NATO jets are still practicing low-level flying over Innu
territory in Labrador and Quebec (Nitassinan) at the rate of over
8,000 flights a year.
In 1989, the proposed NATO base at Goose Bay was shelved, but the
environmental review of the training activity itself has
continued. In the mean time, the flights have also continued
unabated. These flights violate Innu sovereignty, and disrupt
waterfowl and caribou migrations. The bombing ranges leave further
contamination. The flights also follow the major river systems,
threatening crucial wildlife habitat and disrupting campsites and
travel for the Innu, despite an "avoidance" program implemented by
the Department of National Defence (DND). Research conducted for
the Innu Nation shows that DND's avoidance program is not working.
The Allied air forces have been pressuring DND to keep
environmental protection measures to an absolute minimum in order
to maximize the amount of space available for training.
Bilateral agreements are in place between Canada and three NATO
countries -- Germany, Netherlands, and United Kingdom -- to allow
low-level flying to go on, and to pay the Canadian government for
the use of Innu territory.
THE FOLLOWING LETTER will be presented to the embassies of the
three countries practicing low-level flying in Nitassinan. The
letter was approved by the Innu Nation. We are asking all
organizations and individuals that wish to endorse this letter to
contact the ARC office by Wednesday, March 23 at the latest to
have your name added to the letter.
Contact: Aboriginal Rights Coalition
151 Laurier Ave. E. Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N8
tel: 235-9956 fax: 235-1302
[email replies best sent to fyre@web.apc.org]
Dear Ambassador **,
Your country, along with (Germany, England, and the Netherlands),
are currently engaged in military air force training over the Innu
territory of Nitassinan in violation of their sovereignty.
We, the concerned citizens and organisations of the Ottawa region,
present ourselves today, March 24th, in solidarity with the Innu
Nation. The Innu People have sought and asked for our support in
their struggle to stop NATO low-level flying over their
territories. We ask that your government cease flight training in
Nitassinan and respect the Innu Nation by permanently withdrawing
from their territories.
Bilateral agreements between Canada and your government for this
flight training are invalid in light of the unceded status of the
Innu territory. In the absence of a treaty, the inherent
aboriginal rights of the Innu on these lands remain unconstrained.
The Royal Proclamation of 1763, in force in the statutes of
Canada, and reaffirmed by recent Supreme Court of Canada
decisions, supports Innu sovereignty of their unceded territory.
The low-level flight training exercises undertaken by your
government disrupt the traditional land-based activities of the
Innu, as well as the wildlife and environment of the region.
Impacts on people, wildlife, and the natural environment are still
under review by a federal government panel. The responsible choice
for your government is to respect Innu demands and leave their
territory.
As Canadians we share a view of our country as a peaceful nation,
where preparations for war have no place. We join with efforts
across Canada and internationally to focus public attention on
March 26 -- the start of the season for over 8,000 flights to
occur in preparation for war.
In closing, we ask that you respect the wishes of the Innu Nation,
and we eagerly await the news of your decision to cease flight
training over Nitassinan.
Signed,