July 30, 1991
Enclosed for your information is a copy of an article on
prosecution of the Lubicon 13.
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re-printed with permission from ECOMEDIA TORONTO BULLETIN #99,
May 7-20, 1991
LUBICONS FACE PRISON FOR DEFENDING THEIR LAND
Preliminary hearings for Lubicon Nation members have been delayed
while Lubicon Lake Nation lawyers raise procedural pints
regarding the conduct of an RCMP investigation into the
destruction of logging equipment on Lubicon territory. The first
of thirteen Lubicon Lake Nation members were to appear in court
in Peace River, Alberta on Monday April 29, charged with
Possession of Explosives, Arson, Disguise with Intent, and
Mischief. They each face up to 50 years in prison.
The charges stem from the destruction of logging equipment
operating in Lubicon Nation territory last (fall). Daishowa, a
Japanese multi-national which is operating a pulp mill in the
area, contracted the logging of sovereign Lubicon lands to
Brewster Construction, a wholly-owned Daishowa subsidiary, and
Buchanan Lumber. Last November 8, the Lubicon Lake Indian Nation
gave notice that all developments in unceded Lubicon territory
would have to obtain operating permits from the Nation and comply
with Lubicon environmental and wildlife protection regulations.
Companies which failed to do so would be subject to removal
without further notice. To date, Buchanan, Brewster, and
numerous oil companies have failed to comply.
The Friends of the Lubicon (Toronto) has condemned "the use of
the Canadian judicial system as a weapon against the Lubicon
lands and people", demanding that all the charges be dropped
against Lubicon Nation members on the basis that Canadian courts
and police have no current jurisdiction on unceded Lubicon
territories and on the basis that Buchanan Lumber is operating
illegally without Lubicon Nation permits within unceded Lubicon
territory.