CPT in Canada

Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishnabek (Grassy Narrows, ON)

The Anishnaabe people of Asubpeeschoseewagong (Grassy Narrows in Northwestern Ontario) have threatened for years to take direct action to protect their traditional land use area from clear-cut logging by Abitibi Consolidated--the world's largest newsprint producer. Treaty #3 signed in 1873 affirms the perpetual right of Anishaanbe people to hunt, fish and gather on their traditional lands. By logging without Anishaanbe permission and clear-cutting Anishaanbe hunting and gathering grounds, Abitibi is in violation of Treaty #3.

On Dec. 3, 2002, Asubpeeschoseewagong asserted its sovereignty over its traditional lands with a blockade of the main logging road near the community and occasional blockades of another logging road. CPT was asked by the community to accompany the blockade because of fears of violence from loggers, police or others. CPT's presence at the nonviolent blockade contributed to the blockade's safety and longevity.

In the past century, the people of Asubpeeschoseewagong have suffered from the genocidal effects of colonization through the residential school system , flooding and displacement by Ontario Hydro dams, forced relocation, mercury poisoning from an up-river pulp and paper mill and now the loss of animal habitat, berries and medicines from clear-cut logging. (Please see fact-finding mission report / project proposal for more background information.)

Except in the remote northern edges of the Grassy Narrows traditional land use area, logging has been stopped for the time being. Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources has recently approved a Abitii's new Forest Management Plan for the Whisky Jack Forest (co-terminus with Asubpeeschoseewagong traditional land use area). Asubpeeschoseewagong's struggle to defend its land is far from over.

CPTNet releases

• The killing of Geronimo Fobister, part two Jul 02 2004
• The Killing of Geronimo Fobister, part one Jul 01 2004
• CPT dumps clearcut mess on Kenora harbour front Jun 20 2004
• Finding common ground Jun 04 2004
• Update Spring 2004 May 26 2004
• Displacement and courageous returns May 18 2004
• Update on the threat of a $10,000 fine for Roberta Keesick May 6 2004
• Once upon a time Apr 21 2004
• Follow the Footsteps - Ottawa Youth in Grassy Narrows Apr 3 2004
• Trees as living community members Apr 2 2004

Related sites

• The Grand Council of Treaty #3
• Turtle Island Native Network News
• Boreal Forest Network
• Sierra Legal Defence Fund - Clearcutting the Ojibway way of life