Indigenous communities are taking the lead to stop the largest industrial project on Earth and Northern Alberta is ground zero with over 20 corporations operating in the tar sands sacrifice zone, with expanded developments being planned. The cultural heritage, land, ecosystems and health of Indigenous communities including those in the Athabasca, Peace River and Cold Lake regions of Alberta are being sacrificed for oil money in what has been termed a “slow industrial genocide”. Infrastructure projects linked to the tar sands expansion such as the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline, Kinder Morgan pipeline, Enbridge Line 9 reversal, and the Keystone XL pipeline threaten Indigenous communities across Turtle Island particularly Aamjiwnaang First Nation and the Haudenausaunee Confederacy here in Southern Ontario.
To build ties of solidarity and resistance, and to create a broad base on informed support, a speakers’ series is being organized in Coast Salish Territories (Vancouver) and in Ontario.
This is the update from the Toronto KI Support Committee, March 27, 2012. Read KI Nation's own response to the GLR's buy-out, click here.
On March 29, Ontario announced that it would buy out God's Lake Resources Inc. claims to KI territory for $3.5 million dollars.
A huge part of KI Homeland, over 23,000square kilometers, or over 2% of the total area of ‘Ontario’ is off-limits to mining until KI decides otherwise.
This historic victory is a result of KI Nation asserting sovereignty over its land, refusing to compromise or negotiate for anything less. In a time of austerity, back to work legislation, where too many communities feel like no victory is possible, KI is a beacon of inspiration.
Please join us in Toronto for River Run 2012, where we’ll continue a tradition of community lead action for justice—for our people, and for the protection of the water, air, and forests that give life to us all.
GRASSY PEOPLE SPEAK
Tuesday June 5th, 6:30 p.m. (location tba)
FISH FRY
June 6 or 7, fish fry (details tba)
MARCH AND RALLY
Friday June 8, Noon. Grange Park.
more info: FreeGrassy.org
In April 2010, we marched together as one wild river flowing onto the steps of Queen’s Park to deliver our demands on World Health Day. We ask that you join us again this year to make clear to those at Queen’s Park that we’re as strong as ever, and will continue to demand justice for our people and protection for our environment.
To endorse, donate, support, or for more information contact us at: riverrun2010@gmail.com
When the mining trucks come to rip up the land
What part of No don't you understand?
When armed guards are what you've got planned
What part of No don't you understand?
You're poisoning the the water, the plants, and the land
What part of No don't you understand?
KIs here, you gotta meet their demands!
What part of No don't you understand?
Toronto -- On Monday, March 5, nearly 150 people gathered in a packed hall in downtown Toronto to hear KI Elder Mary Jane Crow, KI Councilor Cecilia Begg, KICouncilor Randy Nanokeesic, Steven Chapman - KI Lands and Environment Unit, and Richard Anderson, KI Watershed Coordinator. In a hushed room, the community leaders declared their relentless commitment to protecting their sovereinty and their territory.
KI Speaks Out Against God's Lake Resources and McGuinty government.
KI LEADERS SPEAK, NEW VIDEO LAUNCHED
Featuring: KI Elder Mary Jane Crowe, KI Councilor Cecilia Begg, KI Councilor Randy Nanokeesic, Steven Chapman - KI Lands and Environment Unit, Ramsay Hart - Mining Watch, officers from the Ontario Federation of Labour and a new video by Allan Lissner.
Ontario is currently violating Native land rights and sacred burial sites by allowing gold mining company God’s Lake Resources to explore and prospect Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) sacred burial grounds WITHOUT consultation or consent. Call the Minister of Northern Development and Mines Rick Bartolucci and ask him what part of "No" does he not understand
CALL NOW: 416-327-0633 – Ask for Rick Bartolucci (Minister of Northern Development & Mines) or leave a message.
You can also reach him directly at his constituency office: 705-675-1914
