Land protection camp.
The Council of Canadians stands in solidarity with the Algonquins of Barrière Lake who oppose Toronto-based Copper One from mining on their territory.
The Mitchikanibikok Inik, the Algonquins of Barriere Lake, live on unceded territory 300 kilometres north of Ottawa in the province of Quebec.
Barrière Lake Solidarity has posted, “The Algonquins of Barriere Lake have set-up a land protection camp at a proposed mining site in the heart of their territory, where core sample drilling is scheduled to begin at any time.”
They add, “The drilling would require construction of access roads and tree cutting, as well as the disposal of drilling debris and waste water. The mining claim covers over 300 square kilometers of Barriere Lake’s land base, which contains the La Vérendrye wildlife reserve. The staked area is abundant with lakes, wetlands and waterways and is an important hunting and fishing area for Barriere Lake families.”
And they highlight, “The mineral claims were staked under the ‘fee mining’ system without the free prior informed consent of the Algonquins of Barriere Lake.”
Elder Michel Thusky says Copper One’s mining project is an attempt “to bury our cultural identity alive under the debris of mining tailings.”
At the request of the community, Barriere Lake Solidarity is fundraising to cover the ongoing expenses of the land protection camp and monitoring of the territory, as well as for any future legal fees, which may be necessary to stop mining exploration and activity on the land. To make a donation, please click here.
The Council of Canadians Ottawa chapter has shared on social media the link to this No Mining on Algonquin Land! Fundraiser for Barrière Lake that will take place in Ottawa on Saturday March 11.
Council of Canadians campaigner Daniel Cayley-Daoust is planning to join a human rights delegation to Barrière Lake on March 22, World Water Day.
The Council of Canadians first expressed solidarity with the Algonquins of Barrière Lake in August 2010.
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