Comments from G. Edwards
Background:
Across Quebec, countless groups have been organizing for the last few years
to bring about a moratorium on uranium exploration and uranium mining in the
province -- to match the 1978 government moratorium on new nuclear reactors
that has been upheld by all successive governments including the present one.
Uranium exploration activities have been going on all over this mineral-rich
province, particularly in the Hautes Laurentides (High Laurentians), the Cote
Nord (the North Shore, with activity centred at Sept-Isles) and the Gatineau area
(Ottawa River Valley).
But by far the most advanced project is located in Eeyou-Istchee, the territory
of the Cree Nation of Quebec, in the sacred Otish mountains -- the geographic
and hydrologic centre of Quebec, where waters flow south to Lake Mistassini,
the largest freshwater lake in the province, then south to the Saint Lawrence
River or west to James Bay where several coastal Cree communtiies are located.
Strateco Corp. has spent six years preparing to open up one ore body in the
Otish Mountains through an "advanced exploration project" called the Matoush
Project. Over the last three years two environmental assessment bodies (with
Cree representation on both panels) have given a cautious green light to the
project, and now it is at the licensing stage. The Canadian Nuclear Safety
Commission is holding public hearings into the licensing of the Matoush
Project in two communities, Mistissini (June 5 and 6) and Chibougamau
(June 6).
On the first day of the licensing hearings, the Chief of the Cree Nation of
Mistissini -- with the full backing of the Grand Council of the Crees -- declared
in eloquent and resolute language that the Cree Nation will not allow further
uranium exploration or mining in Eeeyou-Istchee and will do whatever is needed
to bring about a moratorium on such activities throughout Quebec.
This is an historic event, considering that Canada -- historically the largest
producer and exporter of uranium in the world -- now has two provinces that
have banned uranium exploration and mining (British Columbia and Nova
Scotia) and a third province (Quebec) where the very first uranium mining
project on the drawing boards may be stopped dead in its tracks. For even
if a licence is granted to the Matoush project, it is now highly doubtful that
it will be allowed to proceed by provincial authorities.
Stay tuned.
G Edwards
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Uranium Exploration: Mistissini says “NO” and asks for a Moratorium
Mistissini, Eeyou Istchee, June 5, 2012 – The Chief of Cree Nation of Mistissini,
Richard Shecapio, made it clear at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s (CNSC)
public hearing, held today (June 5) in Mistissini, that it’s community is firmly against
uranium development on Eeyou Istchee. « We want to put an end to the question of
uranium development once and for all, right now. We know where this is going and
we don’t want any uranium mining at all », said Chief Shecapio.
This hearing concerns the Strateco Resources Inc.’s (Strateco) application for a licence
to prepare site and construct for an underground exploration program at the Matoush
Project, located approximately 260 kilometres north of Chibougamau, Québec. In
November 2010, the Cree Nation of Mistissini has expressed that this project did not
have the support of the community. This position has been reasserted again in 2011.
Today, the Chief confirmed that nothing has changed and that the position remains
unchanged.
A moratorium
Chief Shecapio explained that his Council intends to do « whatever it takes » to
implement a moratorium on uranium development. “In light of the lack of social
acceptability, cultural incompatibility and the lack of a clear understanding of the
health and environmental impacts of uranium mining, it would be reckless for us as
a people to move forward and allow the licensing of Strateco’s advanced exploration
project. We are seeking a moratorium on uranium mining and exploration on our
traditional lands as well as in the province of Quebec », said Chief Shecapio.
In his intervention to the hearings, Chief Shecapio explained that the Crees have
always been the guardians and protectors of the land and will continue to be. For
the Crees of Mistissini, the land is a school of its own and the resources of the land
are the material and supplies they need. Cree traplines are the classrooms. What is
taught on these traplines to the youth is the Cree way of life which means living in
harmony with nature. This form of education ensures their survival as a people. Any
form of education that leads to survival is a high standard of education. Cree form of
education teaches to be humble, respectful, responsible, disciplined, independent,
sharing and compassionate.
« Because our people are still active on the land, hunting, trapping and consuming
the animals, we are concerned that traditional foods may become contaminated with
radionuclides, posing a threat to those who eat them. High levels of radionuclides in
moose and caribou tissues have been reported in animals near uranium mines. This
indirect exposure can lead to serious health issues for the people who eat contamin-
ated animals”, expressed Chief Shecapio.
No nuclear development
Another point Mistissini opposes is Quebec’s investment in the future of nuclear energy.
« We do not believe that nuclear energy, which is the primary use for uranium in
Canada, is a sustainable form of energy. We do not want to see a resource extracted
from our land which is responsible for causing pollution and waste. We do not want this
to be our impact on the world. The Crees have already sacrificed a great deal, including
their rights and their land, for one source of clean and abundant renewable energy:
hydroelectricity », added Richard Shecapio.
Lack of communication
Although still in the early phases of its implementation, Strateco’s efforts to engage the
community since the signing of the CIA have not been, and remain out of synch with
the community’s expectations. “We signed a Communication and Information
Agreement with Strateco in December in good faith, in order to give them the
opportunity to do what they should have been doing since 2006 : to address my
people’s concerns with this project. Nothing, however has changed since the signing
of the agreement. Strateco does not have and has never had our support for the
Matoush project despite what they may have announced to their investors », said
Chief Shecapio.
Uranium mining is not locally accepted in Eeyou Istchee. Additionally, 85% of members
of the Association des employees du nord du Quebec(AENQ), which has more than
1500 members, voted against uranium development in Eeyou Istchee and Nunavik in
October 2010.
About the Cree Nation of Mistissini
The Cree Nation of Mistissini is one of the largest Cree communities of the
James Bay Crees of Quebec, Canada, and is situated at the southeast end
of Mistassini Lake. The Council of Mistissini consists of a Chief, a Deputy
Chief and seven elected Councillors.
http://green.tmcnet.com/news/2012/06/05/6349353.htm
