CPTnet
June 5, 2003
ASUBPEESCHOSEEWAGONG, ON: CPTers accompany overnight blockade

Members of Christian Peacemaker Teams have accompanied Grassy Narrows
residents blockading the junction of Stewart Lake and Segise Roads since 8pm
on June 4.

Throughout the night, between six to twenty-six blockaders allowed equipment
operators to leave the site, but informed them they could not return. Two
workers were prevented from driving into the area, but logging activity
continued all night.

Residents of Grassy Narrows say they want loggers to cease logging on their
treaty territory. They say loggers don't recognize First Nation rights to
land and resources.

"CPT volunteers are trained to reduce violence. One form of violence is
taking more than our share of the trees and forcing Anishinaabe people off
their traditional land," said Matt Schaaf of CPT.

"We used to come hunt moose here," one Grassy Narrows band member, said,
gesturing toward Stewart Lake. "Now its all clear-cut."

"I'm here because of my culture," explained Grassy Narrows band member Mary
Ann Swain. "Once you cut the trees they cannot be replaced."

"I hitch-hiked from Kenora to this blockade after watching last night's TV
documentary [on Grassy Narrows blockade and its effects on logging
operations.] The loggers said they need to cut the trees to have a future,
but those trees are part of our future," said Chrissy Swain, Grassy Narrows
youth of Native Youth Movement. "I won't leave."

Contractor Jim Ambs says he was born and raised in the area, knows the
forest intimately, and doesn't choose where he cuts. "Abitibi suggested we
cut here. It's the end of the five year [harvesting] plan, and this is the
only site left to us this summer. I'd rather cut somewhere else."

CPT has maintained a periodic violence reduction presence at
Asubpeeschoseewagong since May 1999. Current team members include Erin
Kindy (IL, USA) and Matt Schaaf (Winnipeg, MB).