"Mining Companies Not Respecting Historic Resources" -- Innu Nation
St.John's, NFLD. "Too many mineral exploration companies in Labrador are
continuing to ignore requirements to do archaeological surveys before
setting up camps or drilling operations," said anthropologist Peter
Armitage, a consultant to the Innu Nation, during a news conference in
St.John's, Newfoundland, today.
Of the 42 base camps established during 1995-1996, 25 were not surveyed for
historic resources. 91 fly camps were also established, but none were
surveyed for historic resources.
Armitage presented a video tape taken on 31 July 1996 by Innu Nation
observer, Rina MacKillop. The tape presented striking evidence of how
exploration camps are being established in good areas for historic
resources. Three of the camps - Absolut Resources, Coast Mountain
Geological, and International Canalaska - were set up without
archaeological screening, while a fourth camp, set up by MPH, was
screened.
Armitage identified 10 mineral exploration companies that are the worst
offenders because they have not conducted archaeological surveys of either
their camps or drill sites.
Armitage said, "The Innu Nation wants the Newfoundland government to
explain to the Aboriginal people of Labrador why so many exploration
companies are getting away without having to do archaeological surveys.
It's simply a disgrace that surveys are not being done. These companies
have been advised directly by the Innu Nation and yet they seem to be
thumbing their noses at the Innu and the law."
Armitage pointed out that "One company, Coast Mountain Geological, was sent
a letter by the Innu Nation on 4 August 1995 explaining why its proposed
Trout Pond site had to be surveyed for historic resources. Trout Pond is
just west of Voisey's Bay. Historically, Innu people have made frequent
use of this area. However, Coast Mountain Geological ignored the Innu
Nation and set up its base camp without an archaeological screening. The
camp was set up virtually on top of an historic Innu camp" (shown in the
video tape at the news conference).
Armitage concluded by saying that "the Innu Nation is demanding that the
Newfoundland government take immediate action to force the mineral
exploration companies to do archaeological surveys of base camps, fly
camps, drilling sites, trenching operations, and any other activity that
endangers historic resources. The Innu Nation believes that doing these
surveys constitutes the minimum level of respect for the Innu people, their
history and their culture."
Dr. Ralph Pastore, an archaeologist at Memorial University, attended the
news conference on behalf of the Canadian Archaeological Association to
express concern about the ongoing lack of archaeological assessment of
mineral exploration work in Labrador.
According to Pastore, "By definition, mineral exploration camps may occur
in the same spots as precontact Aboriginal sites. The fragile ground cover
of Labrador is easily disturbed by the erection of shelters, digging
latrines and garbage pits, ATV traffic, and even foot traffic. There's also
the danger of transient personnel collecting artifacts while they are
present at mineral exploration camps and drill sites. Once the ground cover
is disturbed, archaeological information can be lost forever," said
Pastore.
Pastore also said, "All members of the mining industry should follow the
existing legislation which requires an archaeological survey before any
activity is conducted that may disturb historic resources. It appears that
a number of mineral exploration companies are not meeting the Newfoundland
government's requirements."
Pastore concluded by noting that "the ground is the equivalent of an
archive for the Aboriginal people in Labrador. Just as we wouldn't allow
uncontrolled industrial activity in the National Archive of Canada, so too
should we prevent destruction of the archives of the Innu and Inuit peoples
in Labrador by ensuring adequate archaeological screening before mineral
exploration."
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Larry Innes Visit the Innu Nation WWW site:
Environmental Advisor http://www.web.net/~innu
Innu Nation
P.O. Box 119, Sheshatshiu, Labrador, Canada A0P 1M0
phone: (709) 497-8398 es051322@orion.yorku.ca fax: (709) 497-8396