Dear Friends,
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
(ref.: icuc@web.apc.org Wed Jun 3 10:13:24 1992)