Today a mining company threatens our land and our sacred responsibility. This threat is not merely simple development for the sake of accommodating people and businesses. Uranium mining destroys land, pollutes the air and water and causes sickness that can last longer than human existence. We have witnessed what has occurred in other places. We have seen how other Native people and their neighbours have been adversely affected. We have seen how livelihoods, health and lives have been destroyed. We cannot stand by and let this happen here.

What we can do about it!

Canada recognizes that Algonquins have aboriginal rights and title. Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution 1985 recognizes and affirms these rights. Section 25 upholds the protection of specific Aboriginal rights and title described in detail in the royal Proclamation of 1763. The ‘Proclamation’ states clearly that until ceded or purchased the Algonquin homeland remains in sovereign possession of the Algonquin people and that they can decide how these land will be used. We have decided that the Uranium in our homeland should continue to be locked within the earth where it will remain safe and our lives and those of our relations will not be harmed. As a people we intend to teach our neighbours about how uranium mining can hurt the land and people. We intend to build strong community between ourselves and our neighbours. We will take legal action to assert our Aboriginal rights and where necessary we will take direct action to protect our land and people.

What you can do?

You can listen to us. You can join us and contribute your time and talents, write to your newspaper, your Member of Parliament, attend events and information sessions, talk to your neighbours, friends, churches and business contacts. Canadians have stopped uranium mining in other places; we can do it together here.