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MARCH 21st, 2008 |
IN THIS ISSUE: |
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1)
PRESS RELEASE: CITIZENS' URANIUM INQUIRY
The Community
Coalition Against Mining Uranium is pleased to announce that the Citizens'
Inquiry into the Impacts of the Uranium Cycle is off to an excellent start.
Panelists are in place and the Sharbot Lake Public Hearing, scheduled
for April 1st, is filled to capacity. "We recently received a letter from Premier McGuinty stating, "Our government knows that any process that brings people together to talk about their concerns and attempts to find solutions is valuable." These hearings are an opportunity for everyone to participate and to have their say on any aspect of the uranium cycle. For those who cannot attend in person, submissions are being accepted until May 1st, at info@uraniumcitizensinquiry.com Grandfather William Comanda has invited everyone to attend an Algonquin Pipe ceremony on Saturday March 22, 2008, at 2:00PM, at the Odawa Native Friendship Center, 12 Stirling Ave., Ottawa. For directions,
go to the Odawa Center website and click on the CONTACT button. 3) EASTER WEEKEND FAMILY WALK AGAINST URANIUM MINING When: Saturday morning @ 10am, walk for approximately 1hr. Where: Meet at the Perth Union Public Library Parking Lot Why: To bring the whole family out for a peaceful walk to raise awareness and learn about the dangers of uranium mining. Bring signs, noisemakers, family, friends and kids. This is part of a Perth group's "March in March" initiative to raise awareness about the threat of uranium mining in the area and the violated environmental and human rights. We're still walking Easter Saturday. 4) TORONTO CITIZENS' INQUIRY INTO THE URANIUM CYCLE It's official! Toronto is having its own Uranium Citizens' Inquiry! Date: Saturday,
April 26, 2008 Hart House,
7 Hart House Circle, University of Toronto Paul York at 647-342-7995 (pyork_2002@hotmail.com) or Adriana Mugnatto-Hamu at (adriana@danforthgreens.ca) 5) PETERBOROUGH EVENT: PETITION PRESENTATION TO JEFF LEAL What: Petition demanding the Ontario Government accept responsibility for wrongs committed against First Nations communities and immediately stop all exploration for uranium at Sharbot Lake will be presented to Jeff Leal to be read in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Date: Tuesday,
March 25th We are asking that people gather outside Jeff Leal*s office at 10:30 prior to the scheduled meeting with Jeff Leal at 11:00. There will be time for anyone to sign the petition who hasn't already. A group will present Jeff Leal with the petition while the larger group remains visible outside the building. Please being as many people as you can, this will be an important time to have a large show of support. It is crucial that when the petition is first presented we have a huge collection of signatures to demonstrate how widespread the support is for this issue, so please be sure to bring any copies you have. This will not be a long event, but it is very important to have the support and the visible mass of people to demonstrate to the Ontario Government that the pressure will remain on them until they do what is being demanded, and what is right. 6) CIRCLE OF FIRST NATIONS STUDENT GROUP: DAY OF ACTION Day of Action:
Thursday, March 27th, 2008 This message is being sent on behalf of the Circle of First Nations student group. On February 15th, 2008 a well respected member of the Fleming community, Aboriginal Student Counselor Robert Lovelace, was sentenced six months in jail and handed a $25,000 fine for contempt of court. Bob, as
well as many others, have been fined and/or incarcerated for protesting
the development of uranium mining on Algonquin territory, 60 km north
of Kingston. We, the Circle of First Nations (CFN), a student club at
Fleming, would like to show our support of Bob and his community, Ardoch
Algonquin First Nation, by organizing events and fundraisers to bring
awareness within the Fleming community about the issue of uranium mining,
and the infringement on Aboriginal land rights. Any funds raised will be donated to Bob's family and/or the Trust for Ardoch Algonquin First Nation. The "Day of Action" we are hosting will include the following: Noon - 4 p.m.: Information Booth and Petition Signing in the main foyer 4 - 6:30 p.m.: Fundraising BBQ (location TBD) 6:30 - 9 p.m.: A Night of Entertainment in the Whetung Theatre (room 519) The CFN will be holding meetings on Mondays at 3 p.m. in the Aboriginal Students' Lounge to plan the March 27th "Day of Action" events. If you would like to help out, volunteer or send representatives to these meetings it would be greatly appreciated and everyone will be welcomed. For further information please contact Circle of First Nations member Rachel Paris in room 181 or e-mail her at rparis@flemingc.on.ca Migwech, Circle of
First Nations 7) DONATE BOOKS TO BOB LOVELACE AT THE PRISON! If you'd
like to upgrade the prison library and improve the reading list for Political
Prisoner Professor Bob Lovelace, here's how. TYPE OF
PRIMARILY SOFT COVER BOOKS REQUESTED:
8) YOUTUBE VIDEO: KI FIRST NATION LEADERS JAILED FOR SIX MONTHS This video is of a TV news report covering the KI leaders being taken to prison. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmQcduTp6Ck 9) THE NEXT ABORIGINAL FILM NIGHT Aboriginal
Film Night Everyone is welcome to attend! 10) LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO PROTECT GRAND CANYON FROM URANIUM MINING Press Release: March 17, 2008 Legislation Introduced to Protect Grand Canyon From Uranium Threat FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.- Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) today announced his introduction of the Grand Canyon Watersheds Protection Act of 2008, legislation prohibiting new uranium mining across 1 million acres of public lands in watersheds surrounding Grand Canyon National Park. "We believe that the current uranium boom poses one of the greatest potential threats to Grand Canyon National Park in decades," said David Gowdey of the Grand Canyon Trust. "Uranium development at the borders of the park threatens to contaminate park waters with radioactive waste, pose public-health problems for local residents and downstream communities dependent upon Colorado River water, and disrupt the park's unique ecosystems." The legislation would prohibit new uranium mining in the last three portions of federal land surrounding Grand Canyon not protected from uranium mining: the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest south of the canyon, the Kanab Creek watershed north of the park, and House Rock Valley, between Grand Canyon National Park and Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. "We applaud Congressman Grijalva for his leadership on protecting Grand Canyon," said Sandy Bahr, conservation outreach director for the Sierra Club's Grand Canyon Chapter. "This is an important step to ensure that the watershed is not denigrated by additional uranium mining and that we keep intact this amazing area for future generations." Owing to a 15-fold increase in uranium prices in the past eight years, a surge in new uranium development surrounding Grand Canyon includes thousands of new claims that have been filed in areas around the Grand Canyon National Park and its watersheds since 2003. On the Tusayan Ranger District alone - immediately south of Grand Canyon - there are 2,100 uranium claims, five uranium exploration projects slated, and the possible opening of one uranium mine. Conservationists opposed the first of five exploration projects last week. "Grand Canyon is a national and international treasure facing a massive new uranium buildup on adjacent federal lands," said Taylor McKinnon of the Center for Biological Diversity. "This bill affords the protections it deserves. We applaud the Congressman's efforts." The boom has renewed concerns about the impacts of uranium development on surface and ground water, air and land contamination, and noise and traffic on the park and its ecosystems, residents, and communities. The Colorado River and its tributaries in Grand Canyon provide drinking water for more than 30 million people in California, Arizona, and Nevada. On February 5, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution opposing uranium mining in the vicinity of the Grand Canyon and its watersheds and requesting that Congress take action to put these areas off limits to uranium development. On March 7, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Kempthorne requesting these areas be administratively withdrawn from mining on an expedited basis. "Protecting Grand Canyon transcends party politics," said Gowdey. "This legislation, like the Canyon itself, deserves support from both sides of the aisle. The Coconino County Board of Supervisors, Governor Napolitano, and Congressman Grijalva have all recognized the urgent need to help protect the Grand Canyon and preserve it for future generations, now the rest of the Arizona delegation needs to step up." The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee last week heard testimony on legislation proposed to reform the 1872 mining law. Owing to that law, federal agencies say they have little power to deny new mines on many federal lands. "The need for the Grand Canyon legislation in part rests with the need to reform the antiquated 1872 mining law," said McKinnon. "Federal agencies need clear and strong authority to say no to new uranium mining. Until they do, bills like this will be needed to protect America's most treasured places." Congressman Grijalva has scheduled a hearing of the House in Flagstaff, Arizona on Friday, March 28 focusing on the impacts of uranium mining near Grand Canyon. The hearing is a joint effort of House Natural Resources Committee Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources and Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, which the Congressman chairs. To see the legislation, click on this link, http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2008/uranium-exploration-03-17-2008.html Contact:
11) PRESS RELEASE: KITCHENUHMAYKOOSIB INNINUWUG March 20, 2008 Kitchenuhmaykoosib, Ontario - We are saddened today that our leaders have been jailed for contempt and they're there for what they strongly believe - to protect KI Homelands! As a result of our community assembly on March 18, 2008, the present Chief and Council notably, Chief Donny Morris, Deputy Chief Jack McKay, Head Councillor Cecilia Begg, Councillors Samuel McKay and Darryl Sainnawap are still our leaders and are deemed equivalent as leaders in exile as expressed by the people of Kitchenuhmaykoosib. One band member, Bruce Sakakeep is also in jail for contempt as well. The remaining Council members Susan Nanokeesic, Kenny Martin and Angus McKay are still politically active at the community level with the assistance of a working group members consisting of 18 community members. With consultation between the exiled Council members and the Council in Kitchenuhmaykoosib, we take strong stand on the following: 1. No Parliamentarian, be it federal or provincial member, is allowed in the Homelands of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug; 2. No more free entry to Kitchenuhamaykoosib lands by Platinex or any other mining entity including First Nation mining companies; 3. Ongoing protest will be more protected and secured in order to protect our KI Homelands; 4. All First Nation political territorial organizations in Ontario do not speak directly for or on behalf of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, but their support on the issue is welcome. 5. Ontario must respond to our proposal, made with our brothers and sisters of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, to establish a joint panel on mining on First Nations land. There is suspicion and fear on our part as a result of the court's disposition on our leaders. There is no more sense of safety and well being for all Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug to rely on the Canadian government's legal and statutory obligations on our people, especially the government of Ontario. The court document and its' disposition gives us anxiety and terror for we are all distressed enough with our present social and economic situation. The court ruling is a deliberate attack on the blood, bone and spirit of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug. It referenced many cases and ancient views of "rule of law" that we don't agree with it. The mention of "Magna Carta" is no exception. Ontario uses it to make a false disposition on our people. The remnants of Magna Carta did indeed kill off many Indigenous peoples in both South and North Americas. The principle that no one is above the law is hypocritical as displayed by the government of Ontario! The Ontario emissary, Mr. Michael Bryant came to our community and offered no formal agenda and plan for negotiations. There was no real substance for negotiations despite what he said in a press release dated March 17, 2008. Unfortunately, this is the day that our leaders were imprisoned. The Ontario emissary Mr. Bryant is indeed speaking fork-tongued, repeated once again as Treaty Commissioners did back in 1929. He is not formally talking to anyone at KI as he professes to be! KI Council along with our brothers and sisters at Ardoch Algonquin First Nation who are facing similar situation jointly submitted a proposal to Ontario outlining moratorium on exploration and mining in the disputed areas; a joint panel to consist of three-party membership to investigate exploration and mining issues; and to negotiate interim measures agreements. Mr. Bryant did not take our proposal seriously and he will not even mention any of the contents described. We are very thankful for those that supported us from the beginning and we still need your support more than ever. With your ongoing support, KI will prevail. Contacts: Jacob Ostaman,
Spokesman, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Chris Reid,
Legal Counsel for Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug KITCHENUHMAYKOOSIB INNINUWUG LEADER SAM MCKAY'S WEBSITE http://www.samuelmckay.myknet.org/ 12) ARTICLE: 3 SHARBOT LAKE URANIUM PROTESTER AVOID JAIL Tuesday, March 18, 2008 Three people accused of protesting at a prospective uranium mining site in eastern Ontario in defiance of two court injunctions will not go to jail. The three protesters appeared before Justice Douglas Cunningham Tuesday in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to face contempt of court charges in connection with the occupation last year of a property near Sharbot Lake, about 60 kilometres north of Kingston. To read the rest of this article go to, http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2008/03/18/ot-sharbot-lake-080218.html 13) ARTICLE: ARDOCH LEADER LEFT IN JAIL: OVERSIGHT CAUSES BOB LOVELACE TO MISS COURT DATE By Sue Yanagisawa A second round of contempt charges against two Algonquin communities and several of their supporters, arising out of last summer's uranium-mine protests north of Sharbot Lake, never really got off the ground yesterday. In mid-February, Superior Court Justice Douglas Cunningham sent Queen's University lecturer Robert Lovelace, a spokesman for the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, to jail for six months after Lovelace refused to stop opposing the prospecting plans of Oakville-based Frontenac Ventures Corp. But Lovelace, whose image was on multiple placards stuck in the snowbanks along Court Street yesterday, never arrived inside the Frontenac County Court House. To read the rest of this article go to, http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=949696 14) ARTICLE: LEADER SPEAKS FROM JAIL; LOVELACE RESOLVES TO CONTINUE FIGHT By Frank
Armstrong "My only regret is that I should have started earlier and worked harder," Ardoch Algonquin community leader Bob Lovelace said from a Lindsay jail. To read the rest of this article go to, http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=951278&auth=Frank+Armstrongf |