CPTnet
17 October 2007
ROBERTSVILLE, ON: CPT Canada recalls team from Algonquin blockade

The Shabot Obaadjiwan and Ardoch Algonquin First Nations have agreed to a
mediation process involving their representatives, the governments of Canada
and Ontario, and the uranium exploration company Frontenac Ventures (FV).
As stipulated by the mediation agreement, the Algonquins left the
Robertsville Mine site on 12 October 2007 after occupying it since 28 June
2007. Christian Peacemaker Teams Canada recalled its violence reduction team
from the Algonquin Blockade on 12 October as well.

The mediation process will encompass the following discussions: --whether
Frontenac's staked claims and mining lease are legally valid; --the
possibility of withdrawing traditional Algonquin land from staking and a
moratorium on mineral exploration and mining; --addressing on-the-ground
concerns about the impacts of uranium drilling.

Frontenac Ventures obtained a license under the Ontario Mining Act to carry
out exploratory drilling on sixty square kilometers of unceded Algonquin
land. The Algonquins have never surrendered title to lands they have
inhabited from time immemorial. The Royal Proclamation Act of 1763 and the
Canadian Constitution Act of 1982 enshrine Aboriginal title in Canadian law.

Neither FV nor the Ontario government consulted with the Algonquin people
before FV began its uranium exploration program. Canadian court decisions
dating back seventeen years have ruled governments must consult indigenous
peoples and accommodate their concerns before undertaking resource
exploitation projects on their territories. This duty to consult exists
even when title to the land is in dispute. Canadian courts have also ruled
that where the potential harm to indigenous rights is serious, governments
should proceed only with the consent of the affected peoples.

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. In its 23 June 2007 Statement on Uranium
Mining, the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation asserted, "Uranium mining will
lead directly to our social, spiritual, and cultural demise, as our
collective identity--requires a continual relationship with the land . . .We
do not have the option that FVC has to pack up and leave once their
destruction of our lands is complete." (See
http://www.aafna.ca/Uranium_mining.html.) . According to the mediation
agreement, the Algonquins will allow FV to continue with some exploratory
work, but it cannot do any drilling. The court has appointed an independent
monitor to verify FV's compliance and has allowed a period of twelve weeks
for the mediation.

CPT maintains that this land-use dispute is rooted in the Canadian
government's historic neglect of legitimate Algonquin land and national
sovereignty claims, and the unconstitutionality of the Ontario Mining Act.
(The Mining Act makes no provision for consulting First Nations
communities.) A mediation process that addresses the root causes of this
conflict is a positive step towards resolving a long-standing injustice.

CPT sent a team to the blockade site on 3 September 2007. CPT conducted two
non-violence trainings, attended court proceedings, organized a
letter-writing campaign to OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino, and maintained a
presence at the blockade site. CPT will continue to follow developments
related to the dispute closely.