to the Cluff Lake
uranium mine. The band members have placed heavy equipment, vehicles, and
a gate across Highway 955.

Chief Roy Cheecham says the protest began late Friday afternoon. He claims
the province is giving out drilling and exploration leases on his
community's traditional lands.

Cheecham wants his community to have some say in what happens on that
land, but he says they aren't getting very far with the provincial
government.

"We're not being taken seriously," says Cheecham. "It's too bad that
well-meaning, good people have to resort to this sort of thing in order to
get the attention and the ears of the people that are supposedly the
decision-makers for us."

Cheecham also claims his people aren't getting a fair share of the work
involved in shutting down the Cluff Lake mine.

He says the road blockade will go on for "as long as it takes" to get some
action.

Meanwhile, spokespeople from the mine company, Cogema, says they are in
contact with the band and hope to resolve the issue amicably.