CPTNET
September 21, 2001
GRASSY NARROWS, ONTARIO: Imagine

by Lisa Martens

Imagine this: An indigenous nation, when encroached upon by loggers (or
miners or hydroelectric developers), simply calls up the federal
government's Department of Indian Affairs, and the government expels the
intruders.

This was the reality, not a dream, described by the Kayapo Indian Chief
Raoni on August 27, 2001, when talking about the Kayapo
nation's relationship with the government of Brazil.

Raoni, and three other Kayapo chiefs, addressed members of
Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishnabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation), and a
few newspaper reporters, while standing in the midst of a raw clearcut on
Asubpeeschoseewagong's traditional territories in northwest Ontario, Canada.

Joe Fobister, coordinator of Asubpeeschoseewagong's Environment Committee
then explained that if Abitibi-Consolidated Inc continues to cut logs at the
current rate, the entire forest on his people's land will be felled in 25
years. Yet the Canadian government
says this is simply a provincial forestry matter and the provincial
government says that land issues raised by indigenous peoples are a federal
matter. So whom should they call?

The Kayapos visited Asubpeeschooseewagong for a week, and spoke in support
of the nation's efforts to keep their sacred spaces alive and their demands
for government protection from outsiders exploiting their resources.

Since May 1999, Christian Peacemaker Teams has led several delegations to
Asubpoesschoseewagong at the invitation of community leaders.