Green, NDP support blockade; Candidates weigh in on First Nation protest outside of political riding

Peterborough Examiner

The ongoing First Nations blockade at a proposed uranium mine at Sharbot Lake, two hours east of Peterborough, is sparking a reaction from some local candidates.

Peterborough Green Party candidate Miriam Stucky has expressed full support for the Ardoch Algonquin and Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nations groups who are opposing the mining.

The blockade has been in place since June 29, preventing the company Frontenac Ventures from prospecting for uranium, citing environmental and land-ownership concerns.

Frontenac Ventures is seeking a way to force the protesters and their supporters to leave the site.

It’s suing the Algonquins for $77 million, claiming it has been prevented from working the property since June 29, placing substantial financial backing in jeopardy.

Dave Nickle, the local NDP candidate, said he’s supporting the First Nations’ struggle.

“With what’s going on at Caledonia, our government has to step up to the plate,” Nickle said.

Read the full story here

Critics say Kashechewan aid plan ignores flood reality

OTTAWA - An agreement to rebuild a flood-ravaged native reserve at its existing location has forced officials from the community and the Harper government on the defensive over accusations they were ignoring advice from a federal report and the will of the local population.

Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice signed the new deal Monday with Kashechewan chief Jonathon Solomon. It closed the door to two other options - to relocate the low-lying James Bay community to higher ground within its traditional territory, or to shift the reserve about 450 kilometres south to Timmins, Ont, as proposed by federal adviser Alan Pope.

Solomon, who insisted earlier this spring that his Cree community wanted to relocate, said a majority of residents changed their mind in recent weeks after a lengthy consultation process.

A survey of residents from March found that a majority wanted to move to higher ground but stay within the boundaries of their traditional territory. Prentice said the $500-million price tag was too high.

But opposition Liberals and New Democrats suggested the government was letting down the Cree community that has been evacuated three times since 2004 because of spring flooding and a tainted water crisis. (Edit: and we all know what a great track record the Liberals have in dealing with Native issues)

Read the full story here