CPTnet
21 December 2007
ROBERTSVILLE, ON: CPT Announces Aboriginal Justice Delegation to Algonquin
Territory, 26 January-3 February 2008 (Apply by January 18.)

Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) seeks participants for a delegation to
Robertsville Mine (about 80 km north of Kingston, ON) where two Algonquin
First Nations communities are struggling to protect their unceded land from
uranium exploration and mining.

Frontenac Ventures is licensed under the Ontario Mining Act to conduct
exploratory drilling on 60 square kilometers of historic Algonquin
territory. An open-pit uranium mine would release toxic radon gas and
polonium, and leave behind millions of tones 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 occupying the Robertsville Mine for 107 days, the Shabot Obadjiwaan
and Ardoch First Nations agreed in principle to a mediation process with the
federal and provincial governments and Frontenac Ventures. The Algonquins
have called for a moratorium on uranium exploration and are seeking a
resolution to their historic national land claims. The Algonquin blockade is
supported by local "settler" (non-Algonquin) residents, and together
maintain a continuous presence outside the mine.

The CPT Aboriginal Justice Delegation will meet with Algonquin leaders and
settler and environmental activists; seek the perspectives of those who are
in support of 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. Now is a crucial time for
your voice to be heard for a just resolution of this matter.

CPT seeks individuals with some of the following experiences and gifts:
interest or experience in First Nations issues and human rights work;
commitment to non-violence; willingness to engage in public witness, vigils,
or other non-violent action; willingness to participate in daily periods of
collective spiritual reflection and team meetings.

Participants in this delegation should be prepared to participate in
nonviolent public witness regarding Aboriginal sovereignty issues; stay in
rustic housing; spend time outside in cold, unpredictable weather;
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.

For more information or to apply, contact Christian Peacemaker Teams, phone
773-277-0253 (Chicago) or 416-423-5525 (Toronto); fax 773-277-0291; e-mail
delegations@cpt.org; 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) AS SOON AS POSSIBLE;
deadline January 18.