[IPSM] (Ott) July 26th Protest Against Uranium Mine

[mattm-b at resist.ca]

July 26th Protest Against Uranium Mine
A Reportback by the Indigenous People's Solidarity Movement -Ottawa

   On Saturday, July 28th Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, Shabat Obaadjiwan
First Nation and their allies held a protest and information toll on
Highway 7 near Perth.  From 3pm to 6pm they occupied 2 lanes of the 4 lane
highway and ensured that traffic was slow enough that pamphlets and
letters could be given to passing motorists.
   The protest on July 28th  was the third in a series of similar actions
that have taken place since June 28th when the Ardoch Algonquin First
Nation and Shabat Obaadjiwan First Nation secured their traditional lands
to prevent a proposed uranium mine.
   Four of us from the Indigenous People’s Solidarity Movement –Ottawa were
there to support the Algonquin alliance and the coalition of community and
environmental groups that oppose the uranium mine in what promises to be
an important and long-term struggle for indigenous and environmental
liberation.
   At the high point there were somewhere around 100 people lining both
sides of highway 7 and occupying two lanes.  Traffic was forced to slow
down, and pamphlets and letters were handed into car windows.  Almost
all of the motorists and pedestrians were supportive of the protest and
hostile to
the uranium mine.
   Up and down the two lines Mohawk unity flags, Haudenosaunee Confederacy
flags, Algonquin flags and one black and white POW/MIA/Prisoner Solidarity
flag fluttered from poles.  There were also some banners and placards,
usually something along the lines of, “No Uranium Mine”.
   About the only negative point was the police presence.  Although it seems
likely that the protest would have gone down a little differently if the
police hadn’t been included, it was equally clear that they were
unnecessary.  Aside from standing around and trying to look important they
weren’t doing much –except getting paid.
   The Algonquin Alliance has stated that they “will continue to plan such
actions on Highway 7 moving next to Carleton Place and
eastward...eventually reaching Ottawa if necessary.”  So be ready to come
out to the next protest.
   They have also said that if you aren’t able to stand with them on the
ground that you can get involved in organizing fundraising activities to
“support our efforts and what will be undoubtedly a lengthy and costly
legal battle.”
   Any money can be dropped of or mailed to 1045 Canoe Lake Ardoch, ON.
Specify that the funds are to go to fight uranium mining and the Algonquin
people at the site.