UPDATE: Blockade at Cold Lake
2 views
Skip to first unread message
sheila muxlow
May 9, 2011, 11:32:02 PM5/9/11
to
Hey folks,
As you may have heard the Cold Lake First Nation has blockaded the entrance to a proposed Provincial campground on their territory. The Alberta government had promised to consult as the area is of significant cultural and historical importance but have since backed out on that promise. On Saturday the government sent in bull dozers to begin construction they were met with a camp set-up by the First Nation.
*Local activists are requesting public support for their concerns! Please take a moment to become informed with the information below and if possible make a phone call to the Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation and let them know that you respect the right of the Cold Lake First Nation for consultation on development that occurs on their territory.
Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation
Cindy Ady
Phone: (403) 256-8969
calgar...@assembly.ab.ca
In solidarity for healthy ecosystems and communities,
~sheila
NEWS: Cold Lake First Nation Challenges Campground
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/travel/Cold+Lake+First+Nation+challenges+campground/4749841/story.html
Cold Lake First Nation Information Letter
RE: English Bay Provincial Park Development
Cold Lake, Alberta (May 9, 2011) – The Province of Alberta has recently undertaken
new construction work at English Bay Provincial Recreation Area. This new
development will have serious negative effects on the ability of Cold Lake First Nations
(CLFN) members to use the area. The area is an integral part of the traditional lands
of the CLFN. It has been locally known as Berry Point and the Denesuline have lived,
hunted, fished and gathered food and medicine since time immemorial. The area also
contains gravesites, which are of utmost importance to CLFN members. Berry Point is
situated along a main artery of long-standing and continued traffic connecting several
other areas of cultural significance belonging to the CLFN members. As a result of
the uncooperative nature of the Ministry of Tourism, Parks and Recreation, CLFN has
commenced legal proceedings in order to have their voice heard on this matter.
Although a small campground has existed since the 1950’s, in the past few years the
Province of Alberta commenced operations to expand the existing campground into
a larger and more extensively developed campground suitable for large recreational
vehicles (RVs). This would include extensive surveying of the area, further removal of
natural resources such as trees, plants and wildlife, the creation of a modern road into
the area, large gravel pads and paths throughout the park as well as any other number of
disturbances which may arise from the expansion. The Province will also impose barriers
upon the Denesuline. For instance, fire bans will interfere with smoke houses; gates and
fences will physically restrict Denusline access; and payment of fees may be required.
Some consultation with the local people was done, but discussions were cut off before
any real progress was made and development seems to be continuing without regard to
the needs of the Denesuline people.
The expansion of recreational areas is not as important as respecting the rights of
First Nation peoples. Every level of government must acknowledge and protect the
constitutional rights of Aboriginal peoples. The current developments at English Bay
Recreation Area are the most recent in a series of encroachments upon First Nation lands
and rights.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Cecil Janvier, CLFN Chief – (780) – 815-5890
--
Sincerely,
Sheila Muxlow
Director
Sierra Club Prairie | Des Prairies du Sierra Club
**Temporary New Address**
6328 104 Street Nw, Edmonton, AB T6H 2K9
Office Phone | Téléphone au Bureau: +1-780-439-1160
Office Fax | Fax au Bureau : +1-780-485-9640
ONE EARTH, ONE CHANCE
Sierra Club Canada is a member-based organization that empowers people to protect, restore and enjoy a healthy and safe planet. Join us today! www.prairie.sierraclub.ca
As you may have heard the Cold Lake First Nation has blockaded the entrance to a proposed Provincial campground on their territory. The Alberta government had promised to consult as the area is of significant cultural and historical importance but have since backed out on that promise. On Saturday the government sent in bull dozers to begin construction they were met with a camp set-up by the First Nation.
*Local activists are requesting public support for their concerns! Please take a moment to become informed with the information below and if possible make a phone call to the Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation and let them know that you respect the right of the Cold Lake First Nation for consultation on development that occurs on their territory.
Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation
Cindy Ady
Phone: (403) 256-8969
calgar...@assembly.ab.ca
In solidarity for healthy ecosystems and communities,
~sheila
NEWS: Cold Lake First Nation Challenges Campground
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/travel/Cold+Lake+First+Nation+challenges+campground/4749841/story.html
Cold Lake First Nation Information Letter
RE: English Bay Provincial Park Development
Cold Lake, Alberta (May 9, 2011) – The Province of Alberta has recently undertaken
new construction work at English Bay Provincial Recreation Area. This new
development will have serious negative effects on the ability of Cold Lake First Nations
(CLFN) members to use the area. The area is an integral part of the traditional lands
of the CLFN. It has been locally known as Berry Point and the Denesuline have lived,
hunted, fished and gathered food and medicine since time immemorial. The area also
contains gravesites, which are of utmost importance to CLFN members. Berry Point is
situated along a main artery of long-standing and continued traffic connecting several
other areas of cultural significance belonging to the CLFN members. As a result of
the uncooperative nature of the Ministry of Tourism, Parks and Recreation, CLFN has
commenced legal proceedings in order to have their voice heard on this matter.
Although a small campground has existed since the 1950’s, in the past few years the
Province of Alberta commenced operations to expand the existing campground into
a larger and more extensively developed campground suitable for large recreational
vehicles (RVs). This would include extensive surveying of the area, further removal of
natural resources such as trees, plants and wildlife, the creation of a modern road into
the area, large gravel pads and paths throughout the park as well as any other number of
disturbances which may arise from the expansion. The Province will also impose barriers
upon the Denesuline. For instance, fire bans will interfere with smoke houses; gates and
fences will physically restrict Denusline access; and payment of fees may be required.
Some consultation with the local people was done, but discussions were cut off before
any real progress was made and development seems to be continuing without regard to
the needs of the Denesuline people.
The expansion of recreational areas is not as important as respecting the rights of
First Nation peoples. Every level of government must acknowledge and protect the
constitutional rights of Aboriginal peoples. The current developments at English Bay
Recreation Area are the most recent in a series of encroachments upon First Nation lands
and rights.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Cecil Janvier, CLFN Chief – (780) – 815-5890
--
Sincerely,
Sheila Muxlow
Director
Sierra Club Prairie | Des Prairies du Sierra Club
**Temporary New Address**
6328 104 Street Nw, Edmonton, AB T6H 2K9
Office Phone | Téléphone au Bureau: +1-780-439-1160
Office Fax | Fax au Bureau : +1-780-485-9640
ONE EARTH, ONE CHANCE
Sierra Club Canada is a member-based organization that empowers people to protect, restore and enjoy a healthy and safe planet. Join us today! www.prairie.sierraclub.ca
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages