UTSHIMASSITS (Davis Inlet) - Innu representatives and community members are
enroute to Voisey Bay today to evict the mining companies conducting mineral
exploration activities there. The eviction order cites the failure of
Diamond Fields Resources and Archean Resources to obtain the permission of
the Innu people or prepare an environmental and cultural protection plan
before conducting exploration activities on Innu land.
"We want to made it clear to these companies that any exploration and
development on our land must be subject to the wishes of our people", stated
Katie Rich, former chief of Davis Inlet. "When we look at the maps that
show mining claims, we see our land being taken from us by mining companies.
Over 13,000 new claims covering several thousand square kilometers of our
land have been staked in the last few months alone. But we have never been
approached for our permission."
Diamond Fields Resources, a company associated with controversial developer
and stock promoter Robert Friedland, announced a "major discovery" of
nickel, copper and cobalt in the Voisey Bay area in November, spurring a
rush of claim staking activity. Exploration and mineral development in the
area is opposed by both the Innu Nation and the Labrador Inuit Association
until land rights are resolved. The Newfoundland government has refused to
halt the project.
"If there is something there, it will still be there after our land rights
are resolved.", stated Chief Simeon Tshakapesh. "But if exploration and
development of our land continues without protection for our rights and the
environment, we will lose everything. Diamond Fields is talking about jobs
and opportunities, but we are talking about our land, our rights and our way
of life."
"The Innu have used Voisey Bay for countless generations. The area is
important habitat for caribou, wolves, and several species of fish,
migratory birds and small animals. Our elders tell us that there may be
burial sites in the drilling area as well. But Diamond Fields has taken no
steps to assure us that these things are being respected, and given the
reputation of Robert Friedland and the legacy of the Summitville disaster,
we fear they won't be", concluded Tshakapesh.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Chief Simeon Tshakapesh Mushuau Innu First Nation
Daniel Ashini Director Innu Rights and Environment (709) 478-8827/8902/8867