ONTARIO: Christian Peacemaker Teams announces Aboriginal Justice Delegation to Algonquin Territory, 31 May-June 8, 2008.
March 31st, 2008
CPTnet
31 March 2008
ONTARIO: Christian Peacemaker Teams announces Aboriginal Justice Delegation to Algonquin Territory, 31 May-June 8, 2008.
Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) seeks participants for a delegation to Robertsville Mine (about eighty km north of Kingston, ON) where two Algonquin First Nations communities are struggling to protect their unceded land from uranium exploration and mining.
The Ontario Mining Act has licensed Frontenac Ventures Corporation (FVC) to conduct exploratory drilling on sixty square kilometres of historic Algonquin territory. An open-pit uranium mine would release toxic radon gas and polonium, and leave behind millions of tonnes of radioactive tailings that will permanently pollute groundwater. The Ardoch Algonquin First Nation
(AAFN) says, "Uranium mining will lead directly to our social, spiritual and cultural demise."
Algonquin leader Bob Lovelace has been jailed for his non-violent resistance to illegal and immoral actions by the Ontario government, while many other Algonquin leaders from both Shabot Obaadjiwan FN and AAFN face heavy fines. This delegation will coincide with the continued court proceedings related to this situation.
After occupying the Robertsville Mine for 107 days throughout the summer of 2007, both First Nations participated in a mediation process with the federal and provincial governments and FVC, talks that broke down when the provincial government predetermined that the outcome must include drilling.
In February and March, an Ontario Superior Court judge issued prison sentences and stiff fines to Algonquin leaders for their non-violent resistance to a court injunction that prohibited the blockade. The Algonquins have called for a moratorium on uranium exploration and are seeking a resolution to their historic national land claims. The resistance campaign to prevent uranium mining is supported by local non-Algonquin residents who refer to themselves as "settlers."
The CPT Aboriginal Justice Delegation will meet with Algonquin leaders as well as settler and environmental activists; seek the perspectives of those who are in support of uranium exploration (including government officials); make visits to the historic blockade site; develop an analysis of colonialism; participate in undoing racism training and organize a public witness in support of the Algonquin's struggle for justice. Now is a crucial time for your voice to be heard for a just resolution of this matter.
Participants in this delegation should be prepared to:
- Participate in non-violent public witness regarding Aboriginal sovereignty issues
- Be housed in rustic conditions, and spend time outside
- Communicate their experiences to local congregations, groups, and the media upon return
- Arrange their own travel to and from Kingston, Ontario (CPT can assist with logistics)
- Raise $275 (CDN or US) to cover delegation expenses.
Please apply by 16 May 2008. Earlier is better!
For more information or to apply, contact:
Christian Peacemaker Teams, PO Box 6508, Chicago, IL 60680 Phone 773-277-0253; fax 773-277-0291; e-mail delegations@cpt.org
Applications available on the web at www.cpt.org; click "Participate/Join a delegation"
31 March 2008
ONTARIO: Christian Peacemaker Teams announces Aboriginal Justice Delegation to Algonquin Territory, 31 May-June 8, 2008.
Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) seeks participants for a delegation to Robertsville Mine (about eighty km north of Kingston, ON) where two Algonquin First Nations communities are struggling to protect their unceded land from uranium exploration and mining.
The Ontario Mining Act has licensed Frontenac Ventures Corporation (FVC) to conduct exploratory drilling on sixty square kilometres of historic Algonquin territory. An open-pit uranium mine would release toxic radon gas and polonium, and leave behind millions of tonnes of radioactive tailings that will permanently pollute groundwater. The Ardoch Algonquin First Nation
(AAFN) says, "Uranium mining will lead directly to our social, spiritual and cultural demise."
Algonquin leader Bob Lovelace has been jailed for his non-violent resistance to illegal and immoral actions by the Ontario government, while many other Algonquin leaders from both Shabot Obaadjiwan FN and AAFN face heavy fines. This delegation will coincide with the continued court proceedings related to this situation.
After occupying the Robertsville Mine for 107 days throughout the summer of 2007, both First Nations participated in a mediation process with the federal and provincial governments and FVC, talks that broke down when the provincial government predetermined that the outcome must include drilling.
In February and March, an Ontario Superior Court judge issued prison sentences and stiff fines to Algonquin leaders for their non-violent resistance to a court injunction that prohibited the blockade. The Algonquins have called for a moratorium on uranium exploration and are seeking a resolution to their historic national land claims. The resistance campaign to prevent uranium mining is supported by local non-Algonquin residents who refer to themselves as "settlers."
The CPT Aboriginal Justice Delegation will meet with Algonquin leaders as well as settler and environmental activists; seek the perspectives of those who are in support of uranium exploration (including government officials); make visits to the historic blockade site; develop an analysis of colonialism; participate in undoing racism training and organize a public witness in support of the Algonquin's struggle for justice. Now is a crucial time for your voice to be heard for a just resolution of this matter.
Participants in this delegation should be prepared to:
- Participate in non-violent public witness regarding Aboriginal sovereignty issues
- Be housed in rustic conditions, and spend time outside
- Communicate their experiences to local congregations, groups, and the media upon return
- Arrange their own travel to and from Kingston, Ontario (CPT can assist with logistics)
- Raise $275 (CDN or US) to cover delegation expenses.
Please apply by 16 May 2008. Earlier is better!
For more information or to apply, contact:
Christian Peacemaker Teams, PO Box 6508, Chicago, IL 60680 Phone 773-277-0253; fax 773-277-0291; e-mail delegations@cpt.org
Applications available on the web at www.cpt.org; click "Participate/Join a delegation"
