CPTnet
25 October 2007
ROBERTSVILLE, ON: CPT Announces Algonquin Blockade Delegation 10-18 November
2007; apply by 5 November

Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) is seeking participants for an emergency
delegation to Robertsville Mine (approximately eighty km north of Kingston,
ON) where two Algonquin First Nations communities are struggling to protect
their unceded land from exploratory uranium drilling.

Licensed under the Ontario Mining Act, Frontenac Ventures is conducting
exploratory drilling for uranium on sixty square kilometers 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 First Nation says,
"Uranium mining will lead directly to our social, spiritual and cultural
demise."

After Algonquins occupied the Robertsville Mine for 107 days, an agreement
in principle to a mediation process involving Shabot Obadjiwaan and Ardoch
First Nations, the federal and provincial governments, and Frontenac
Ventures was achieved.

The Algonquins are seeking a moratorium on uranium exploration and a
resolution to their historic national land claims. Local "settler"
(non-Algonquin) residents passionately support the Algonquin. Settlers and
Algonquins are continuing a twenty-four-hour presence outside the
Robertsville Mine but are allowing Frontenac Ventures access to the site as
long as the mediation process continues.

The CPT Algonquin Blockade Delegation will meet with Algonquin leaders,
settler and environmental activists; seek the perspectives of those who
support uranium exploration (including government officials); maintain a
presence at the 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.

The dates for this delegation coincide with court hearings scheduled in
Kingston for 14-16 November. A judge has threatened five Algonquin leaders,
two settlers, and one CPTer with contempt of court charges related to a 31
August court injunction against the blockade.

CPT is a faith-based group that seeks participants interested in human
rights work, committed to nonviolence, open to team worship and reflection,
and willing to consider participating in civil disobedience for the sake of
justice. Delegates should be prepared to spend time outdoors or camping
under rustic conditions in cold, unpredictable weather. They should have
plans to share about the trip upon return to their home communities and
congregations.

Delegates pay for and arrange their own travel to Kingston, Ontario and will
raise $275 (Cdn or US) to cover on-ground travel, three meals a day, simple
accommodations, honorariums and program costs.

For more information or to apply, contact Delegations Coordinator, CPT,
phone 773-277-0253; e-mail delegations@cpt.org; fax 773-277-0291 or see
CPT's website at: http://www.cpt.org/ and click on "Delegations" to download
an application. FAX OR E-MAIL COMPLETED APPLICATIONS (including a summary
of your experience) BY 5 NOVEMBER 2007.