BRENDAN WEDLEY
City council called Monday night for the province to suspend uranium exploration — the same day the provincial government announced it would build two new nuclear reactors at its Darlington station.
John Kittle, with the Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium, urged council to pass the resolution calling for the moratorium.
Allowing mining companies to explore for uranium in Ontario watersheds is a recipe for disaster, Kittle said.
“They’re not good neighbours,” he said. “The province should treat uranium as a high priority special case.
“We need to make it crystal clear to the province that we don’t want this.”
In addition to the environmental impacts, Kittle said the mining legislation allows companies to stake claims without permission from property owners or municipalities.
“It’s a throwback to the Wild West days and it’s still on the books,” he said of the legislation. “The McGuinty Liberals are determined to allow uranium exploration in Ontario.”
Council unanimously approved the resolution to ask the province for a moratorium untilall environmental and health issues related to uranium mining are resolved.
The gallery erupted with applause after the vote.
Full Story: Peterborough Examiner
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Darlington to get 2 new reactors
Robert Benzie
Debra Black
Power-hungry Ontario wants new sources of electricity near Toronto. Hard-hit Durham Region wants jobs. Those factors won out over environmental fears and huge costs yesterday as the province announced that the Darlington nuclear plant will be expanded to accommodate two giant reactors.
Canada's first new reactors in two decades are expected to generate up to 3,200 megawatts of power. That is almost enough to power all homes and businesses in Toronto and nearly doubles Darlington's current capacity.
Toronto Star
Just in case we thought Queen's Park was actually listening... I love this though:
"Phillips declined to give a price tag for the Darlington project other than to say it would fit within the overall $26.3 billion replacement and refurbishment nuclear plan over the next 20 years.
"I won't give you an estimate today. The reason for that is we are going to use this very good, competitive process to get the possible deal," he said, acknowledging that even though the winning company would face "penalties" for some extra costs, ratepayers would be on the hook for the cost overruns. "
Has no one been paying attention to their hydro bills in the last 20 years? We're still paying for the first set of reactors, and not all of them are actually working.
Debra Black
Power-hungry Ontario wants new sources of electricity near Toronto. Hard-hit Durham Region wants jobs. Those factors won out over environmental fears and huge costs yesterday as the province announced that the Darlington nuclear plant will be expanded to accommodate two giant reactors.
Canada's first new reactors in two decades are expected to generate up to 3,200 megawatts of power. That is almost enough to power all homes and businesses in Toronto and nearly doubles Darlington's current capacity.
Toronto Star
Just in case we thought Queen's Park was actually listening... I love this though:
"Phillips declined to give a price tag for the Darlington project other than to say it would fit within the overall $26.3 billion replacement and refurbishment nuclear plan over the next 20 years.
"I won't give you an estimate today. The reason for that is we are going to use this very good, competitive process to get the possible deal," he said, acknowledging that even though the winning company would face "penalties" for some extra costs, ratepayers would be on the hook for the cost overruns. "
Has no one been paying attention to their hydro bills in the last 20 years? We're still paying for the first set of reactors, and not all of them are actually working.
Queen's Park to Grassy Narrows: Organizing to win
"I heard it on the television/ All the talking politicians/ Words are easy, words are cheap/ Much cheaper than our priceless land/ But promises can disappear/ Just like writing in the sand/" – Australian musician Yothu Yindi.
For years, every level of Canadian government has made assurances to the First Nations – most never carried out. But in just a couple weeks, we've seen amazing gains for First Nations communities in Ontario. Leaders have been freed from jail. The third largest logging company in North America has been driven away by resistance from the First Nations community that stakes claim on that land. Finally, diverse communities, organizations and individuals who have been hesitant to work together in the past are working hand-in-hand for Native land rights.
Carmelle Wolfsonrabble.ca
For years, every level of Canadian government has made assurances to the First Nations – most never carried out. But in just a couple weeks, we've seen amazing gains for First Nations communities in Ontario. Leaders have been freed from jail. The third largest logging company in North America has been driven away by resistance from the First Nations community that stakes claim on that land. Finally, diverse communities, organizations and individuals who have been hesitant to work together in the past are working hand-in-hand for Native land rights.
Carmelle Wolfsonrabble.ca
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Peterborough Becomes #20!
Council against uranium mining in watershed
Posted By BY BRENDAN WEDLEY EXAMINER MUNICIPAL WRITER
City council wants the province to halt uranium exploration, mining and related processing in the Otonabee River watershed to protect the city's water supply.
Council, sitting as committee of the whole last night, supported a motion presented by an anti-nuclear group -Safe and Green Energy.
Peterborough Examiner
Congrats to SAGE for their excellent work!
Posted By BY BRENDAN WEDLEY EXAMINER MUNICIPAL WRITER
City council wants the province to halt uranium exploration, mining and related processing in the Otonabee River watershed to protect the city's water supply.
Council, sitting as committee of the whole last night, supported a motion presented by an anti-nuclear group -Safe and Green Energy.
Peterborough Examiner
Congrats to SAGE for their excellent work!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Seven aboriginal protesters granted release by Ontario Appeal Court
May 28, 2008 - 6:28 pm
By: Tobi Cohen, THE CANADIAN PRESS
TORONTO - Moments after the Ontario Court of Appeal decided he'd served enough time behind bars, the last of seven aboriginal protesters jailed over disputes with mining exploration companies walked out of court saying he planned to stroll barefoot in the grass.
The overcrowded courtroom, filled mostly with aboriginal supporters, burst into applause and even a court police officer shook the hand of Ardoch Algonquin First Nation's leader Bob Lovelace who spent 3 1/2 months in jail.
"It feels really good. It feels like justice is on our side," Lovelace said on the front steps of the courthouse, his wife by his side.
"I think I'm going to go out and put my feet in the grass. It's been a long time."
The eastern Ontario aboriginal leader was jailed in February for breaching an injunction that allowed Frontenac Ventures to conduct uranium exploration activities on his community's traditional territory unhindered.
While the ruling does nothing to resolve the dispute, Lovelace said he hoped this "exercise" would prompt the Ontario government to engage in "meaningful" discussion and consultation on the matter which ultimately comes down to an archaic Mining Act that allows companies to stake land anywhere they like.
But Lovelace cautioned he must "continue to protect our land," meaning he may be forced to occupy the disputed territory again if the company decides to proceed with exploration activities - a situation that could land him back in jail.
The court also decided six leaders from Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation had served enough time and ought to maintain their freedom.
They had breached a similar injunction involving the company Platinex Inc., which sought to drill on their land some 600 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, Ont.
Chief Donny Morris, deputy KI chief Jack McKay and members Sam McKay, Darryl Sainnawap, Cecilia Begg and Bruce Sakakeep were granted a temporary release last Friday pending the outcome of Wednesday's sentence appeal.
Chris Reid, a lawyer representing the two aboriginal groups, argued aboriginal law dictates the leadership must uphold the wishes of their community, which in this case, is to stop companies from engaging in mining exploration on their land.
"This is not an isolated case," Reid said. "It's something that's going to occur again and again."
He suggested the aboriginal groups are prepared to discuss the matter, but want the right to say no if they don't like what they hear.
The Appeal Court judges ruled that all seven would have their sentences reduced to time served but reserved their reasons for the ruling.
While lawyers representing the two companies supported the release of the KI 6, they contested Lovelace's release, suggesting he had only to agree to abide by the rules of the injunction.
Lawyer Neal Smitheman argued Lovelace's non-status band had a weak claim to the contested land in the first place which makes it a much different case than that of the KI 6.
Another group of Algonquins have been negotiating a land claim that includes the Ardoch territory for more than a decade but negotiations have "failed miserably," he added.
He suggested it's really a matter for the province to resolve, not the mining companies.
"This is not Frontenac's fight. We are not the villains. We are the victim," he said.
"We're just obeying the law."
As for the KI appeal, Smitheman told the court he was "instructed" by Platinex not to oppose it.
"It does not serve any purpose to keep the leaders of KI incarcerated," he argued.
The groups have repeatedly slammed the province for doing nothing on the matter. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Michael Bryant even walked out of a meeting Tuesday with the KI 6 when the conversation turned to Lovelace's fate, Reid said.
Still, the province's lawyer Malliha Wilson, surprised everyone when she spoke out in support of freeing all seven protesters.
She also sparked a waved of laughter and much confusion among the three-judge panel when she suggested a more appropriate punishment than jail would have been to fine them and direct the money to a trust fund to support their communities.
One judge noted the province's original position was to "impose a fine that hurts," and questioned the sudden change in language which was now promoting reconciliation.
"The words 'hurt' and 'reconciliation' are total opposites," Justice James MacPherson said.
By: Tobi Cohen, THE CANADIAN PRESS
TORONTO - Moments after the Ontario Court of Appeal decided he'd served enough time behind bars, the last of seven aboriginal protesters jailed over disputes with mining exploration companies walked out of court saying he planned to stroll barefoot in the grass.
The overcrowded courtroom, filled mostly with aboriginal supporters, burst into applause and even a court police officer shook the hand of Ardoch Algonquin First Nation's leader Bob Lovelace who spent 3 1/2 months in jail.
"It feels really good. It feels like justice is on our side," Lovelace said on the front steps of the courthouse, his wife by his side.
"I think I'm going to go out and put my feet in the grass. It's been a long time."
The eastern Ontario aboriginal leader was jailed in February for breaching an injunction that allowed Frontenac Ventures to conduct uranium exploration activities on his community's traditional territory unhindered.
While the ruling does nothing to resolve the dispute, Lovelace said he hoped this "exercise" would prompt the Ontario government to engage in "meaningful" discussion and consultation on the matter which ultimately comes down to an archaic Mining Act that allows companies to stake land anywhere they like.
But Lovelace cautioned he must "continue to protect our land," meaning he may be forced to occupy the disputed territory again if the company decides to proceed with exploration activities - a situation that could land him back in jail.
The court also decided six leaders from Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation had served enough time and ought to maintain their freedom.
They had breached a similar injunction involving the company Platinex Inc., which sought to drill on their land some 600 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, Ont.
Chief Donny Morris, deputy KI chief Jack McKay and members Sam McKay, Darryl Sainnawap, Cecilia Begg and Bruce Sakakeep were granted a temporary release last Friday pending the outcome of Wednesday's sentence appeal.
Chris Reid, a lawyer representing the two aboriginal groups, argued aboriginal law dictates the leadership must uphold the wishes of their community, which in this case, is to stop companies from engaging in mining exploration on their land.
"This is not an isolated case," Reid said. "It's something that's going to occur again and again."
He suggested the aboriginal groups are prepared to discuss the matter, but want the right to say no if they don't like what they hear.
The Appeal Court judges ruled that all seven would have their sentences reduced to time served but reserved their reasons for the ruling.
While lawyers representing the two companies supported the release of the KI 6, they contested Lovelace's release, suggesting he had only to agree to abide by the rules of the injunction.
Lawyer Neal Smitheman argued Lovelace's non-status band had a weak claim to the contested land in the first place which makes it a much different case than that of the KI 6.
Another group of Algonquins have been negotiating a land claim that includes the Ardoch territory for more than a decade but negotiations have "failed miserably," he added.
He suggested it's really a matter for the province to resolve, not the mining companies.
"This is not Frontenac's fight. We are not the villains. We are the victim," he said.
"We're just obeying the law."
As for the KI appeal, Smitheman told the court he was "instructed" by Platinex not to oppose it.
"It does not serve any purpose to keep the leaders of KI incarcerated," he argued.
The groups have repeatedly slammed the province for doing nothing on the matter. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Michael Bryant even walked out of a meeting Tuesday with the KI 6 when the conversation turned to Lovelace's fate, Reid said.
Still, the province's lawyer Malliha Wilson, surprised everyone when she spoke out in support of freeing all seven protesters.
She also sparked a waved of laughter and much confusion among the three-judge panel when she suggested a more appropriate punishment than jail would have been to fine them and direct the money to a trust fund to support their communities.
One judge noted the province's original position was to "impose a fine that hurts," and questioned the sudden change in language which was now promoting reconciliation.
"The words 'hurt' and 'reconciliation' are total opposites," Justice James MacPherson said.
Seven aboriginal protesters granted release by Ontario Appeal Court
44 minutes ago
TORONTO — Seven aboriginal protesters jailed over disputes with mining companies have been freed from jail following a decision by the Ontario Court of Appeal today.
Six leaders from the KI First Nation in northern Ontario were jailed March 17 for disobeying court orders in an ongoing dispute with Platinex Inc. A seventh protester from the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation was jailed in February for a similar court breach in eastern Ontario.
The six KI members were freed temporarily last Friday after being sentenced to six months in jail.
The Appeal Court judges ruled that all seven would have their sentences reduced to time served.
The judges reserved their reasons for the ruling.
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iYm3t7B9dWfy3EjC2fP_xi8ljpug
TORONTO — Seven aboriginal protesters jailed over disputes with mining companies have been freed from jail following a decision by the Ontario Court of Appeal today.
Six leaders from the KI First Nation in northern Ontario were jailed March 17 for disobeying court orders in an ongoing dispute with Platinex Inc. A seventh protester from the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation was jailed in February for a similar court breach in eastern Ontario.
The six KI members were freed temporarily last Friday after being sentenced to six months in jail.
The Appeal Court judges ruled that all seven would have their sentences reduced to time served.
The judges reserved their reasons for the ruling.
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iYm3t7B9dWfy3EjC2fP_xi8ljpug
Friday, May 23, 2008
Platinex Commences Lawsuit Against Ontario Government
CNW Group Portfolio E-Mail
PLATINEX INC.
Transmitted by CNW Group on : May 22, 2008 10:55
Platinex Commences Lawsuit Against Ontario Government
TORONTO, May 22 /CNW/ - Platinex Inc. (TSX Venture: PTX) today announced
that it had commenced a lawsuit against the Government of Ontario claiming
$50 million of general damages, $20 million of special damages, plus
interest
and costs. The lawsuit arises out of its mining claims in the Big Trout Lake
area. Platinex has been unable to gain access to its mining claims because
of
actions by Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug ("KI").
Platinex claims that Ontario failed to discharge its obligation to
consult KI and that it breached its duty to warn Platinex that it would not
enforce the rule of law around the Platinex mining claims. Platinex has
suffered substantial wasted expenditures and economic harm as a result of
not
being able to access its mining claims.
James Trusler, President and CEO of Platinex, stated, "We felt we had no
choice but to file this lawsuit. Our exhaustive efforts in consultation with
KI over nine years have been rejected by KI despite landmark Supreme Court
rulings which have determined that a First Nation does not have a veto and
also despite recommendations of the recent Ipperwash inquiry. Our court
ordered access to the mining claims has not been enforced."
In addition to the pursuit of access to and exploration of the Big Trout
Lake property, Platinex intends to focus its future exploration efforts on
other areas. On April 22, 2008, Platinex announced that it had staked claims
in Ontario at North McFauld's Lake, South McFauld's Lake, Norton Lake,
Awkward Lake, Core Zone and Tib Lake. Platinex also announced that it had
acquired an option on claims in Churchill, MacMurchy and Asquith Townships,
in
Ontario. Additionally, on March 3, 2008, Platinex announced that it had
staked
claims on the Muskox Intrusion, in Nunavut Territory.
About Platinex Inc.
Platinex is a Canadian exploration company based near Toronto. Platinex
focuses on carefully selected Platinum Group Element targets in settings
analogous to the JM reef (Stillwater Complex, Montana) and the Merensky and
UG2 reefs (Bushveld Complex, RSA). Platinex is determined to find platinum
sources to be used in the campaign to eliminate the threat of global
warming.
Platinex also focuses on opportunistic acquisitions in non-PGE projects
which
show promise of near term improvement in value. Shares of Platinex are
listed
for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol PTX.
PLATINEX INC.
Transmitted by CNW Group on : May 22, 2008 10:55
Platinex Commences Lawsuit Against Ontario Government
TORONTO, May 22 /CNW/ - Platinex Inc. (TSX Venture: PTX) today announced
that it had commenced a lawsuit against the Government of Ontario claiming
$50 million of general damages, $20 million of special damages, plus
interest
and costs. The lawsuit arises out of its mining claims in the Big Trout Lake
area. Platinex has been unable to gain access to its mining claims because
of
actions by Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug ("KI").
Platinex claims that Ontario failed to discharge its obligation to
consult KI and that it breached its duty to warn Platinex that it would not
enforce the rule of law around the Platinex mining claims. Platinex has
suffered substantial wasted expenditures and economic harm as a result of
not
being able to access its mining claims.
James Trusler, President and CEO of Platinex, stated, "We felt we had no
choice but to file this lawsuit. Our exhaustive efforts in consultation with
KI over nine years have been rejected by KI despite landmark Supreme Court
rulings which have determined that a First Nation does not have a veto and
also despite recommendations of the recent Ipperwash inquiry. Our court
ordered access to the mining claims has not been enforced."
In addition to the pursuit of access to and exploration of the Big Trout
Lake property, Platinex intends to focus its future exploration efforts on
other areas. On April 22, 2008, Platinex announced that it had staked claims
in Ontario at North McFauld's Lake, South McFauld's Lake, Norton Lake,
Awkward Lake, Core Zone and Tib Lake. Platinex also announced that it had
acquired an option on claims in Churchill, MacMurchy and Asquith Townships,
in
Ontario. Additionally, on March 3, 2008, Platinex announced that it had
staked
claims on the Muskox Intrusion, in Nunavut Territory.
About Platinex Inc.
Platinex is a Canadian exploration company based near Toronto. Platinex
focuses on carefully selected Platinum Group Element targets in settings
analogous to the JM reef (Stillwater Complex, Montana) and the Merensky and
UG2 reefs (Bushveld Complex, RSA). Platinex is determined to find platinum
sources to be used in the campaign to eliminate the threat of global
warming.
Platinex also focuses on opportunistic acquisitions in non-PGE projects
which
show promise of near term improvement in value. Shares of Platinex are
listed
for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol PTX.
Press Release: KI 6 to be Released Today, Bob Lovelace to Remain Incarcerated
Subject: Press Release: KI 6 to be Released Today, Bob Lovelace to Remain Incarcerated
A motion was heard today in Toronto asking for the immediate release of
political prisoners Bob Lovelace, and the KI 6 pending the appeal of the
sentencing for contempt which will be heard on Wednesday May 28.
Members of KI will be released today because Platinex, the platinum
exploration company operating within their lands prior to the blockade,
agreed to no drilling during this week leading up to the appeal.
Frontenac Ventures, on the other hand, refused to make a similar
guarantee to refrain from exploration work in Algonquin territory. Such
a gesture would have allowed Bob Lovelace to be released pending the
appeal under the same circumstances as KI leaders and council members.
Bob Lovelace, therefore is to remain incarcerated and will be
transported to the appeal hearing on Wednesday.
For more information on what transpired in court today, contact Chris
Reid who is legal council for both Ardoch First Nation and KI.
He can be reached at 1-416-466-9928 or lawreid@aol.com
A motion was heard today in Toronto asking for the immediate release of
political prisoners Bob Lovelace, and the KI 6 pending the appeal of the
sentencing for contempt which will be heard on Wednesday May 28.
Members of KI will be released today because Platinex, the platinum
exploration company operating within their lands prior to the blockade,
agreed to no drilling during this week leading up to the appeal.
Frontenac Ventures, on the other hand, refused to make a similar
guarantee to refrain from exploration work in Algonquin territory. Such
a gesture would have allowed Bob Lovelace to be released pending the
appeal under the same circumstances as KI leaders and council members.
Bob Lovelace, therefore is to remain incarcerated and will be
transported to the appeal hearing on Wednesday.
For more information on what transpired in court today, contact Chris
Reid who is legal council for both Ardoch First Nation and KI.
He can be reached at 1-416-466-9928 or lawreid@aol.com
Thursday, May 22, 2008
ROBERT LOVELACE: A CASE AGAINST COLONIALISM
Letter to the Legislators of Ontario
May 11, 2008
I am writing this letter to you from the Central East Correctional Centre in Lindsay, Ontario. I have been imprisoned here during the last three months for contempt of court because I said I cannot obey an injunction which conflicts with my duty under Algonquin law to protect our land.
I am writing because I believe you are honest men and women who work in the best interests of your constituents and for the betterment of Ontario. Is it to your intelligence and compassion that this letter is addressed. What I write may shock and anger you. It will certainly cause embarrassment. My hope is that what you read here will engender in you the same commitment to justice that I have felt within these prison walls and throughout my life.
On February 15th of this year, I was sentenced to six months in prison and fined $25,000. Co-Chief Paula Sherman was also fined $15,000. She is a single mother and a grandmother and the sole supporter for three dependents. She cannot and will not pay the fine and will have to report to jail on May 15 to serve a 90 day prison sentence. Our offence was declaring our intention to peacefully protect our homeland after 30,000 acres had been staked for uranium exploration. The staking had been done without our knowledge or consent and the claims were registered by Ontario's Ministry of Mines without notification. Extensive deep core drilling was planned for last summer without consultation or accommodation.
In June of last year, the Council of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation requested the exploration company remove their personnel and equipment. When they complied, we secured the area with the help of our non-Algonquin neighbours. In July, the company, Frontenac Ventures Corporation, sued us for $77 million, and in August obtained an injunction ordering unfettered access to our lands. Since their still had not been any consultation, as required by Supreme Court decisions, we refused to remove the security barrier, and found ourselves convicted of "contempt" by your court.
Although the context behind my imprisonment is useful, this letter is not about mining or the out-dated Ontario Mining Act. There is already much public discussion now going on about toxic mining and the need to protect citizens' rights. This letter as well is not about Aboriginal rights or the protection of our homeland, although our Indigenous rights and responsibilities contribute to the discourse. This letter is a case against colonialism, the dysfunctional heritage that we share; the colonialism that informs every aspect of our current relationship and will undo our security and undermine the future for all citizens in this province. Democracy and colonialism can not walk hand-in-hand for long before the disparity in justice, economic opportunities and morality so sickens human spirits that we will all live without hope of becoming the nations we wish to be.
For many years in my intellectual life I tried to understand why, as Indigenous people, we were destined to suffer under the oppression of colonialism. I wanted to know if some natural law at the beginning of time had proclaimed it so, or if it were an accident of conditioning, or if it were essential to social order that made such suffering a necessity. I believed that if I could only know how it had come to be then I would be satisfied with the justification, or understand how you fix the mechanics.
As the years have carved away my curiosity, I have at last concluded that it does not matter how colonialism came to be or who is at fault. I do not care if I ever know how colonialism took root in this world. Now, I just want to be free of it. I want to know that succeeding generations of First Nations children will not be looked upon as inferior, that their birthright and home will not be stolen, that they will have the advantage of dreaming their own dreams and following their own visions. And as much as I want my own children to be free, I want your children not to suffer the moral uncertainty that comes with living well because others are oppressed.
You are legislators. You have the responsibility for writing the laws and policies that frame colonialism and give it social and political structure in Ontario. Unwriting colonialism is not a political process. One party or coalition can not do it alone. Ending legal colonialism is not for partisans. It requires a consensus among law makers who regard justice and humanity above competition for popularity. Those of you who will work for just change will believe in the rightness of your laws as strongly as I believe in the rightness of Algonquin law. When you decide to erase colonialism from your laws you will be risking your future as much as I have risked mine. They are your laws that embody colonial oppression of Aboriginal people and although we can offer guidance, it will be you as legislators who will choose to be, or choose not to be, the burden of innocent generations of come.
The present and accepted course of de-colonization has failed. It has failed both in letter and in spirit. We are living an illusion that Canada and the Provinces no longer oppress First Nations. Nothing in this lie could be further from the truth. If it was so, when did this reversal take place? Was it with Confederation? No - Confederation marked the transition from an ambivalent British Crown to a purposeful extermination of everything Indian. Was it during the Canadian centre of repressive laws that alienated Aboriginal people from their lands and customs? No. Did revisions of the federal Indian Act reverse the national strategy of "taking the Indian out of the Indian child" or save thousands of Indian children from the "sixties scoop"? No.
Have decisions of the Supreme Course recognized original jurisdiction or simply redefined domination in more tolerable terms? Did the Royal Commission on Aboriginal People and hundreds of other studies inform the Nation and change public attitudes? No. Did patriating the Constitution in 1982 succeed in defining the rights and jurisdiction of Aboriginal Nations as it did for the Federal and Provincial governments? No! Please, honestly, ask yourselves, when such a historical turn around occurred and when substantial changes in legislation were written which would have allowed the transition to take place.
Freedom does not come in increments. Colonialism will not give way through wishful thinking or half-measures. In the past, politicians, clergy and intellectuals argued that Aboriginal people were not ready for "civilization" and needed the guiding hand of the colonizer. This ideology is nothing more than self-serving paternalism. Freedom is not something that Aboriginal people should have to earn. If freedom were to be bought, then we have paid for it a thousand fold. Freedom comes when the gate is opened wide or broken down. If there is anyone who has not been ready for Aboriginal people to take their rightful place in Canada, it is you, the colonizer. Until you actively and explicitly make colonialism illegal then it will always be you who are not ready.
The forces that guard colonialism are large. The federal and provincial governments employ hundreds of lawyers, bureaucrats and academics to discredit Aboriginal claims and put Aboriginal people in their place. They work on land claims, court cases and public policy in an effort to limit the Crown's obligations and liability to Aboriginal people. When have Ontario lawyers defended an Aboriginal right or vigorously advanced Aboriginal claims? They just don't do that.
Colonialism will remain firmly entrenched as long as we work in an adversarial system in which communities that have been undermined socially, economically and politically for over two centuries must play by their opponents' rules on a field with a precipitous incline. I have watched as a generation of great minds have been squandered on both sides of this rivalry because intransigent bureaucrats and partisan politicians have been afraid to let "the thin edge of the wedge" change public policy and institutionalize just treatment of Aboriginal citizens. It is not for want of informed and competent negotiators that Canada and Ontario have a slew of unsettled claims and associated conflicts; rather it is the law makers' lack of political will, fairness and honesty in putting an end to the immoral advantage of colonialism.
Let me give you a clear and recent example of how Aboriginal people experience negotiations. In October of last year, Judge Cunningham of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, who presides in the suit brought by Frontenac Ventures against my community, suspended the hearing for twelve weeks in an effort to get all the parties talking. Ontario, Frontenac Ventures and the two First Nations agreed to a prioritized list of issues and to jointly choose a mediator. At that point, we removed our security barrier and permitted Frontenac Ventures to carry out unobtrusive survey work.
When the discussions began, the corporation did not attend or send a representative. Instead they installed security guards at the site.
Ontario's representatives consistently refused to discuss the issues outlined in the predetermined agenda which included as the first item, Ontario's legal responsibility to consult with First Nations communities before development of a resource begins. Ontario negotiators rejected out of hand three comprehensive settlement proposals put forward by Ardoch. Ontario negotiators demanded that we inventory our "values" for the staked land, but refused to accept the description of these "values" when expressed in cultural context or with their meanings in Anishnabemowin, our language.
When it was apparent that time was running out in the 12 week process, the lead Ontario negotiator, who had been a former Deputy Minister of Northern Development and Mines, conceded that Ontario's duty to consult should be met. He agreed with Ardoch that a broad range of possible outcomes should be considered. He also agreed that the consultation process could conclude with an end to uranium exploration. Ardoch had favoured such an open consultation from the beginning of negotiations. Having arrived at an agreement that a plan of "appropriate consultation" would be submitted to Judge Cunningham we proceeded to discuss the framework for the consultation process.
A week later, after substantial collaboration on the framework, Ontario's lead negotiator advised us that there had never been an intention to halt exploration and that exploratory drilling would be taking place during the proposed consultation process. We could either agree or face the court and charges of contempt.
This experience seems to be universal across the country. It has not changed much since the starvation tactics used by Sir John A. Macdonald in negotiating the early numbered treaties. While Aboriginal people cling to the hope that the Crown administrators will be merciful and accept some limited fashion of constitutionally protected rights, bureaucrats and their Ministerial masters do everything in their power to extinguish those rights and uphold the colonial state.
Legislators and governments are not solely responsible for maintaining the immoral practice of colonialism. Even the Supreme Court of Canada, often praised for its progressive decisions on Aboriginal rights, is a principle defender of the sovereign privilege of domination. Supreme Court decisions, while recognizing the historical and legal validity of Aboriginal rights, limit the scope and practice of those rights in favour of "larger" Canadian interests. An analogy of the dilemma is listening to the stories of an abused child in an Indian residential school, patting her on the head and then telling her not to disobey the priest. Such is the sanctimonious hypocrisy of your highest court. These same courts permit Canada's governments to ponder for years on the policy implications reflecting these half-hearted concessions, rendering the entire legal process of protecting Aboriginal rights an exercise in "too little, too late".
Ontario has been consistently guilty of regarding Aboriginal rights as an inconvenient demand on the moral character of a tolerant society. But Aboriginal rights are your laws, not ours. They originate in English law as the doctrine of "continuity" and find substance in such documents as the Royal Proclamation of 1763. Section 35 rights in the Canadian Constitution are an attempt to address the fundamental denial of the existing laws of Aboriginal Nations and to bring into sovereign Canada a sense of Aboriginal belonging. But we have had our own laws and governance and the Crown, through the doctrine of "continuity" has never had the right to overrule them.
Our laws do not involve a concept of "rights". In our cultures, mutual respect and benefit are understood as imperatives for survival. Aboriginal cultures regard law as a complex set of responsibilities to the land and in human relations. The emphasis is on protecting sustainability and avoiding conflict. When Europeans first came to settle in the Ottawa valley in 1800, this is what our ancestors asked of them: to share the land and get along. Through 150 years of French and 100 years of English contact, the doctrine of "continuity" was practiced. We must be clear that recent constitutional commitments in section 35 to "recognize and affirm" Aboriginal and treaty rights are Canadian law. Our leaders at the time asked for much more.
The disparity between your laws and ours' represents the gap between lip service and Aboriginal peoples' ambition to restore our homelands and cultures. Without a sense of moral clarity and comprehensive entitlements, section 35 of your Constitution is almost meaningless. It gives you as legislators no standard or instruction upon which to write anti-colonial legislation. As such, it gives Canadian courts nothing with which to reconcile the past and even less with which to arbitrate the future. Courts will continue to define Aboriginal rights as subservient and Aboriginal title as third class.
As a colonized people we must accept a share of the responsibility for our condition. Like you, we have internalized colonialism. We have allowed it to inform the way we see the world and ourselves. Too often we have turned to the colonizing governments for support. Too often we expect you to solve out problems or blame you for our inadequacies. Too often we are satisfied with handouts rather than partnerships or ownership. We have come to accept colonial labels such as "status" and "non-status" as definitions of who we are. We let these labels divide our families and communities.
Our leaders have accepted foreign forms of governance which undermine our unity and foster corruption. We have come to accept that blood quantum, shades of skin colour and even levels of education determine our Indianess. Far too often we have given up, given in to self-hate, self-abuse and the abuse of others. Like you, we have to confront colonialism on our own terms, for it is just as immoral to accept victimization as it is to benefit from oppression.
Ontario's education system is a primary instrument in ensuring that colonialism remains unchallenged. Many Ontarians know nothing of how generations of Aboriginal children were victimized by church and state. Ontarians posses only a vague understanding of how land was overrun by settlement in the 19th century and Aboriginal people were forced to sign unconscionable treaties and land sales in return for modest protection. As far as understanding the evolution of colonial laws, almost all citizens are ignorant.
Even the real suffering of their own immigrant ancestors as slaves, indentured servants, child labour and cannon fodder have been sanitized for the popular glorification of Ontario's history. Many of these immigrants were escaping colonialism in their own homelands, just as refugees today come to Canada to find a better life. But they acquire no real history about themselves and at best only an "honourable mention" of Aboriginal realities. Without an honest and fully informed education system, your job of challenging and changing colonial laws is as difficult as our in changing the attitudes of ignorant neighbours.
Almost all of you have either publicly or privately condemned the Aboriginal people who protest and obstruct economic and civic activity. At best you have expressed complacent tolerance and an admission that Aboriginal dissatisfaction may have some merit. Ontario's civility rests on its affluence, not on its moral intelligence or character. It is this artificial civility that Aboriginal protestors challenge. Each time a road is blocked, exploration for minerals is halted, or forestry is interrupted, Aboriginal activists are raising the prickly question of Ontario's morality.
Each time a protest forces a political "spin" to be re-spun, law makers are confronted with the ineptitude of their own professional history. You may not like the politics of confrontation but I would rather see Shawn Brant block the 401 than Ovide Mercredi begging at the gates of Meech Lake, or Phil Fontaine writing Steven Harper's apology for the abuse of residential schools.
The affluence of Ontario has been acquired from the sacrifice of our ancestors' health and the wealth of our homelands. If immobilizing the power of that affluence is the only way to expose the evil of colonization then you need to brace yourselves. Aboriginal people and our thoughtful neighbours are sick and tired of colonialism. People of all races who hunger for justice, who understand the sacredness of creation and the folly of greed will find expression in tearing down colonialism. Aboriginal protests are not so much about past grievances. They are about the effects of present dispossession. Aboriginal activism is about changing the course of the future.
During the last week of May, Aboriginal people across Canada will be preparing for the National Day of Action on May 29th. Many people will come to Queen's Park. They are coming to talk to you. Throughout that week you will have the opportunity to listen to Aboriginal people and their friends express their fears and aspirations for the future. You will also hear their complaints. If you are wise you will listen. If you are as courageous as they are, you will allow what you hear to inspire your actions. If you are thankful for the Creator's gift of life, you will extend your hands in peace and friendship. It is up to you if you choose a partnership with Aboriginal Nations to begin the arduous task of rewriting Ontario's laws to exclude colonial principles. But if you choose to do nothing, or to condemn us, then please do not make excuses or false promises.
In the days leading up to May 29th, the media will extol the Canadian virtue of tolerance. In the days following, the media will sensationalize the "criminality" of Aboriginal defiance. You will see large pictures of masked warriors but little honest context. As you look with trepidation into the masked faces remember that those of us who wear no masks have been faceless as well, all of our lives. The real news will be in the conversations that you will have in the midst of demonstrations and at the edge of the barricades.
As much as I would like to be with you and my brothers and sisters at Queen's Park at the end of May, I will be here in prison. Throughout my life, I have advocated the path of non-violence as the only means of restoring our cultural integrity and our belonging within creation.
Freedom, at last, is a state of spirit. Even within the walls of this cell, my spirit can heal and grow and under the burden of oppression, all of our spirits can rise up. My spirit, like a seed, can wait throughout the long winter and come to life again when there is room to grow. Non-violence does not mean timidity. Those of us who have chosen a life of non-violence vigorously fight against the oppression and injustice that is sustained by violence. Colonialism, the laws that uphold it, the police actions that take down barricades and disrupt peaceful protests, are violence. Freedom flows around violence like water in a stream flows around a fallen log. Freedom is beautiful like the colours of the earth. Violence is ugly. My spirit will be with all of you at the end of May in peace and friendship.
My immediate thoughts are with my community and the threat of extensive deep core drilling. There is also the humiliation that Ontario is unwilling to allow our community into the decision-making process before further encroachment occurs. And there is the constant anxiety of what an open pit uranium mine will do to our land, our health and the health of our neighbours down stream. My heart aches in the memories of fishing along that river; the blueberry picking on the ridges and the winter solitudes of Arty's trapline. For two hundred years, colonists have been taking out land. I wonder every day when it will stop.
Because I do not have that answer I will begin a fast on May 16 and I will fast until I have an answer. I will not be fasting as a political statement or to extricate some concession from Ontario. In our culture we fast to purify our bodies and free our spirits. We fast in anticipation of a vision of things to come and to prepare ourselves to accept a great challenge. If my fast over the next few weeks brings attention to the defense of our community I will welcome the growing interest. I will also be praying hard for the protection of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug and all of the communities struggling to survive. If in some small way my fast contributes to the non-violent struggle against Canadian colonialism, then all the better. I have no expectation of the Premier or his Ministers. The gun is to our head not his. I will pray that their hearts and minds become clear and that we will meet soon to work together to find solutions to the mess we are in.
When I began this letter I wrote that you might be shocked, angered and certainly embarrassed. If reading my thoughts made you uncomfortable, I am not sorry. It was my intent to shake you out of your complacency and indifference. Aboriginal people do not want your platitudes. We want change. We want an end to colonialism. We want legislation that protects our rights and recognizes our original jurisdiction. What you did yesterday in the name of justice for Aboriginal people is not enough. No matter what happens now, we will walk tomorrow's road together; you must ask yourself how you have that journey to be.
In the spirit of Peace and Friendship, mutual respect and benefit, I wish you to be well in your work, your play and your dreams.
Migwetch,
Robert Lovelace
Retired Chief
Ardoch Algonquin First Nation
May 11, 2008
I am writing this letter to you from the Central East Correctional Centre in Lindsay, Ontario. I have been imprisoned here during the last three months for contempt of court because I said I cannot obey an injunction which conflicts with my duty under Algonquin law to protect our land.
I am writing because I believe you are honest men and women who work in the best interests of your constituents and for the betterment of Ontario. Is it to your intelligence and compassion that this letter is addressed. What I write may shock and anger you. It will certainly cause embarrassment. My hope is that what you read here will engender in you the same commitment to justice that I have felt within these prison walls and throughout my life.
On February 15th of this year, I was sentenced to six months in prison and fined $25,000. Co-Chief Paula Sherman was also fined $15,000. She is a single mother and a grandmother and the sole supporter for three dependents. She cannot and will not pay the fine and will have to report to jail on May 15 to serve a 90 day prison sentence. Our offence was declaring our intention to peacefully protect our homeland after 30,000 acres had been staked for uranium exploration. The staking had been done without our knowledge or consent and the claims were registered by Ontario's Ministry of Mines without notification. Extensive deep core drilling was planned for last summer without consultation or accommodation.
In June of last year, the Council of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation requested the exploration company remove their personnel and equipment. When they complied, we secured the area with the help of our non-Algonquin neighbours. In July, the company, Frontenac Ventures Corporation, sued us for $77 million, and in August obtained an injunction ordering unfettered access to our lands. Since their still had not been any consultation, as required by Supreme Court decisions, we refused to remove the security barrier, and found ourselves convicted of "contempt" by your court.
Although the context behind my imprisonment is useful, this letter is not about mining or the out-dated Ontario Mining Act. There is already much public discussion now going on about toxic mining and the need to protect citizens' rights. This letter as well is not about Aboriginal rights or the protection of our homeland, although our Indigenous rights and responsibilities contribute to the discourse. This letter is a case against colonialism, the dysfunctional heritage that we share; the colonialism that informs every aspect of our current relationship and will undo our security and undermine the future for all citizens in this province. Democracy and colonialism can not walk hand-in-hand for long before the disparity in justice, economic opportunities and morality so sickens human spirits that we will all live without hope of becoming the nations we wish to be.
For many years in my intellectual life I tried to understand why, as Indigenous people, we were destined to suffer under the oppression of colonialism. I wanted to know if some natural law at the beginning of time had proclaimed it so, or if it were an accident of conditioning, or if it were essential to social order that made such suffering a necessity. I believed that if I could only know how it had come to be then I would be satisfied with the justification, or understand how you fix the mechanics.
As the years have carved away my curiosity, I have at last concluded that it does not matter how colonialism came to be or who is at fault. I do not care if I ever know how colonialism took root in this world. Now, I just want to be free of it. I want to know that succeeding generations of First Nations children will not be looked upon as inferior, that their birthright and home will not be stolen, that they will have the advantage of dreaming their own dreams and following their own visions. And as much as I want my own children to be free, I want your children not to suffer the moral uncertainty that comes with living well because others are oppressed.
You are legislators. You have the responsibility for writing the laws and policies that frame colonialism and give it social and political structure in Ontario. Unwriting colonialism is not a political process. One party or coalition can not do it alone. Ending legal colonialism is not for partisans. It requires a consensus among law makers who regard justice and humanity above competition for popularity. Those of you who will work for just change will believe in the rightness of your laws as strongly as I believe in the rightness of Algonquin law. When you decide to erase colonialism from your laws you will be risking your future as much as I have risked mine. They are your laws that embody colonial oppression of Aboriginal people and although we can offer guidance, it will be you as legislators who will choose to be, or choose not to be, the burden of innocent generations of come.
The present and accepted course of de-colonization has failed. It has failed both in letter and in spirit. We are living an illusion that Canada and the Provinces no longer oppress First Nations. Nothing in this lie could be further from the truth. If it was so, when did this reversal take place? Was it with Confederation? No - Confederation marked the transition from an ambivalent British Crown to a purposeful extermination of everything Indian. Was it during the Canadian centre of repressive laws that alienated Aboriginal people from their lands and customs? No. Did revisions of the federal Indian Act reverse the national strategy of "taking the Indian out of the Indian child" or save thousands of Indian children from the "sixties scoop"? No.
Have decisions of the Supreme Course recognized original jurisdiction or simply redefined domination in more tolerable terms? Did the Royal Commission on Aboriginal People and hundreds of other studies inform the Nation and change public attitudes? No. Did patriating the Constitution in 1982 succeed in defining the rights and jurisdiction of Aboriginal Nations as it did for the Federal and Provincial governments? No! Please, honestly, ask yourselves, when such a historical turn around occurred and when substantial changes in legislation were written which would have allowed the transition to take place.
Freedom does not come in increments. Colonialism will not give way through wishful thinking or half-measures. In the past, politicians, clergy and intellectuals argued that Aboriginal people were not ready for "civilization" and needed the guiding hand of the colonizer. This ideology is nothing more than self-serving paternalism. Freedom is not something that Aboriginal people should have to earn. If freedom were to be bought, then we have paid for it a thousand fold. Freedom comes when the gate is opened wide or broken down. If there is anyone who has not been ready for Aboriginal people to take their rightful place in Canada, it is you, the colonizer. Until you actively and explicitly make colonialism illegal then it will always be you who are not ready.
The forces that guard colonialism are large. The federal and provincial governments employ hundreds of lawyers, bureaucrats and academics to discredit Aboriginal claims and put Aboriginal people in their place. They work on land claims, court cases and public policy in an effort to limit the Crown's obligations and liability to Aboriginal people. When have Ontario lawyers defended an Aboriginal right or vigorously advanced Aboriginal claims? They just don't do that.
Colonialism will remain firmly entrenched as long as we work in an adversarial system in which communities that have been undermined socially, economically and politically for over two centuries must play by their opponents' rules on a field with a precipitous incline. I have watched as a generation of great minds have been squandered on both sides of this rivalry because intransigent bureaucrats and partisan politicians have been afraid to let "the thin edge of the wedge" change public policy and institutionalize just treatment of Aboriginal citizens. It is not for want of informed and competent negotiators that Canada and Ontario have a slew of unsettled claims and associated conflicts; rather it is the law makers' lack of political will, fairness and honesty in putting an end to the immoral advantage of colonialism.
Let me give you a clear and recent example of how Aboriginal people experience negotiations. In October of last year, Judge Cunningham of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, who presides in the suit brought by Frontenac Ventures against my community, suspended the hearing for twelve weeks in an effort to get all the parties talking. Ontario, Frontenac Ventures and the two First Nations agreed to a prioritized list of issues and to jointly choose a mediator. At that point, we removed our security barrier and permitted Frontenac Ventures to carry out unobtrusive survey work.
When the discussions began, the corporation did not attend or send a representative. Instead they installed security guards at the site.
Ontario's representatives consistently refused to discuss the issues outlined in the predetermined agenda which included as the first item, Ontario's legal responsibility to consult with First Nations communities before development of a resource begins. Ontario negotiators rejected out of hand three comprehensive settlement proposals put forward by Ardoch. Ontario negotiators demanded that we inventory our "values" for the staked land, but refused to accept the description of these "values" when expressed in cultural context or with their meanings in Anishnabemowin, our language.
When it was apparent that time was running out in the 12 week process, the lead Ontario negotiator, who had been a former Deputy Minister of Northern Development and Mines, conceded that Ontario's duty to consult should be met. He agreed with Ardoch that a broad range of possible outcomes should be considered. He also agreed that the consultation process could conclude with an end to uranium exploration. Ardoch had favoured such an open consultation from the beginning of negotiations. Having arrived at an agreement that a plan of "appropriate consultation" would be submitted to Judge Cunningham we proceeded to discuss the framework for the consultation process.
A week later, after substantial collaboration on the framework, Ontario's lead negotiator advised us that there had never been an intention to halt exploration and that exploratory drilling would be taking place during the proposed consultation process. We could either agree or face the court and charges of contempt.
This experience seems to be universal across the country. It has not changed much since the starvation tactics used by Sir John A. Macdonald in negotiating the early numbered treaties. While Aboriginal people cling to the hope that the Crown administrators will be merciful and accept some limited fashion of constitutionally protected rights, bureaucrats and their Ministerial masters do everything in their power to extinguish those rights and uphold the colonial state.
Legislators and governments are not solely responsible for maintaining the immoral practice of colonialism. Even the Supreme Court of Canada, often praised for its progressive decisions on Aboriginal rights, is a principle defender of the sovereign privilege of domination. Supreme Court decisions, while recognizing the historical and legal validity of Aboriginal rights, limit the scope and practice of those rights in favour of "larger" Canadian interests. An analogy of the dilemma is listening to the stories of an abused child in an Indian residential school, patting her on the head and then telling her not to disobey the priest. Such is the sanctimonious hypocrisy of your highest court. These same courts permit Canada's governments to ponder for years on the policy implications reflecting these half-hearted concessions, rendering the entire legal process of protecting Aboriginal rights an exercise in "too little, too late".
Ontario has been consistently guilty of regarding Aboriginal rights as an inconvenient demand on the moral character of a tolerant society. But Aboriginal rights are your laws, not ours. They originate in English law as the doctrine of "continuity" and find substance in such documents as the Royal Proclamation of 1763. Section 35 rights in the Canadian Constitution are an attempt to address the fundamental denial of the existing laws of Aboriginal Nations and to bring into sovereign Canada a sense of Aboriginal belonging. But we have had our own laws and governance and the Crown, through the doctrine of "continuity" has never had the right to overrule them.
Our laws do not involve a concept of "rights". In our cultures, mutual respect and benefit are understood as imperatives for survival. Aboriginal cultures regard law as a complex set of responsibilities to the land and in human relations. The emphasis is on protecting sustainability and avoiding conflict. When Europeans first came to settle in the Ottawa valley in 1800, this is what our ancestors asked of them: to share the land and get along. Through 150 years of French and 100 years of English contact, the doctrine of "continuity" was practiced. We must be clear that recent constitutional commitments in section 35 to "recognize and affirm" Aboriginal and treaty rights are Canadian law. Our leaders at the time asked for much more.
The disparity between your laws and ours' represents the gap between lip service and Aboriginal peoples' ambition to restore our homelands and cultures. Without a sense of moral clarity and comprehensive entitlements, section 35 of your Constitution is almost meaningless. It gives you as legislators no standard or instruction upon which to write anti-colonial legislation. As such, it gives Canadian courts nothing with which to reconcile the past and even less with which to arbitrate the future. Courts will continue to define Aboriginal rights as subservient and Aboriginal title as third class.
As a colonized people we must accept a share of the responsibility for our condition. Like you, we have internalized colonialism. We have allowed it to inform the way we see the world and ourselves. Too often we have turned to the colonizing governments for support. Too often we expect you to solve out problems or blame you for our inadequacies. Too often we are satisfied with handouts rather than partnerships or ownership. We have come to accept colonial labels such as "status" and "non-status" as definitions of who we are. We let these labels divide our families and communities.
Our leaders have accepted foreign forms of governance which undermine our unity and foster corruption. We have come to accept that blood quantum, shades of skin colour and even levels of education determine our Indianess. Far too often we have given up, given in to self-hate, self-abuse and the abuse of others. Like you, we have to confront colonialism on our own terms, for it is just as immoral to accept victimization as it is to benefit from oppression.
Ontario's education system is a primary instrument in ensuring that colonialism remains unchallenged. Many Ontarians know nothing of how generations of Aboriginal children were victimized by church and state. Ontarians posses only a vague understanding of how land was overrun by settlement in the 19th century and Aboriginal people were forced to sign unconscionable treaties and land sales in return for modest protection. As far as understanding the evolution of colonial laws, almost all citizens are ignorant.
Even the real suffering of their own immigrant ancestors as slaves, indentured servants, child labour and cannon fodder have been sanitized for the popular glorification of Ontario's history. Many of these immigrants were escaping colonialism in their own homelands, just as refugees today come to Canada to find a better life. But they acquire no real history about themselves and at best only an "honourable mention" of Aboriginal realities. Without an honest and fully informed education system, your job of challenging and changing colonial laws is as difficult as our in changing the attitudes of ignorant neighbours.
Almost all of you have either publicly or privately condemned the Aboriginal people who protest and obstruct economic and civic activity. At best you have expressed complacent tolerance and an admission that Aboriginal dissatisfaction may have some merit. Ontario's civility rests on its affluence, not on its moral intelligence or character. It is this artificial civility that Aboriginal protestors challenge. Each time a road is blocked, exploration for minerals is halted, or forestry is interrupted, Aboriginal activists are raising the prickly question of Ontario's morality.
Each time a protest forces a political "spin" to be re-spun, law makers are confronted with the ineptitude of their own professional history. You may not like the politics of confrontation but I would rather see Shawn Brant block the 401 than Ovide Mercredi begging at the gates of Meech Lake, or Phil Fontaine writing Steven Harper's apology for the abuse of residential schools.
The affluence of Ontario has been acquired from the sacrifice of our ancestors' health and the wealth of our homelands. If immobilizing the power of that affluence is the only way to expose the evil of colonization then you need to brace yourselves. Aboriginal people and our thoughtful neighbours are sick and tired of colonialism. People of all races who hunger for justice, who understand the sacredness of creation and the folly of greed will find expression in tearing down colonialism. Aboriginal protests are not so much about past grievances. They are about the effects of present dispossession. Aboriginal activism is about changing the course of the future.
During the last week of May, Aboriginal people across Canada will be preparing for the National Day of Action on May 29th. Many people will come to Queen's Park. They are coming to talk to you. Throughout that week you will have the opportunity to listen to Aboriginal people and their friends express their fears and aspirations for the future. You will also hear their complaints. If you are wise you will listen. If you are as courageous as they are, you will allow what you hear to inspire your actions. If you are thankful for the Creator's gift of life, you will extend your hands in peace and friendship. It is up to you if you choose a partnership with Aboriginal Nations to begin the arduous task of rewriting Ontario's laws to exclude colonial principles. But if you choose to do nothing, or to condemn us, then please do not make excuses or false promises.
In the days leading up to May 29th, the media will extol the Canadian virtue of tolerance. In the days following, the media will sensationalize the "criminality" of Aboriginal defiance. You will see large pictures of masked warriors but little honest context. As you look with trepidation into the masked faces remember that those of us who wear no masks have been faceless as well, all of our lives. The real news will be in the conversations that you will have in the midst of demonstrations and at the edge of the barricades.
As much as I would like to be with you and my brothers and sisters at Queen's Park at the end of May, I will be here in prison. Throughout my life, I have advocated the path of non-violence as the only means of restoring our cultural integrity and our belonging within creation.
Freedom, at last, is a state of spirit. Even within the walls of this cell, my spirit can heal and grow and under the burden of oppression, all of our spirits can rise up. My spirit, like a seed, can wait throughout the long winter and come to life again when there is room to grow. Non-violence does not mean timidity. Those of us who have chosen a life of non-violence vigorously fight against the oppression and injustice that is sustained by violence. Colonialism, the laws that uphold it, the police actions that take down barricades and disrupt peaceful protests, are violence. Freedom flows around violence like water in a stream flows around a fallen log. Freedom is beautiful like the colours of the earth. Violence is ugly. My spirit will be with all of you at the end of May in peace and friendship.
My immediate thoughts are with my community and the threat of extensive deep core drilling. There is also the humiliation that Ontario is unwilling to allow our community into the decision-making process before further encroachment occurs. And there is the constant anxiety of what an open pit uranium mine will do to our land, our health and the health of our neighbours down stream. My heart aches in the memories of fishing along that river; the blueberry picking on the ridges and the winter solitudes of Arty's trapline. For two hundred years, colonists have been taking out land. I wonder every day when it will stop.
Because I do not have that answer I will begin a fast on May 16 and I will fast until I have an answer. I will not be fasting as a political statement or to extricate some concession from Ontario. In our culture we fast to purify our bodies and free our spirits. We fast in anticipation of a vision of things to come and to prepare ourselves to accept a great challenge. If my fast over the next few weeks brings attention to the defense of our community I will welcome the growing interest. I will also be praying hard for the protection of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug and all of the communities struggling to survive. If in some small way my fast contributes to the non-violent struggle against Canadian colonialism, then all the better. I have no expectation of the Premier or his Ministers. The gun is to our head not his. I will pray that their hearts and minds become clear and that we will meet soon to work together to find solutions to the mess we are in.
When I began this letter I wrote that you might be shocked, angered and certainly embarrassed. If reading my thoughts made you uncomfortable, I am not sorry. It was my intent to shake you out of your complacency and indifference. Aboriginal people do not want your platitudes. We want change. We want an end to colonialism. We want legislation that protects our rights and recognizes our original jurisdiction. What you did yesterday in the name of justice for Aboriginal people is not enough. No matter what happens now, we will walk tomorrow's road together; you must ask yourself how you have that journey to be.
In the spirit of Peace and Friendship, mutual respect and benefit, I wish you to be well in your work, your play and your dreams.
Migwetch,
Robert Lovelace
Retired Chief
Ardoch Algonquin First Nation
Friday, May 16, 2008
Don't wait to cut greenhouse gas emissions: WWF advocate
Keith Stewart's map of the world that highlighted which countries emit the most greenhouses gases couldn't be ignored. "North America is really saying we won't do anything about our energy use until places like (Asia) get their act in order," said Stewart, manager of the Climate Change Campaign with the World Wildlife Fund Canada.
Canada may only have 30 million people but it's the eight largest polluter of greenhouse gases of the 160 countries in the world, he said.
"We can't wait," Stewart said.
"The longer we wait to start bringing emissions down, the faster you have to do it."
Stewart spoke to about 110 people at the Peterborough Public Library last night about the Renewable is Doable plan created by the WWF and the Pembina Institute to deal with the province's future energy supply. It focuses primarily on conserving and renewable energy.
Stewart was invited by the local anti-nuclear energy group Safe and Green Energy.
With the cost of building facilities and the extrication of uranium, nuclear energy is not the answer, Stewart said.
Nuclear energy is one of the major components of the Ontario Power Authority's power supply plan for the next 20 years.
Currently Ontario's energy supply is 50 per cent nuclear, 25 per cent hydro, 20 per cent coal and five per cent natural gas, Stewart said.
The renewable is doable proposal focuses more on renewable energy while taking into account that nuclear is not going away, he said.
Stewart provided data that showed electricity costs and greenhouse gas emissions would be lower under the plan's "green scenario."
Stewart also said that reacting to climate change can create new opportunities - from laid-off factory workers building hybrid or electric cars, to solar panels, to windmills. Using revenue from a carbon tax to retrofit seniors homes so their energy use goes down and at the same time create "green jobs" for people that need them. "Those are the types of solutions we should be aiming for and those are the things we should be looking for," he said.
Audience member Lorna Devan said she wanted to learn more about a "positive approach to renewable energy," which Stewart delivered.
"I see the evidence of climate change all around us and I know that if we don't act, primarily the poorest of the poor are going to suffer in all cultures," said Linda Slavin, who also attended.
fisaacson@peterboroughexaminer.com
Three pillars
Three pillars of World Wildlife Fund Canada's Renewable is Doable platform:
- Stop energy waste, improve efficiency.
- Tap into Ontario's abundant sources of renewable energy: wind, low-impact hydro, biofuels, methane capture at landfill sites and solar power.
- Capture and recycle waste heat and pressure from industrial and commercial operations.
Peterborough Examiner
Canada may only have 30 million people but it's the eight largest polluter of greenhouse gases of the 160 countries in the world, he said.
"We can't wait," Stewart said.
"The longer we wait to start bringing emissions down, the faster you have to do it."
Stewart spoke to about 110 people at the Peterborough Public Library last night about the Renewable is Doable plan created by the WWF and the Pembina Institute to deal with the province's future energy supply. It focuses primarily on conserving and renewable energy.
Stewart was invited by the local anti-nuclear energy group Safe and Green Energy.
With the cost of building facilities and the extrication of uranium, nuclear energy is not the answer, Stewart said.
Nuclear energy is one of the major components of the Ontario Power Authority's power supply plan for the next 20 years.
Currently Ontario's energy supply is 50 per cent nuclear, 25 per cent hydro, 20 per cent coal and five per cent natural gas, Stewart said.
The renewable is doable proposal focuses more on renewable energy while taking into account that nuclear is not going away, he said.
Stewart provided data that showed electricity costs and greenhouse gas emissions would be lower under the plan's "green scenario."
Stewart also said that reacting to climate change can create new opportunities - from laid-off factory workers building hybrid or electric cars, to solar panels, to windmills. Using revenue from a carbon tax to retrofit seniors homes so their energy use goes down and at the same time create "green jobs" for people that need them. "Those are the types of solutions we should be aiming for and those are the things we should be looking for," he said.
Audience member Lorna Devan said she wanted to learn more about a "positive approach to renewable energy," which Stewart delivered.
"I see the evidence of climate change all around us and I know that if we don't act, primarily the poorest of the poor are going to suffer in all cultures," said Linda Slavin, who also attended.
fisaacson@peterboroughexaminer.com
Three pillars
Three pillars of World Wildlife Fund Canada's Renewable is Doable platform:
- Stop energy waste, improve efficiency.
- Tap into Ontario's abundant sources of renewable energy: wind, low-impact hydro, biofuels, methane capture at landfill sites and solar power.
- Capture and recycle waste heat and pressure from industrial and commercial operations.
Peterborough Examiner
Monday, May 12, 2008
Toronto Star Article
Today's article in the Toronto Star is an excellent overview of the situation in Ontario in regards to the Mining Act. Please forward it widely.
http://www.thestar.com/article/424393
http://www.thestar.com/article/424393
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Prepare for road, rail blockades on May 29: Mohawk activist
OTTAWA — The Mohawk protester who helped shut down a stretch of Ontario's
busiest highway last June says Canadians can expect more disruption on May
29.
That's the date chiefs across the country have circled for another day of
peaceful demonstration to push for urgent action on native poverty. Shawn
Brant, who led highway and railroad blockades near Kingston, Ont., last
June, says placard-waving won't cut it.
(Full article at: http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5heaq8ApZNXF-Etl1d06u9TkSZnzw)
busiest highway last June says Canadians can expect more disruption on May
29.
That's the date chiefs across the country have circled for another day of
peaceful demonstration to push for urgent action on native poverty. Shawn
Brant, who led highway and railroad blockades near Kingston, Ont., last
June, says placard-waving won't cut it.
(Full article at: http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5heaq8ApZNXF-Etl1d06u9TkSZnzw)
Ont. electricity consumers on hook for Bruce Power cost overruns; critics say
TORONTO - Ontario electricity consumers will be the ones stuck with the bill for escalating costs to re-start a Bruce Power nuclear station, which the company now says will cost 24 per cent more than initially expected, critics warned Thursday.
The nuclear electricity generator said Thursday it now estimates the cost of returning two idle reactor units to service at between $3.1 billion and $3.4 billion, up from an original 2005 cost projection of $2.75 billion.
(Full article at: http://www.cbc.ca/cp/business/080417/b0417149A.html)
The nuclear electricity generator said Thursday it now estimates the cost of returning two idle reactor units to service at between $3.1 billion and $3.4 billion, up from an original 2005 cost projection of $2.75 billion.
(Full article at: http://www.cbc.ca/cp/business/080417/b0417149A.html)
Toronto Citizens' Inquiry on Uranium Mining
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Hart House, East Common Room
7 Hart House Circle, University of Toronto
Southwest of Museum subway station
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Open to the public. Refreshments served.
Scheduled presentations include:
· Chief Paula Sherman, Ardoch Algonquin First Nation
· Donna Dillman, Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium
· Dr. Gordon Edwards, Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility
· Marion Odell, International Institute of Concern for Public Health
· Rosalia Paiva, International Campaign for Indigenous Dignity
· Lorraine Rekmans, author of This is my Home (re: Eliot Lake uranium mine)
· Rev. Ralph Carl Wushke, Ecumenical Chaplain, University of Toronto
· Mining Watch Canada
· Greenpeace
· … and many more
The issues on the table include (but are not limited to):
· The social, health and environmental costs of uranium mining
· Water issues: tailings dam disasters, water use in mining, tritium
· The use of uranium in weapons, both nuclear and conventional
· Aboriginal land claims, colonialism, and mining on native land
· The Ontario Mining Act and local community opposition to it
· Global criticism of Canadian mining companies and current legislation
· Nuclear energy waste disposal problems and renewable energy alternatives
__________________________________________________________________
This Citizens' Inquiry is organized by Students Against Climate Change
in cooperation with the Community Coalition Against Uranium Mining and
the Social Justice Committee of the Graduate Students Union of the
University of Toronto.
Hart House, East Common Room
7 Hart House Circle, University of Toronto
Southwest of Museum subway station
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Open to the public. Refreshments served.
Scheduled presentations include:
· Chief Paula Sherman, Ardoch Algonquin First Nation
· Donna Dillman, Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium
· Dr. Gordon Edwards, Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility
· Marion Odell, International Institute of Concern for Public Health
· Rosalia Paiva, International Campaign for Indigenous Dignity
· Lorraine Rekmans, author of This is my Home (re: Eliot Lake uranium mine)
· Rev. Ralph Carl Wushke, Ecumenical Chaplain, University of Toronto
· Mining Watch Canada
· Greenpeace
· … and many more
The issues on the table include (but are not limited to):
· The social, health and environmental costs of uranium mining
· Water issues: tailings dam disasters, water use in mining, tritium
· The use of uranium in weapons, both nuclear and conventional
· Aboriginal land claims, colonialism, and mining on native land
· The Ontario Mining Act and local community opposition to it
· Global criticism of Canadian mining companies and current legislation
· Nuclear energy waste disposal problems and renewable energy alternatives
__________________________________________________________________
This Citizens' Inquiry is organized by Students Against Climate Change
in cooperation with the Community Coalition Against Uranium Mining and
the Social Justice Committee of the Graduate Students Union of the
University of Toronto.
Algonquin Highlands supports moratorium on uranium mining!
Yet another township in Haliburton County has added their voice to the
growing chorus of municipalities and townships around Ontario who
support a moratorium on uranium mining! The Township of Algonquin
Highlands has become number 17! We don't have much information as
of yet, but we heard word today by phone that the resolution to
support a moratorium on uranium mining and changes to the Mining Act
was unanimously passed by the council of Algonquin Highlands.
FUME would like to thank the Township of Algonquin Highlands for their
support and consideration of this issue.
We will post more details on our website as they become available.
Regards,
Christine Atrill & Robin Simpson
Founders
FUME (www.fighturanium.com)
(705) 447-3407
growing chorus of municipalities and townships around Ontario who
support a moratorium on uranium mining! The Township of Algonquin
Highlands has become number 17! We don't have much information as
of yet, but we heard word today by phone that the resolution to
support a moratorium on uranium mining and changes to the Mining Act
was unanimously passed by the council of Algonquin Highlands.
FUME would like to thank the Township of Algonquin Highlands for their
support and consideration of this issue.
We will post more details on our website as they become available.
Regards,
Christine Atrill & Robin Simpson
Founders
FUME (www.fighturanium.com)
(705) 447-3407
MESSAGE FROM CO-CHIEF PAULA SHERMAN RE: ROBERT LOVELACE
Co-Chief Paula Sherman, visited Bob Lovelace on Monday and reports
that he has not been getting the books that people have been sending
to the Lindsay Correctional Centre. The books go straight to the
library and Bob does not have access to this facility. If you would
like to send him photocopies of articles and other material, he can
receive small amounts at a time. Letters are always welcome.
Paula reports that Bob is in good spirits and is still determined to
hold his ground.
Letters of support for Robert Lovelace can be mailed to:
Central East Correctional Centre
541 Hwy 36
Lindsay, Ontario
K9V 4S6
that he has not been getting the books that people have been sending
to the Lindsay Correctional Centre. The books go straight to the
library and Bob does not have access to this facility. If you would
like to send him photocopies of articles and other material, he can
receive small amounts at a time. Letters are always welcome.
Paula reports that Bob is in good spirits and is still determined to
hold his ground.
Letters of support for Robert Lovelace can be mailed to:
Central East Correctional Centre
541 Hwy 36
Lindsay, Ontario
K9V 4S6
CITIZENS' INQUIRY INTO THE IMPACTS OF THE URANIUM CYCLE: PETERBOROUGH
Another insightful day at the Uranium Citizens' Inquiry, this time
held in Peterborough, Ontario, on April 15th.
This particular event, hosted by Anna Petry and Safe And Green Energy
(SAGE), was attended by many people from the Port Hope, Haliburton,
Toronto and the Bancroft area region. Their personal accounts of how
uranium has impacted their community was very moving and at times very
upsetting. Today I have included a submission from Dan Rudka, a former
nuclear energy worker in Port Hope, who bravely gave us a very
personal account of how uranium has impacted his life. It is because
of people such as Dan, that we continue to fight our collective fight.
Thank you to Anna Petry and the many wonderful people of SAGE, for
providing us with a great venue for the Inquiry as well as an
incredible potluck dinner.
The Peterborough panelists included:
Marion Dewar: Ottawa mayor from 1978 - 1985 and a Member of Parliment
from 1986 - 1988. She was a former Chair of Oxfam Canada and the
Ottawa-Carleton Police Services Board. In 2002 she was a recipient of
the Order of Canada. Marion has been politically active and volunteers
her time for many community pursuits.
Fraser McVie: Retired from senior positions in the Canadian justice
system. While there he helped develop modern and humane approaches to
corrections based on rehabilitation and treatment. He has had
extensive experience in international projects and peacekeeping,
including work as an expert with UN Interim Mission in Kosovo.
Professor Robert Paehlke: Trent University professor, Department of
Political Studies and Environmental and Resource Studies. He is a
recipient of the 1997 Trent University Faculty Research Award and has
published widely in the areas of environmentalism and administration.
He has worked with governments and environmental organizations.
Unfortunately Professor Paehlke was not able to attend the Inquiry due
to health related issues.
The following people made presentations:
Mark Winfield, Christine Artill (FUME), Robin Simpson (FUME), Mike
Nickerson (The Sustainability Project), Siren Sounding the Alarm,
Heather Ross (Environment Haliberton), Bruce Cox (Executive Director
of Greenpeace Canada) Co-Chief of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation,
Professor Paula Sherman, Julie Caron, John Miller (Families Against
Radiation Exposure), Rachel Edge (Trent U Mural Group), Doug Smith
(Green Party of Ontario), Kathryn Langley (SAGE), Dan Rudka, Linda
Harvey (CCAMU), Raging Grannies, Kawartha World Issues Centre, Marion
Burton (Occupational & Environmental Health Coalition), Corinne Mintz,
Carol Winter (SAGE, Ploughshares), Steve Sharpe (NDP), Angel Hamilton,
Marianne Pedretti, Michael Ketemer, Andrew Johncox, Faye More, Tom
Lawson (for himself and on behalf of his daughter Molly), Pat Lawson,
Peter Tabuns (MPP, NDP Environmental Critic), John Etches (SAGE),
Susan Howlett (Kawartha Community Midwives), Roy Brady (SAGE), Richard
Tyssen, Greg Roy, James Wilkes, Frank Morrison and Erin Parker.
The Inquiry has now seen over 120 presentations with another 40 to go
at the Ottawa session.
To see Garth Gullekson's photos of this event go to,
http://www.darlingtonmediaworks.com/garth/2008/CitizensInquiryPeterborough/index.htm
held in Peterborough, Ontario, on April 15th.
This particular event, hosted by Anna Petry and Safe And Green Energy
(SAGE), was attended by many people from the Port Hope, Haliburton,
Toronto and the Bancroft area region. Their personal accounts of how
uranium has impacted their community was very moving and at times very
upsetting. Today I have included a submission from Dan Rudka, a former
nuclear energy worker in Port Hope, who bravely gave us a very
personal account of how uranium has impacted his life. It is because
of people such as Dan, that we continue to fight our collective fight.
Thank you to Anna Petry and the many wonderful people of SAGE, for
providing us with a great venue for the Inquiry as well as an
incredible potluck dinner.
The Peterborough panelists included:
Marion Dewar: Ottawa mayor from 1978 - 1985 and a Member of Parliment
from 1986 - 1988. She was a former Chair of Oxfam Canada and the
Ottawa-Carleton Police Services Board. In 2002 she was a recipient of
the Order of Canada. Marion has been politically active and volunteers
her time for many community pursuits.
Fraser McVie: Retired from senior positions in the Canadian justice
system. While there he helped develop modern and humane approaches to
corrections based on rehabilitation and treatment. He has had
extensive experience in international projects and peacekeeping,
including work as an expert with UN Interim Mission in Kosovo.
Professor Robert Paehlke: Trent University professor, Department of
Political Studies and Environmental and Resource Studies. He is a
recipient of the 1997 Trent University Faculty Research Award and has
published widely in the areas of environmentalism and administration.
He has worked with governments and environmental organizations.
Unfortunately Professor Paehlke was not able to attend the Inquiry due
to health related issues.
The following people made presentations:
Mark Winfield, Christine Artill (FUME), Robin Simpson (FUME), Mike
Nickerson (The Sustainability Project), Siren Sounding the Alarm,
Heather Ross (Environment Haliberton), Bruce Cox (Executive Director
of Greenpeace Canada) Co-Chief of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation,
Professor Paula Sherman, Julie Caron, John Miller (Families Against
Radiation Exposure), Rachel Edge (Trent U Mural Group), Doug Smith
(Green Party of Ontario), Kathryn Langley (SAGE), Dan Rudka, Linda
Harvey (CCAMU), Raging Grannies, Kawartha World Issues Centre, Marion
Burton (Occupational & Environmental Health Coalition), Corinne Mintz,
Carol Winter (SAGE, Ploughshares), Steve Sharpe (NDP), Angel Hamilton,
Marianne Pedretti, Michael Ketemer, Andrew Johncox, Faye More, Tom
Lawson (for himself and on behalf of his daughter Molly), Pat Lawson,
Peter Tabuns (MPP, NDP Environmental Critic), John Etches (SAGE),
Susan Howlett (Kawartha Community Midwives), Roy Brady (SAGE), Richard
Tyssen, Greg Roy, James Wilkes, Frank Morrison and Erin Parker.
The Inquiry has now seen over 120 presentations with another 40 to go
at the Ottawa session.
To see Garth Gullekson's photos of this event go to,
http://www.darlingtonmediaworks.com/garth/2008/CitizensInquiryPeterborough/index.htm
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Mine opponents petition Leal
By FIONA ISAACSON
Peterborough Examiner
More than 35 people presented a petition to Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal yesterday morning protesting uranium mining operations in Sharbot Lake and the treatment of Trent University professor Paula Sherman and her colleague Robert Lovelace.
About 740 signatures were presented to Leal. Protesters gathered out front Leal's office with signs to raise awareness.
Sherman, co-chief of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation and Trent professor, and Lovelace, a spokesman for Ardoch, aboriginal affairs counsellor at Fleming College and professor at Queen's University, got six months in jail for contempt of court last month in Superior Court of Justice. Sherman opted for a $15,000 fine to be with her children.
Ardoch community members have been angered by mining exploration on their land, which was done without consultation by the provincial government or the mining company, according to their lawyer.
Trent student Paul McCarney, a co-organizer of the petition, said Leal met with the group.
Leal said he will present the petition in the legislature.
"We all agree that there's a need to renew the mining act in the province of Ontario and an act that hasn't been substantially altered in over a 100 years," he said.
fisaacson@peterboroughexaminer.com
Peterborough Examiner
More than 35 people presented a petition to Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal yesterday morning protesting uranium mining operations in Sharbot Lake and the treatment of Trent University professor Paula Sherman and her colleague Robert Lovelace.
About 740 signatures were presented to Leal. Protesters gathered out front Leal's office with signs to raise awareness.
Sherman, co-chief of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation and Trent professor, and Lovelace, a spokesman for Ardoch, aboriginal affairs counsellor at Fleming College and professor at Queen's University, got six months in jail for contempt of court last month in Superior Court of Justice. Sherman opted for a $15,000 fine to be with her children.
Ardoch community members have been angered by mining exploration on their land, which was done without consultation by the provincial government or the mining company, according to their lawyer.
Trent student Paul McCarney, a co-organizer of the petition, said Leal met with the group.
Leal said he will present the petition in the legislature.
"We all agree that there's a need to renew the mining act in the province of Ontario and an act that hasn't been substantially altered in over a 100 years," he said.
fisaacson@peterboroughexaminer.com
Friday, March 21, 2008
DONATE BOOKS TO BOB LOVELACE AT THE PRISON!
If you'd like to upgrade the prison library and improve the reading list for Political Prisoner Professor Bob Lovelace, here's how…
What to do:
Put your books in a box. Write ATTENTION LIBRARIAN on the top.
You MUST INCLUDE YOUR RETURN ADDRESS. Put a note inside that says, "FROM A FRIEND OF PROFESSOR BOB LOVELACE."
Mail to:
Central East Correctional Centre
ATTENTION LIBRARIAN
541 Highway 36
Lindsay Ontario K9V 4S6
Rules must be followed or your parcel will be rejected. All books must be SOFT COVER except current bestseller fiction.
TYPE OF PRIMARILY SOFT COVER BOOKS REQUESTED:
1. No violent topics, especially no violence toward women or children. No serial killers, NO true crime, no gore and mayhem.
2. CURRENT BEST SELLERS. May be hardcover; Tom Clancy, Grisham and other best selling current FICTION.
3. CLASSIC NOVELS and CURRENT FICTION novels or poetry. Bob is likely to enjoy these. e.g. Dickens, T.S. Eliot, Twain, Browning, Woolf. and new authors.
4. ADVENTURE. Jack London, mountain climbers, etc.
5. TEEN books. The Little Prince, Jonathon Livingston Seagull and other uplifting or inspiring FICTION stories.
7. FANTASY. Harry Potter, dragons, Camelot, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
8. No romance, NO non-fiction, no science fiction, dark and gloomy, or westerns needed.
Fiction novels by or about people of color would be excellent. Cry the Beloved Country for instance or any of the wonderful new novels coming out of the Middle East, India and the Orient. One Hundred Years of Solitude is a great Hispanic novel. So keep those in mind. Bob has done a lot of volunteer work to improve prisons. He will be really touched we help him, but even more pleased that your donations will improve the library for everyone. Many prisoners, but not all, have limited education so donate a reading range if you can.
Whether you send one book or ten, it's wonderful, and thank you.
What to do:
Put your books in a box. Write ATTENTION LIBRARIAN on the top.
You MUST INCLUDE YOUR RETURN ADDRESS. Put a note inside that says, "FROM A FRIEND OF PROFESSOR BOB LOVELACE."
Mail to:
Central East Correctional Centre
ATTENTION LIBRARIAN
541 Highway 36
Lindsay Ontario K9V 4S6
Rules must be followed or your parcel will be rejected. All books must be SOFT COVER except current bestseller fiction.
TYPE OF PRIMARILY SOFT COVER BOOKS REQUESTED:
1. No violent topics, especially no violence toward women or children. No serial killers, NO true crime, no gore and mayhem.
2. CURRENT BEST SELLERS. May be hardcover; Tom Clancy, Grisham and other best selling current FICTION.
3. CLASSIC NOVELS and CURRENT FICTION novels or poetry. Bob is likely to enjoy these. e.g. Dickens, T.S. Eliot, Twain, Browning, Woolf. and new authors.
4. ADVENTURE. Jack London, mountain climbers, etc.
5. TEEN books. The Little Prince, Jonathon Livingston Seagull and other uplifting or inspiring FICTION stories.
7. FANTASY. Harry Potter, dragons, Camelot, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
8. No romance, NO non-fiction, no science fiction, dark and gloomy, or westerns needed.
Fiction novels by or about people of color would be excellent. Cry the Beloved Country for instance or any of the wonderful new novels coming out of the Middle East, India and the Orient. One Hundred Years of Solitude is a great Hispanic novel. So keep those in mind. Bob has done a lot of volunteer work to improve prisons. He will be really touched we help him, but even more pleased that your donations will improve the library for everyone. Many prisoners, but not all, have limited education so donate a reading range if you can.
Whether you send one book or ten, it's wonderful, and thank you.
This area should have reliable source of drinking water
Peterborough Examiner
As climate change creates more and more environmental refugees, and shortage of pure drinking water becomes a global problem, I had thought of Peterborough as a good place to be, with its reliable supply of drinking water flowing to us from the north.
The Ontario government's complicity with Frontenac Ventures, the company planning to drill for uranium at Sharbot Lake, shows that, in their desire to "go" with nuclear energy and thus encourage production of uranium, they have completely overlooked both the rights of the aboriginal people directly concerned, and the long-term interests of all of us.
Uranium mining results in piles of tailings which leach radioactive substances into adjacent waterways.
Mining at Sharbot Lake would pollute water through Lake Ontario and the St.Lawrence to the sea.
Mining in the Bancroft area, which is also being considered, would permanently and irreversibly pollute Peterborough's water supply.
We have better alternatives to nuclear power, which in any case would not last forever. We do not have better alternatives for our drinking-water supply.
A government which allows profit-hungry companies to invade and destroy territory, which in this case is being claimed and used by first-nations people, leading to possible genocide of these people, needs to face relentless opposition from concerned citizens.
There has been opposition, and more is planned. For example, about 100 people stood, in the worst blizzard of the year, on March 8, in front of PCVS, and listened to moving speeches.
The police showed up, but the press did not.
I have seen only one article in The Examiner on this important local issue, -on Feb.22, headed ''Fleming Counsellor Jailed, Trent Prof Fined'".
Paula Sherman and Robert Lovelace were labelled criminals, which made them newsworthy.
Advertisement
Robert Lovelace is in jail and Paula Sherman has been fined $15,000, apparently for upholding Algonquin law and protecting the vital interests of all of us, at great personal sacrifice. Since when has peaceful opposition to injustice been a crime in Canada? If it is a crime, then we are a Fascist state.
This issue is one piece of the rape of this planet, for resources, which is going on worldwide.
Development of the Alberta tar-sands is another, but this is closer to home. It is our business. If we let it happen, we can look to a very bleak future.
We need reform of the Ontario Mining Act that allows this trespass. We need to demand that Robert Lovelace be released from jail immediately, and that Paula Sherman's fine be revoked.
Dalton McGuinty must reconsider his plans to pursue an expensive, dangerous, and temporary energy future for Ontario, which diverts government funding from the real, permanent, alternatives.
Let us prove that we are free and democratic and we care about the future of all our citizens.
And let us expect our media to give fair coverage to what is, at present, the most important unfolding issue in this area.
We hear plenty about celebrities and criminals, entrepreneurs and sports, but, it seems, issues of real substance somehow get filtered out.
In a democracy, the public must know what is going on.
Jenny Carter
Hillcrest Avenue
As climate change creates more and more environmental refugees, and shortage of pure drinking water becomes a global problem, I had thought of Peterborough as a good place to be, with its reliable supply of drinking water flowing to us from the north.
The Ontario government's complicity with Frontenac Ventures, the company planning to drill for uranium at Sharbot Lake, shows that, in their desire to "go" with nuclear energy and thus encourage production of uranium, they have completely overlooked both the rights of the aboriginal people directly concerned, and the long-term interests of all of us.
Uranium mining results in piles of tailings which leach radioactive substances into adjacent waterways.
Mining at Sharbot Lake would pollute water through Lake Ontario and the St.Lawrence to the sea.
Mining in the Bancroft area, which is also being considered, would permanently and irreversibly pollute Peterborough's water supply.
We have better alternatives to nuclear power, which in any case would not last forever. We do not have better alternatives for our drinking-water supply.
A government which allows profit-hungry companies to invade and destroy territory, which in this case is being claimed and used by first-nations people, leading to possible genocide of these people, needs to face relentless opposition from concerned citizens.
There has been opposition, and more is planned. For example, about 100 people stood, in the worst blizzard of the year, on March 8, in front of PCVS, and listened to moving speeches.
The police showed up, but the press did not.
I have seen only one article in The Examiner on this important local issue, -on Feb.22, headed ''Fleming Counsellor Jailed, Trent Prof Fined'".
Paula Sherman and Robert Lovelace were labelled criminals, which made them newsworthy.
Advertisement
Robert Lovelace is in jail and Paula Sherman has been fined $15,000, apparently for upholding Algonquin law and protecting the vital interests of all of us, at great personal sacrifice. Since when has peaceful opposition to injustice been a crime in Canada? If it is a crime, then we are a Fascist state.
This issue is one piece of the rape of this planet, for resources, which is going on worldwide.
Development of the Alberta tar-sands is another, but this is closer to home. It is our business. If we let it happen, we can look to a very bleak future.
We need reform of the Ontario Mining Act that allows this trespass. We need to demand that Robert Lovelace be released from jail immediately, and that Paula Sherman's fine be revoked.
Dalton McGuinty must reconsider his plans to pursue an expensive, dangerous, and temporary energy future for Ontario, which diverts government funding from the real, permanent, alternatives.
Let us prove that we are free and democratic and we care about the future of all our citizens.
And let us expect our media to give fair coverage to what is, at present, the most important unfolding issue in this area.
We hear plenty about celebrities and criminals, entrepreneurs and sports, but, it seems, issues of real substance somehow get filtered out.
In a democracy, the public must know what is going on.
Jenny Carter
Hillcrest Avenue
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