First Nations

Indigenous Community Evicts Fracking Crew From Its Territories

July 28, 2014 Michael Toledano, www.news.vice.com Resist! First Nations, Indigenous Rights, Pipeline, TransCanada

The Unist’ot’en Camp, a pipeline blockade on unsurrendered indigenous land in the interior of British Columbia (BC), peacefully evicted a pipeline crew that was found trespassing in their territories earlier this week. The crew was conducting preliminary work for TransCanada’s Coastal GasLink pipeline project, which the company hopes will carry fracked gas from north eastern BC to Canada’s pacific coast. Where the eviction took place, multiple fracked gas and tar sands pipelines have been planned without consent from the Unist’ot’en clan. The clan has never surrendered their lands, signed treaties, or lost in war to Canada or BC. Under a system of governance that predates Canada by thousands of years, the Unist’ot’en have taken an uncompromising stance: All pipelines are banned from their territories. “We’re not willing to sit down at any table with them because our firm answer is no… An official letter with the clan’s letter heading and the chief’s signature will go to the company and mention that they were evicted off our territory and that they’re not permitted back and that if they come back it’s trespass,” Freda Huson, Unist’ot’en camp’s leader, explained. If TransCanada is caught trespassing again, Unist’ot’en’s laws will be strictly enforced: “They’ll leave without their equipment.”

First Nations Activist Receives International Peace Prize

July 28, 2014 CBC News, www.cbc.ca Resist! Activism, Canada, Environment, First Nations, Peace

A First Nations rights activist from Grassy Narrows is getting international recognition. Judy DaSilva received the Michael Sattler Peace Prize from the German Mennonite Peace Committee this week. In a news release Lorens Theissen van Esch of the German Mennonite Peace Committee said: "We want to award the prize to Judy DaSilva in order to honour the nonviolent resistance of the Grassy Narrows First Nation against the destruction of nature and for the preservation of their Indigenous culture." DaSilva travelled to Germany to receive the honour and couldn't be reached for comment, but a First Nations councillor from Grassy Narrows said the community is proud of DaSilva for standing up against clear-cut logging. "It wasn't that long ago that I think our people started realizing that we did have rights and that we're equally parts of Canadian society," Lucille McKenzie said. "I think that she enforces that in the work that she does." But McKenzie says there is still work to be done, as the government is making plans to resume logging in the First Nation's traditional territory — against Grassy Narrows’ wishes.

Greenpeace, Inuit Come Together To Fight Arctic Seismic Testing

July 28, 2014 Lee-Anne Goodman, www.theglobeandmail.com Resist! Arctic, First Nations, Greenpeace, Indigenous Rights, Oil & Gas

Greenpeace and the Inuit have joined forces to protest Arctic seismic testing, warning that plans to gauge oil and gas reserves with high-intensity sound waves in Baffin Bay and the Davis Strait pose grave dangers to marine life. Inuit activists are staging a protest Wednesday in Nunavut’s Clyde River, a tiny Baffin Island hamlet just above the Arctic Circle, a week after Greenpeace took their cause to the United Nations. An Inuit environmentalist also took aim at Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq, a Nunavut MP, accusing the Conservative government of “cultural genocide” for its efforts to open up the Arctic to oil and gas exploration. “We depend on these waters for food and the very existence of Inuit life depend on them,” said Niore Iqalukjuak in an open letter to Aglukkaq in the Nunatsiaq News. “We fear that what the Conservative government is doing is a cultural genocide and will end the Inuit way of life as we know it. ... You are our representative. Speak up on our behalf.” Aglukkaq’s office didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on Iqalukjuak’s letter or on the protest being held in Clyde River. Greenpeace, meantime, has thrown its support behind the community.

First Nation Demands Ontario Halt Clear-Cut Logging On Their Lands

July 26, 2014 Maryam Adrangi, www.occupy.com Resist! Canada, First Nations, Indigenous Rights, Land Rights, Logging

On July 31, members of the Grassy Narrows First Nation will head to the Ontario Legislative Building in Toronto and are calling on supporters to join them “in a walk for clean water and indigenous rights.” Two days before, on July 29, there will be a speaking event with Grassy Narrows Clan Mother Judy Da Silva, Grassy Narrows Chief Roger Fobister, writer and activist Leanne Simpson, and Stephen Lewis. Here's why: It is shocking that neither Canada nor the province of Ontario have recognized even one case of mercury poisoning in the 50 years since the province allowed 10 tonnes of mercury to be dumped into the Wabigoon River, which provides numerous communities with water and fish. It is even more shocking that this river has never been cleaned up and continues to provide these communities with water and fish. In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency advise that any spill larger than 2 tablespoons of mercury should be reported to the state environmental agency, and it is mandatory to call the National Response Center. But just north of the border, tonnes of mercury can be put into river systems with little concern about cleanup, remediation and human health – apparently. Citizens of Grassy Narrows, however, can’t afford to ignore mercury contamination. Grassy Narrows, or Asubpeechoseewagong in Anishnaabe, is located in Treaty 3 territory in northern Ontario. It is one of the communities still facing the impacts of the Dryden pulp and paper mill’s reckless disposal of mercury more than a half century after the spill.

Northern Band Says ‘No’ To Nuclear Waste

July 25, 2014 Jonathon Naylor, www.winnipegfreepress.com Resist! Canada, First Nations, Nuclear, pollution

The most controversial economic-development proposal in the history of this area may have just had its Elijah Harper moment. Brandishing a feather in her hand, Eileen Linklater announced her native band, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, is against bringing radioactive waste to the Flin Flon region. "We don't want (any) nuclear waste in our territory," Linklater, a PBCN councillor, told officials studying the concept in May. To say PBCN's opposition complicates the potential of nuclear-waste storage in Creighton, Flin Flon's sister community just across the Saskatchewan border, is an understatement. Creighton (pop. 1,498) is involved in the early, learning phase with the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), which is mandated to find a site to stockpile Canada's nuclear waste. The waste -- spent nuclear fuel rods from nuclear power plants -- will be buried about 500 metres underground in a highly secure repository. The geology of the chosen area must be sound, but just as importantly, surrounding residents must convincingly demonstrate they want the project. On that point, NWMO has placed heavy emphasis on the will of First Nations people, recognizing they have "unique status and rights," says the agency's website.

Six Nations Protesters Stop Enbridge Line 9 Dig In North Dumfries

July 19, 2014 CBC News, www.cbc.ca Resist! Canada, Enbridge, First Nations, Pipeline, Protest

Protesters from Six Nations and other parts of southwestern Ontario stopped work at a dig on a portion of the Line 9 pipeline in North Dumfries Thursday morning. According to a statement from protesters, a group marched onto a work site east of Highway 24 near the Grand River between Cambridge and Brantford around 10 a.m. Thursday. They say Enbridge’s employees are working without consent or consultation on land that is on Haudenosaunee territory. "We're against the pipeline, the construction, the bitumen tarsands oil running through this pipeline running across the Grand River territory... without proper consultation [with] our people," said Missy Elliot, a Six Nations spokesperson. The dig site is just north of Beverly Court and East of Highway 24 in North Dumfries between Cambridge and Brantford. (Google) Elliot said Six Nations was not consulted in advance of the construction and they only became aware of the dig when information pamphlets were delivered to area residents. "They are supposed to consult and accommodate indigenous people," said Elliot. "Pamphlets in the mail are not proper consultation. Not sitting with us at the table... is not proper consultation."

Breaking Action Alert: Enbridge Blockaded

July 18, 2014 Climate Connections, www.climate-connections.org Resist! Blockade, Enbridge, First Nations

Individuals from Six Nations and their allies have interrupted work on a section of Enbridge’s Line 9 pipeline. The work stoppage began around 10am this morning. Individuals involved asked workers to leave, asserting that the land is Haudenosaunee territory guaranteed under the Haldimand deed, and that Enbridge’s workers were present without consent or consultation. “Meaningful consultation isn’t just providing information and going ahead without discussion – it’s giving the opportunity to say no and having a willingness to accommodate.” says Missy Elliot. “Enbridge left a voice message on a machine with one person. That’s not meaningful – it’s not even consultation.” Emilie Corbeau, there in support of Six Nations points out. Those involved intend to host an action camp, filling the time with teach-ins about Six Nations history, indigenous solidarity and skill shares centering on direct action. The group states that they’ve tried the other processes available to them and here out of necessity. “We’ve tried pursuing avenues with the NEB, the township and the Grand River Conservation Authority. Our concerns were dismissed. What other choice do we have if we want to protect our land, water and children?” Missy Elliot of Six Nations asks.

First Nation Pulls Out Of Grand Rapids Hearings

July 16, 2014 ACFN Challenge, www.acfnchallenge.wordpress.com Resist! Canada, First Nations, Indigenous Rights, Law, Pipeline

Today the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) announced they will no longer participate in the TransCanada Grand Rapids Pipeline hearing citing impossible timelines and prejudice within the process. The First Nation is referring to the project as the “Mother of All Pipelines” feeding projects like the Energy East Pipeline and the controversial Keystone XL pipeline projects. “The AER put us in an impossible position. I am dumbfounded by this process,” stated Adam before he continued to speak about the obstacles the ACFN has faced in trying to get action from both government and industry to adequately address their concerns. Adam spoke about how TransCanada consistently showed little regard to actually addressing the concerns raised by the ACFN and were more concerned with how much it would cost to “buy us off.” Adam added, “this new [Alberta Energy Regulator] regulatory process is fundamentally flawed. It is supposed to be the test of the new regulatory regime for oil and gas and pipelines in Alberta. Yet, it has seriously undermined our efforts to address any concerns about First Nations impacts.”

First Nations Chiefs Willing To Go Jail To Stop Pipeline

July 16, 2014 Shannon Brennan, www.news1130.com Resist! Enbridge, First Nations, Indigenous Rights, Pipeline

Some First Nations chiefs are willing to get arrested to stop Enbridge’s proposed pipeline project. Numerous legal proceedings were filed in appeal court seeking to overturn the federal government’s decision to move forward with the plan. Grand Chief Stewart Phillip says he is prepared to go out onto the land itself to oppose activities being brought forward by Enbridge‘s contractors. “For myself personally it won’t be the first time that I have been arrested in that situation and it won’t be the last time,” he adds. Phillip says this effort is not about money. It’s about the sea, the environment and indigenous land rights. “We will stand with our brothers and sisters in the courtrooms, and if necessary we will stand with our brothers and sisters in solidarity on the land itself,” he warns.

Canada’s New Settler Solidarity Movement

July 12, 2014 Meg Mittelstedt, www.thetyee.ca Create! Canada, First Nations, Indigenous Rights, Settlers, Solidarity

When Jana-Rae Yerxa and Damien Lee organized the first #SettlersinSolidarity teach-in in Thunder Bay this June, they expected the lightly advertised event to draw a handful of attendees. To their surprise, they found themselves in front of a roomful of more than 40 participants. "You could tell that people were just hungry to have a different conversation about racism," says Yerxa, who is Anishinaabe from the Couchiching First Nation. What Yerxa and Lee thought would be a modest beginning has developed into a loose network of non-Indigenous Thunder Bay residents coming together to educate themselves in the wake of several months of heightened racist commentary in mainstream and social media. In Thunder Bay, Vancouver and other locations, non-Indigenous Canadians are meeting together in growing numbers to explore what it means -- and doesn't mean -- to stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples within Canada.

B.C. First Nation Begins Evictions

July 12, 2014 The Canadian Press, www.timescolonist.com Educate! Canada, Eviction, First Nations, Indigenous Rights

British Columbia First Nations are wasting no time in enforcing their claim on traditional lands in light of a landmark Supreme Court of Canada decision recognizing aboriginal land title. The hereditary chiefs of the Gitxsan First Nations served notice Thursday to CN Rail, logging companies and sport fishermen to leave their territory along the Skeena River in a dispute with the federal and provincial governments over treaty talks. And the Gitxaala First Nation, with territory on islands off the North Coast, announced plan to file a lawsuit in the Federal Court of Appeal on Friday challenging Ottawa's recent approval of the Northern Gateway pipeline from Alberta. The Kwikwetlem First Nation also added its voice to the growing list, claiming title to all lands associated with now-closed Riverview Hospital in Metro Vancouver along with other areas of its traditional territory. They cite the recent high court ruling in Tsilhqot'in v. British Columbia.

First Nation Shines Spotlight On Violence Against Women

July 11, 2014 Johnathan Charlton, www.thestarphoenix.com Organize! Canada, First Nations, Violence, Women's Rights

A vicious attack against Marlene Bird in Prince Albert has spurred her home community, Montreal Lake Cree Nation, to keep the issue of violence against women in the public eye. When events like this happen, they're in the news for a while and then disappear, Chief Edward Henderson said. In August, the First Nation intends to start a fundraising campaign to establish an advocacy group, the Foundation for Aboriginal Women of Canada. Then, in November, it plans to co-host the first Canadian Indigenous Women Conference, which Henderson hopes will have a global reach in years to come. The idea behind the conference and the foundation is to be proactive, rather than reactive, Henderson said. "We're inviting people to come and join us and get it organized. We haven't worked out all the details yet; I know we've got some calls from other organizations that want to get involved, see how we can combine with all the other organizations (on the) nationwide issue of violence against First Nations women."

How Idle No More Changed Canada

July 5, 2014 Barb Nahwegahbow, www.ammsa.com Resist! Canada, First Nations, Idle No More, Indigenous Rights

In the winter of 2012-2013, round dances erupted in malls, universities, airports, major intersections in cities and First Nations communities. Hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of Indigenous people and non-Indigenous allies joined hands to dance. That was part of the phenomenon that was called Idle No More (INM). On April 4, a book that documents and celebrates the INM movement in writing, poetry, photographs, paintings and posters, was launched at Toronto’s Ryerson University. About 40 people attended the Canadian launch of the book entitled The Winter We Danced. Monica McKay, director of Ryerson’s Aboriginal Initiatives and a member of the Nisga’a Nation, performed a traditional opening ceremony. The Winter We Danced has 74 contributors. The book was the brainchild of a group called the Kino-nda-niimi Collective. Among its members are Hayden King, assistant professor of Politics and director of the Centre for Indigenous Governance at Ryerson. King is Pottawatomi and Ojibwe from Beausoleil First Nation in Ontario. Among other things, King selected the photographic images contained in the book. Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair, who is Anishinabe from St. Peter’s Little Settlement in Manitoba, acted as the lead editor for the book. Sinclair teaches courses in Indigenous literatures, cultures and histories at the University of Manitoba.

Court Rules To Give First Nations Resource Rights

June 28, 2014 Heather Smith, www.grist.org Resist! Canada, First Nations, Oil, Pipeline

With just one court ruling, the situation of pipelines in Canada has changed in a big way. On Thursday, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled on a 14-year-old battle over logging rights on Tsilhqot’in Nation territory in British Columbia. Its decision says that any First Nation land that was never formally ceded to the Canadian government cannot be developed without consent of those First Nations who have a claim to it. To say that this has huge implications for the Canadian oil industry is an understatement. The only thing that stands between Alberta, the province that is the hub of the country’s oil boom, and the Pacific Ocean, which connects Canada to the lucrative oil markets of Asia, is unceded First Nations territory. The Northern Gateway pipeline, which Prime Minister Stephen Harper approved earlier this week, runs along a route that First Nations have already begun blockading, a full 18 months before the pipeline is expected to begin construction. Harper has claimed a deep respect for Canadians who want to protect their own land, and has blamed most of the agitation against pipelines in Canada on the outside influence of Americans who “would like to see Canada be one giant national park.” This ruling is going to put that respect to the test.

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