[IPSM] Algonquins of Barriere Lake Qc - Domtar Worker Attacks & Injures

[sarita at resist.ca]

Update on Algonquins of Barriere Lake - Domtar Worker Attacks & Injures
Algonquin Using a Timberjack


                January 17, 2007

                The Algonquins have started to block a Domtar forestry
operation at Lake Iskote off Highway 117 within the
Trilateral Agreement Territory.

                Michel Thusky a community member was injured today when a
French speaking operator of a timberjack called him and
other Algonquins "Cochon" and "Savage" before using the
timberjack as a weapon against Michel Thusky and another
Algonquin person.

                Mr. Thusky stated that he and another person had to grab
hold of the bucket of the timberjack as it was being used
to try and hit them. After they grabbed hold of the bucket
the operator of the timberjack raised the bucket in the
air and suspended the two Algonquins in the air, one fell
off inro deep snow and was uninjured Michel thusky told me
over the phone tonite that he believes he fell and hit a
rock because he lost consciousness for some time, when he
came too he couldn't move, it was believed at first that
he broke his back.

                However, after the ambulance arrived Michel Thusky found
he could move parts of his body, so he knew he wasn't
injured as badly as he thought. Michel was taken to the
Maniwaki General Hospital and x-rays were taken, he has no
broken bones, but he is sore and prescribed medicine for
the pain. Michel Thusky has laid formal charges against
the operator of the timberjack with the SQ.

                The whole community is quite upset with the Domtar workers
who had refused to stop work as requested so many of the
community members are going onto the logging site to shut
down the Domtar foresty operation until they are satisfied
that the Government of Quebec is not in breach of the
1991Trilateral Agreement and the 1998 Bilateral Agreement.

                The SQ were on site today and were threatening to arrest
the Algonquins if they blocked the road leading into the
forestry operation, which is why the Algonquins went to
the logging site to ask Domtar workers to stop logging
until the issues are cleared up.

                Michel Thusky has indicated that he is returning the
logging site along with the community members.

                For more information contact:

                Russell Diabo Cell: (613) 296-0331
                Policy Advisor,
                Algonquins of Barriere Lake