Issued by: Protectors of Mother Earth
Contact Persons: Leon Iron, Elder (306) 829)4294
Ruth Iron (306) 829)4320 (off.)
fax: (306) 829)4424
Blockade Mobile Phone: JR2)8028
(Meadow Lake exchange)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 1992
The Elders leading the effort to stop all clear cutting in the
Northwest region of the Province of Saskatchewan have decided
that the Blockade on Hwy #903 will remain. Meetings on Saturday,
May 30, 1992, with the Provincial Deputy Minister of Natural
Resources and representatives of NorSask, Mistik Management and
Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) proved to be unsuccessful.
Certain changes to the MLTC offer were proposed by POME but all
parties responsible for the clear cutting operations stated they
did not have the authority to sign any agreement. The only
promise made by the Deputy Minister, Doug Cressman, is that he
would submit some of the proposed changes to the Cabinet for
consideration.
The Elders also decided the proposal put forward by the
NorSask/MLTC group was inadequate. It did not guarantee an end to
all clear cutting nor did it provide any meaningful input into
forestry practices in the region by the traditional land users
that live in the area. The Elders have requested a meeting with
the Minister of Natural Resources and other officials responsible
for clear cutting in order to present an agreement of their own
making. The meeting has been set for Saturday, June 6, 1992 at
1:00 pm. Media are welcome to attend and observe.
In order for this meeting to result in a removal of the blockade,
a number of concerns by POME will have to be satisfactorily
resolved. First and foremost, there must be an unqualified
commitment to stop all clear cutting in the Northwest region.
POME is also demanding a full and independent environmental
impact assessment on cutting needs for the Millar Western pulp
mill, a legal mandate to manage forestry operations in the area
according to traditional practices and compensation for damages
already done.
POME remains hopeful that this conflict can be peacefully
resolved to the satisfaction of all parties concerned. In the
meantime, any support, financial or otherwise, from members of
the public who also care about the forests and the earth would be
genuinely appreciated.
DEAR FRIENDS, JUNE 3, 1992
We have just returned from the Highway 903 Blockade near Canoe
Lake in northern Saskatchewan. The blockade was erected on May
13,1992 by the local people to stop clearcutting in the forests
of the northwest region of the province. The blockade and camp
are located 65 km north on highway 903. The people at the camp
have taken the name Protectors of Mother Earth (POME). Enclosed
is a press release dated May 31, 1992 giving the current status
of the blockade. We have agreed to work through existing
networks to raise awareness of this issue and the specific needs
of the camp. The situation changes daily, so immediate action is
important.
The camp is comprised of Cree Elders and families from Canoe
Lake, Canoe Narrows, Ile a la Crosse, Jans Bay and other
communities in the region. It is clear the camp leadership is
solidly with the Elders. Their spirit is strong and they are
determined to stop the clear cutting of their forests. They want
to be part of long)term planning for sustainable forest
management, to maintain traditional land use and create new jobs
needed for northern residents. For the people to remain strong,
they need to know others in the world share their concerns and
support their struggle.
The camp needs food, money and physical support to keep it
going. Messages of support can be phoned or faxed directly to
the people. Camp contacts are : Ruth Iron (306) 829)4518 home,
(306) 829)4320 work, fax (306) 829)4424, Elder Leon Iron (306)
829)4294, Butch Iron, Blockade Mobile Radio Phone JR2)8028
(Meadow Lake exchange).
Cheques should be made payable to Protectors of Mother Earth,
c/o Butch Iron, General Delivery, Canoe Narrows, Sask., CANADA
S0M 0K0.
Phone calls and fax messages urging provincial government
officials to take the Elders seriously , are also needed.
Premier Roy Romanow, phone (306) 787)0958 fax (306) 787)0885
Hon. Darrel Cunningham, Minister of Parks and Renewable
Resources, phone (306) 787)0953 fax (306) 787)8747.
Saskatoon contact: Tyrone Tootoosis (306) 665)0573 (evenings)
Saskatoon answering machine: (306) 242)3138.
We feel the stand taken by these brave people could be the
turning point for development for all of northern Saskatchewan.
Now is the time to stand with them.
In Solidarity,
Carol Stang
Saskatchewan Representative, Aboriginal Rights Coalition
Stephanie Sydiaha
Member of the Inter)Church Uranium Committee.\j\