Mining & Indigenous Resistance: Sipakapa to Sharbot Lake with Special Guest Bob Lovelace

From: "Uranium News" <uraniumnews@mail.ccamu.ca
To: uraniumnews@mail.ccamu.ca

Wednesday February 4th, 2:00 - 4:00pm
Mining & Indigenous Resistance: Sipakapa to Sharbot Lake
with Special Guest Bob Lovelace
Room: Dunning Hall, Room 11 (Lower Level) - Queen's University, Kingston, ON

Film Screening and Discussion about the ongoing resistance of Indigenous communities, all over the world, to mining development.

The screening of Sipakapa No Se Vende/Sipakapa Is Not For Sale, a documentary chronicling the struggle of Maya communities in Guatemala to exercise their right to consultation about mining expansion into their lands, will be followed by a discussion about Indigenous resistance to mining in Canada, specifically the ongoing struggle of the Ardoch Algonquins to stop the development of a uranium mine on their lands This talk will be led by BOB LOVELACE, a Professor in the Department of Global Development Studies and the former Chief of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation.

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Protest Uranium Mine Exemption from Mining Act Reform

Anyone interested in going please message me.. maybe we can carpool or take a train...

I apologize for the late notice.


Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium, (CCAMU)
Call to Eastern Ontario municipalities, community groups, and concerned citizens to:
Protest Uranium Mine Exemption from Mining Act Reform,
Radisson Hotel Entrance, 1 Johnson Street,
Kingston, Ontaqrio,
Thursday, August 28th, 6 PM.

The Ministry of Mines and Northern Development is holding hearings on the proposed reform of Ontario's antiquated Mining Act. While we support restrictions on the "free entry" of mining companies and prospectors on land claimed by aboriginals and private land owners, we question why uranium mines should be exempted. Uranium mines pollute watersheds. The proposed mine in North Frontenac County, near Sharbot Lake, would adversely affect the Mississippi and Ottawa rivers. Twenty two regional municipalities, including Ottawa,Kingston and Frontenac County have voted for a moratorium on Uranium mining in Eastern Ontario. How many does it take for our government to act on our concerns?

It is hypocritical for the provincial government to claim federal jurisdiction on uranium whilst it has granted the permits to Frontenac Ventures for exploration and would collect revenues from these mines. In addition the Ministry of the Environment has charged Frontenac Ventures with multiple breaches of provincial environmental regulations. How do you grant the permits, collect the revenues, and regulate the operations if you have no jurisdiction?

We propose an information picket at the entrance to the hearings. Of course the event will be peaceful and non disruptive. Speakers, such as Bob Lovelace, and municipal representatives will voice their objections to the exemption of uranium mines. The 6 PM protest will include music and street theater.

Contact Information: Paul Gervan, gervan@sympatico.ca Tel: 613-387-3579

Source Water Protection (SWC) committee)

Hi everybody (wonder if the ppl of u @ the cottage with or without internet are the lucky ones...;)),

hope u enjoying the sunshine and the beautiful water of Canada's lakes and rivers - I have an addition to my previous post, came in yesterday with the U-news (www.ccamu.ca), in case you were wondering about the exact location in Plevna:


SOURCE WATER PROTECTION (SWC) COMMITTEE MTG, AUG 7TH, 1 PM

The next monthly public meeting of the Source Water Protection (SWC) committee will be held on August 7, 2008 @ 1:00 p.m in Plevna at the Clar-Miller Hall, 6598 Buckshot Lake Road, Plevna, Ontario.

The SWC reports to the ministry of the Environment (MOE) via their chairperson and is sanctioned through the 'Clean Water Act' to represent the Mississippi and Rideau watersheds.

This is an important meeting since a response from the MOE based on actions taken from a member inquiry and public input is on the agenda. The Ministry of the Environment will be making a presentation responding to the motions of the SPC passed in February regarding Uranium. There will also be representatives present from the local Health Unit(s) and Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.

Persons can book a five-minute time slot if they wish to address the committee. For more information on the SWP committee for our region and to see the meeting agenda (when posted) please see
http://www.mrsourcewater.ca/welcome/index.html (click on 'Source Protection Committee' then 'Agendas, Minutes & Dispositions')

Uranium News

Hello, dear readers,

here's the latest Uranium news. All previous editions can be looked up on ccamu's website: www.ccamu.ca. Looking forward to some feedback for the Toronto events today and Wednesday (KI appeal, s.b.). Check back soon for Michael Swinwood video footage when he appeared as a friend of court in the Kingston courthouse in March 08.

URANIUM NEWS
http://www.ccamu.ca

MAY 24, 2008


IN THIS ISSUE:

1) PRESS RELEASE: KI 6 TO BE RELEASED TODAY, BOB LOVELACE TO REMAIN INCARCERATED
2) AAFN MEETING MABERLY HALL SUNDAY
3) URANIUM PRODUCER WARNS OF LAKE ONTARIO POLLUTION
4) YOUTUBE VIDEO: DEPLETED URANIUM IN THE HUMAN BODY
5) DONNA DILLMAN LOOKING FOR A RIDE
6) NEW BRUSWICK: URANIUM PUBLIC SESSIONS PLANNED
7) ARTICLE: BRUCE COX DEFENDS GREENPEACE (AND TAKES ON PATRICK MOORE)
8) TIRELESS ANTI-URANIUM ACTIVIST DIES AT AGE 93
9) LETTER TO THE EDITOR: BILL ADAMSON
10) LETTER TO THE URANIUM NEWS: THE LAW IS WRONG!
11) ARTICLE: CAMECO TESTING FOR URANIUM LEAK IN LAKE ONTARIO
12) ARTICLE: BARRICK GOLD PROTESTERS COME TO ARDOCH
13) ARTICLE: STAR-LADEN LOVELACE BENEFIT SELLS OUT
14) ARTICLE: THE URANIUM BOOM HITS WESTERN U.S.
15) ARTICLE: URANIUM SHORTAGE HITS NUCLEAR POWER


1) 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

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2) AAFN MEETING MABERLY HALL SUNDAY

Ardoch Algonquin First Nation will be having its regular council meeting at Maberly Hall on Sunday and the public is invited to join them at 3:30 for a general meeting and update on the uranium issue.

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3) URANIUM PRODUCER WARNS OF LAKE ONTARIO POLLUTION

(Editor's Note: What does the American media know that our Canadian media ignores? -LD)

By IAN AUSTEN
May 22, 2008
The News York Times

OTTAWA — Cameco, the world’s largest uranium producer, has told the Canadian nuclear regulator that its refinery might have leaked uranium, arsenic and fluorides into Lake Ontario.

To read the rest of this article go to,

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/22/business/worldbusiness/22pollute.html?_r=2&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1211555119-jpMqdMVxS9oLzE0laQtsFw

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4) YOUTUBE VIDEO: DEPLETED URANIUM IN THE HUMAN BODY

A video of Sister Rosalie Bertell, PhD.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgQ79-oDX2o

Event: An Afternoon with Rosalie Bertell Ph.D.
Bloor Street United Church
300 Bloor Street West, Toronto Ontario
May 31st 1:30pm - 3:30pm

CCAMU's Donna Dillman will be speaking at this event.

To read the bio of the Anti-nuclear Nun go to,

http://www.ratical.org/radiation/RBanNun.html

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5) DONNA DILLMAN LOOKING FOR A RIDE

Donna Dillman is looking for a ride from Toronto to the Lanark/Perth area on the late afternoon or evening of Sat. May 31st. She will be attending the rally at Queen's Park and staying over in Toronto to take part in (and say a few words at) the Rosalie Bertell Luncheon from 1:30 to 3:30 on the Sat.

Please email her directly at donna54@superaje.com

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6) NEW BRUSWICK: URANIUM PUBLIC SESSIONS PLANNED

Public sessions planned on controversial uranium issue

May 20th, 2008
The Daily Gleaner

The provincial government will hold public information sessions on uranium exploration and mining in Fredericton and Moncton next month.

"Our primary focus is ensuring that New Brunswickers have all the facts about uranium exploration and mining," Natural Resources Minister Donald Arseneault said in a news release.

To read the rest of this article go to,

http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/cityregion/article/301105

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7) ARTICLE: BRUCE COX DEFENDS GREENPEACE (AND TAKES ON PATRICK MOORE)

May 20, 2008
By Marni Soupcoff

Patrick Moore used an article about himself in the National Post on May 1 to launch yet another tirade against Greenpeace (Full Comment, May 12.)

In his article, he accuses Greenpeace and other environmental groups of “name-calling.” For the record, no one with Greenpeace called him any names in the article and no one from Greenpeace Canada was even quoted.

Mr. Moore took offence at the term “Eco Judas,” referenced by the writer. It may be harsh, but consider this: Mr. Moore left Greenpeace and now works for the nuclear industry, logging companies, the fish-farm industry and other large corporations he once opposed. His positions on climate change, nuclear power, clear cutting forests and uranium mining are the opposite of every major environmental organization in the country. How should one characterize his behaviour?

To read the rest of this article go to,

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/05/20/bruce-cox-defends-greenpeace-and-takes-on-patrick-moore.aspx

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8) TIRELESS ANTI-URANIUM ACTIVIST DIES AT AGE 93


For those who didn't know her, she was a giant among activists.

http://www.econet.sk.ca/sk_enviro_champions/maisie_shiell.html

I first met her in 1977, during the Bayda Inquiry Into Uranium Mining in Saskatchewan, and was immediately struck by her strength of character and her keen determination to understand the science as well as the societal sanity needed to confront this multibillion dollar industry.

In February 19 2008 I was in Saskatoon submitting my comments on Cameco's Environmental Impact Statement for the Midwest Uranium Project (see attachment below), and there was Maisie, 93 years old, submitting her own comments with characteristic gusto.

Yesterday, May 21, 2008, Maisie passed away. Even in death she continues to inspire and provide leadership.

Gordon Edwards

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9) LETTER TO THE EDITOR: BILL ADAMSON

The Star Phoenix

Uranium cycle gives Saskatchewan "value subtracted" benefits

Government leaders and newspaper editors have glommed onto a new buzzword—“value added” which they repeat ad nauseum regarding the uranium chain. They only have dollar signs shining in their eyes, only jobs and business on the brain. They do not have the honesty to mention the other sides of the equation. They do not list any of the hazards regarding people’s health, effects on the biota or water, the radioactivity released into the air currents. Any one who raises a critique is branded an “anti-nuke radical.”

**No mention of Dr. Chris Busby of England, specialist in radiation and epidemiology, stating that the proposed open-pit mine at Midwest will send radioactive dust and radon gas on the wind currents sweeping down across Winnipeg!

**No mention of the presentation by Dr. Gordon Edwards warning that the regulatory limits of radiation exposure do not provide a guarantee against adverse health effects, and that radium -226 and polonium -210 and thorium contained in millions of tonnes of mining wastes will emit alpha radiation for thousands of years.

**No mention that the European Committee on Radiation Risk proclaims that our radiation exposure limits are twice too high—with lots of cancer down the road for our workers.

**No mention that the tritium levels in the Great Lakes is rising rapidly from the nearby reactors in Ontario.

**No mention of increased radiation swirling in the wind currents of the planet from thousands of bomb tests, the Gulf War, Three Mile Island and Chernobyl meltdowns, plus the fall out of depleted uranium from ammunition.

**No mention of 30,000 cubic metres of water per day used in conversion refineries.

**No mention of thousands of boreholes releasing radon into the air, and contamination into our aquifers.

**No mention that Wall Street is very reluctant to supply $12 billion for each reactor, taking many years for construction before electrical production.

Members of the public are not dumb when they do their equations!

-Bill Adamson

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10) LETTER TO THE URANIUM NEWS: THE LAW IS WRONG!

Please advertise the recent documentary Toxic Trespass released last Wednesday night.

I am not a TV watcher but somehow was there to see this startling program at 10 pm on TVO.

There is more information at www.toxictrespass.ca and www.toxicnation.ca and at www.TVOparent.

It directly aligns with the message that you are doing such a wonderful job to send to everyone.

I will be the next grandmother to go on a hunger strike if the government does not come to its senses very, very soon!

I am the worm lady. We raise earthworms and teach the healthy soil food web to school children and we encourage personal responsibility for organic waste recycling through composting and we grow healthy food to feed people.

I cannot just continue to do my little bit of good when the government who is supposed to be caring for the people and the justice system that is supposed to be protecting the people is doing so much harm.

I can only believe that to not react they are only stuffing their own pockets financially and waiting for someone else to clean up their dirty act.

It is this total lack of responsibility and passing the blame that has led to the problems we are faced with and it is now up to every single citizen to demand accountability by government.

Bob Lovelace should not be in jail. Michael Schmidt should not be in court.

The law is wrong!

Geraldine Baker

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11) ARTICLE: CAMECO TESTING FOR URANIUM LEAK IN LAKE ONTARIO

By Unnati Gandhi

The Goble & Mail

May 23, 2008

The world's largest uranium producer is looking into whether the element, along with arsenic and fluorides, might have leaked into Lake Ontario from its Port Hope processing plant.

To read the rest of this article go to,

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080523.CAMECO23/TPStory/TPNational/Ontario/

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12) ARTICLE: BARRICK GOLD PROTESTERS COME TO ARDOCH

By Jeff Green
Frontenac News

May 14th

Leaders from aboriginal communities in New South Wales, Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Chile paid a visit to Ardoch Algonquin First Nation Honourary Chief Harold Perry this past weekend. They were on their way to Ottawa, where they will be meeting with MPs in a bid to convince them to ask Canada to rein in the worldwide activities of Canadian-owned Barrick Gold Corporation.

To read the rest of this article go to,

http://www.newsweb.ca/2008/08-19_may_15/barrick_gold.html

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13) ARTICLE: STAR-LADEN LOVELACE BENEFIT SELLS OUT

The Kingston Whig-Standard

A star-studded benefit concert to raise money for imprisoned Algonquin protester Bob Lovelace has sold out.

To read the rest of this article go to,

http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1031068

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14) ARTICLE: THE URANIUM BOOM HITS WESTERN U.S.

May 19, 2008

By Richard Martin
Energy Tribune

Thanks to soaring commodity prices, the U.S. uranium mining sector is enjoying a comeback – and that is causing conflict in several western states.

To read the rest of this article go to,

http://www.energytribune.com/articles.cfm?aid=892

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15) ARTICLE: URANIUM SHORTAGE HITS NUCLEAR POWER

Some of the uranium mining projects have been hampered due to delay in getting environmental clearances and also on account of the difficult terrain in which the mines are located

May 21, 2008
The Hindu Business Line

Mumbai- May 20 Shortage of uranium and a shut-down at four plants dragged down revenues and profit of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd for the fiscal ended March 2008.

To read the rest of this article go to,

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/05/21/stories/2008052152480100.htm

Saying no to uranium mining

The Perth Courier Editorial Aug 1st 2007

By now, most people in the Perth area are aware of the efforts of area native and non-native residents to prevent uranium from being mined in the Snow Road-Robertsville-Elphin area, northwest of Perth.

In the past, we have discussed the frighteningly uncivilized nature of the Mining Act, legislation that allows mining companies to march onto the private properties of rural residents and begin digging for minerals. If landowners don’t own the mineral rights, only the surface rights of their properties, this is perfectly legal.

We have published stories about one man’s efforts to bring attention to the act by publicizing what happened to his property in Tay Valley Township. Large ditches were dug on his property and when he expressed concern about the open holes and potential danger they posed, he was told that it was illegal for him to fill in these holes. Think about it: someone came onto his property, dug trenches, left them exposed and held outdated mining regulations over his head if he attempted to make his property somewhat safe again.

Out of the threat of such incidents recurring throughout the township, the Citizens’ Mining Advisory Group, or CMAG, was formed. Through the efforts of many, a number of mining claims against properties in the rich residential and cottage area surrounding Perth were abandoned. (This group will hold its annual meeting on Aug. 11 at 10 a.m. at the North Burgess Hall on Narrows Lock Road. The public is welcome and will likely find area candidates for this fall’s provincial election in attendance.)

Mining has again taken centre stage in this area, and this time, has received national attention. While the threat is not as much toward private properties in this case, it involves a sought-after end product that poses a potential greater risk to the health of those throughout the Ottawa Valley. It’s not about gaping holes on private property, but potentially deadly uranium.

Everyone seems to have an opinion on the matter, and now that the price being offered for uranium has rebounded, chances are those who see nothing but dollar signs will put up a strong fight against those who oppose such mining.

Uranium mining companies claim such operations are safe if they are carried out properly. But what happens if an accident happens? Do we simply say "oops" and try not to cry over a little spilled salt? We’re not mining salt here. "Oops" is not something anyone wants to hear.

A simple Internet search brings up far too many cases of how such mining has harmed Canadian communities.

Six stories have appeared in the Courier since April about the quest for uranium in the Crotch Lake area and those who are leading the charge to ensure this quest fails. Only the sixth and latest story offered the opinions of someone who came forward in favour of such mining.

Provincial governments on Canada’s east and west coasts have imposed moratoriums on uranium mining. When will Ontario and the rest of the provinces follow their lead?

If no such freeze on this type of mining is introduced in Ontario, mining might proceed in the Crotch Lake area, and possibly without incident. But is that a gamble we’re all willing to take? This area is all upstream of the City of Ottawa.

If something does happen, who is left to live in the shadow of a mistake?

Lawsuit, injunction hearing moved to September

By Gena Gibson, The Perth Courier August 1st 2007

The people who have camped out near Robertsville for more than a month say they won’t leave until Frontenac Ventures Corporation gives up its quest for uranium.

Lawyers for the Ardoch Algonquin and Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nations met in Kingston court on Monday with Neal Smitheman, the legal representative for the uranium exploration company. The company has served the groups, their leaders and "unknown persons" with a $77 million lawsuit, and would also like an injunction to allow it to begin exploration on thousands of acres of land near Robertsville, in North Frontenac Township.

"Our position and stance haven’t changed," said Paula Sherman, who shares co-chief duties of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nations with Randy Cota. "We’re staying, anyway."

She said the injunction hearing is set for late September, but the company, and the judge who heard arguments on Monday, want to get together tomorrow (Thursday) to find a compromise.

"Our stance on that is they won’t have access here," Sherman stressed, pointing out that officials with Frontenac Ventures Corporation are concerned with losing financial backing for the project. "We consider that to be a ploy."

Sherman said the people, both native and non-native, who have blocked access to the property plan to stay until the provincial government resolves the issue of land jurisdiction.

"The hearing now is not to determine whose land it is," she pointed out, saying the judge would like to know what Frontenac Ventures can do that won’t compromise the land.

"We don’t recognize anything (that can be done)," she added. "Anything they can do leading up to exploration and mining (is not acceptable)."

She said the native community believes the $77 million lawsuit is posturing on the part of Frontenac Ventures.

The main issue, for Sherman and her group, is their claim to more than three billion acres of land for the Ardoch Algonquins. The Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nations, under Chief Doreen Davis, are in the midst of a land claim that has gone on for years.

"We don’t need to use that process," Sherman explained. "We already have jurisdiction over our land.

"It was never ceded."

Sherman, who teaches aboriginal studies at Trent University, said the hearing in September and early October will have no bearing on what is happening at the potential mining site.

"They can just do the injunction, because our minds are not changing," she said. "The issue needs to be dealt with once and for all."

Many of the protesters lined Hwy. 7 in Perth on Saturday afternoon, handing out pamphlets on uranium mining to drivers. While most people were receptive, Sherman said, "There are a few who obviously don’t care that they’re going to be vacationing or living in areas with uranium contamination."

Smitheson did not return a call to his office yesterday (Tuesday).