FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 27 February 1995
Innu Denounce Resumption of Drilling at Voisey Bay
Sheshatshiu - The Innu Nation strongly denounces today's announcement by
Diamond Fields Resources that drilling at Eimish (Voisey Bay) resumed
yesterday.
"The resumption of drilling at Eimish is a clear signal to the Innu people
that we have wasted our time talking to Diamond Fields. Over the past week,
we attempted to negotiate an agreement which would protect aboriginal
rights and address Innu concerns," stated Innu Nation President Peter
Penashue. "For the company to push ahead with its agenda while we were
still at the negotiating table clearly demonstrates their insincerity and
bad faith."
Diamond Fields Resources, a company associated with controversial developer
and stock promoter Robert Friedland, announced a "major discovery" of
nickel, copper and cobalt at Eimish late last year. In early February, a
10-day Innu occupation of the mineral exploration camp brought drilling to
a halt. Since Feb. 16th, the company, the Innu Nation and the Labrador
Inuit Association had been involved in ongoing negotiations.
"Last week, the Labrador Inuit Association and the Innu Nation tabled what
we felt was a very reasonable framework agreement which would provide for
recognition of aboriginal rights, environmental and cultural protection,
and opportunities for meaningful participation by Innu and Inuit in making
decisions that affect our land," continued Penashue. "This morning, I
received the company's response: a watered-down counter-proposal and a call
from a company representative informing me that drilling resumed yesterday."
"The Innu Nation cannot participate in negotiations while drilling
continues," concluded Penashue. "The company's action leaves us no choice
but to take direct action to defend the land and our rights."
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FOR MORE INFORMATION: Peter Penashue
(709) 497-8398
Chief Simeon Tshakapesh
(709) 478-8986/8827/8902
Larry Innes internet: es051322@orion.yorku.ca (direct to me)
innu@web.apc.org (general to Innu Nation)
Environmental Advisor
Innu Nation phone: (709) 497-8398
PO Box 119 fax: (709) 497-8396
Sheshatshiu, Nitassinan (Labrador)
via Canada A0P 1M0
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