[NukeNet] 81 Groups Support Ardoch Algonquin Uranium Mine Blockade

[Michael Mariotte]

NEWS FROM NIRS

Nuclear Information and Resource Service

6930 Carroll Avenue, Suite 340, Takoma Park, MD 20912

301-270-6477; nirsnet at nirs.org; www.nirs.org <http://www.nirs.org/> 

 

 

For Immediate Release                                 Contact: Donald
Keesing

September 14, 2007
301-270-6477

 

 

81 Organizations Sign Statement of Support for the Ardoch Algonquin
Blockade of FVC Uranium Mining Site on Algonquin Territory in Ontario,
Canada

 

 

Nuclear Information and Resource Service, Greenpeace Canada, Mining
Watch Canada, Voices Opposed to Environmental Racism and dozens of other
organizations sent a statement of support for the Ardoch Algonquin First
Nation's blockade of sites on territory staked out by Frontenac Ventures
Corporation for uranium mining. Aboriginal and jurisdictional title to
the land is held by the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation. The statement was
sent to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Minister of Indian
Affairs Chuck Strahl, Ontario Premier, Dalton McGuinty and Ontario
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs David Ramsey. 

 

The statement was signed by 81 organizations from 12 different countries
and 107 individuals, including members of 11 First Nations or Native
American Tribes. These included notables such as musician/activists
Bonnie Raitt and Graham Nash, and Ojibwe activist Winona LaDuke. 

 

Since June 28, 2007 members of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, other
First Nations and their supporters have been conducting a brave
nonviolent direct action by occupying a staging site for uranium
exploration. 30,000 acres have been staked out for uranium exploration
at Sharbot Lake in Algonquin territory. 

 

The mining company filed a $77 million suit against the First Nations
seeking a court order for their removal. In response an injunction was
issued by the Ontario Supreme Court ordering the First Nations and their
supporters to evacuate the property and making them subject to arrest
for failing to obey the order. 

 

The Ontario Provincial Police thus far have remained reluctant to
exacerbate the situation, and have not enforced the order. There is a
provincial election on October 10, 2007. Greenpeace Canada Executive
Director Bruce Cox said, "Uranium mining and the McGuinty government's
$40 billion dollar nuclear power program need to be key issues... in the
election."

 

Co-chief Paula Sherman of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation said, "Our
opposition to uranium exploration and mining is based on health concerns
as well as our inherent responsibility to protect the land." Said Dave
Martin, energy coordinator of Greenpeace Canada, "Past uranium mining in
Ontario left a deadly legacy of 200 million tons of toxic tailings in
the Elliott Lake and Bancroft areas. Ontario uranium should be left in
the ground. There are too many environmental, safety and economic
reasons to oppose both uranium mining and nuclear power." 

 

"We are calling for Premier McGuinty to enact an immediate moratorium on
uranium exploration and mining for Ontario, following the existing
precedent in Nova Scotia," said John Kittle, spokesperson for the
Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium. 

 

Joan Kuyek from Mining Watch Canada said "Ontario has to learn to
respect the rights of Aboriginal people to protect their lands and
resources; the Algonquins provide a model for us all."

 

For more info contact:

 

Co-Chief Joan Sherman, Ardoch Algonquin First Nation

omamikwe at bell.blackberry.net 613-279-1327

http://www.aafna.ca/ 

 

Dave Martin, Energy Coordinator, Greenpeace Canada 

dave.martin at yto.greenpeace.org 416-597-8408 x3050

http://www.greenpeace.org/canada/ 

 

Joan Kuyek, National Coordinator, Mining Watch Canada

joan at miningwatch.ca 613-569-3439 
http://www.miningwatch.ca <http://www.miningwatch.ca/>  

 

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