A meeting to defend Aboriginal Rights: Wednesday April 9th, Toronto
See also
Land Rights Not Mining Rights
Free Robert Lovelace and the KI 6
Toronto, Wednesday April 9th, 6 pm,
Ryerson Student Union, 55 Gould St (between Victoria and Church)
Featuring:
- Ovide Mercredi, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations
- Members of the KI and Ardoch First Nations
In a travesty of justice and a grave assault on Aboriginal rights, seven Aboriginal leaders are in jail today for upholding indigenous and Canadian law. In March, Robert Lovelace from Ardoch and Chief Donny Morris of the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) community, four councillors and one community member were jailed for six months for contempt of court. In two separate cases, they refused mining exploration on their traditional lands without their permission. Additionally, Robert Lovelace and his community have been hit with huge fines.
These Aboriginal leaders were not only protecting indigenous laws, they were also protecting the Canadian constitution as interpreted by the Supreme Court of Canada, which says that governments must consult with Aboriginal Nations before licensing mining exploration on their lands.
The KI Six arguments that the Ontario government has a constitutional responsibility to consult with them before issuing a mining permit in their traditional territories were rejected by the court. The judge in the Ardoch case threw out Robert Lovelace’s testimony that he was defending Algonquin Law and responsibilities with respect to human activity in their territory.
“I’m prepared to go to jail for my belief in the land,” said KI Chief Donny Morris. “This is a land issue based on our sovereignty and I’m prepared to give myself up if the court decides I’ve disrespected the November ruling to allow Platinex on our land…”
They should not have to go to jail! Premier Dalton McGuinty should withdraw the licenses issued to these mining companies and free Robert Lovelace and the KI 6. The jailing of these leaders is causing terrible suffering and fear in their communities. KI is a remote northern community that has just lost the majority of its leadership and the Ardoch community is facing fines of $50,000. These leaders are also in jail because their communities are poor and cannot afford fines.
“The message delivered through this court decision is one of domination and oppression,” said Chief Paula Sherman of the Ardoch decision.
Support the right of a community to say NO to mineral exploration and mining projects that threaten the health of people and ecosystems. Replace the antiquated ‘free entry’ system of mining and exploration with a process that grants exploration permits only after consultation with affected First Nations communities, and consideration of competing land uses and values.
Join us to show support for the Ardoch and KI communities, to protest these harsh court decisions, and to demand action from Premier Dalton McGuinty.
Co sponsors include:
- Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation
- Ardoch Algonquin First Nation
- CAW Sam Gindin Chair in Social Justice and Democracy, Ryerson University
- Ryerson Students’ Union
- Mamow Sha-way-gi-kay-win North-South Partnership on Children
- Ryerson Aboriginal Students Services
- Christian Peacemaker Teams Canda
- CPAWS Wildlands League
- Indigenous Environmental Network
- Mining Watch Canada
- OCAP
- Laguna Acoma Coalition for a Safe Environment
Those who are interested can sign up to speak at the April 26th Citizens’ Inquiry in Uranium Mining in Toronto: Hart House, East common room, 7 Hart House Circle, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Features a showing of “Uranium” (NFB). Speakers include Chief Paula Sherman (AAFN), Donna Dillman (CCAMU), Marion Odell (IICPH) and Dr. Gordon Edwards, well-known expert on radioactivity. Contact Paul York at 657-342-7995 or to register. Most speeches are 5 min. but if you require longer, please note this. The public is encouraged to attend. Please forward.