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Steev Morgan
Oct 2, 2007, 11:00:18 AM10/2/07
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From: Uranium News <urani...@mail.ccamu.ca>
Date: Oct 1, 2007 7:06 PM
ANNOUNCING THE COMMUNITY COALITION AGAINST MINING URANIUM CCAMU WEBSITE
http://www.ccamu.ca
Our website is officially launched. A very big thank you to our Webmaster, Isidora Spielmann, for her many long hours of work. Some of you had been peaking into the site to watch her build, arrange and rearrange as I sent her material to work with. Our plan is to continue to update the site by adding new material, updating our "Upcoming Events" page and archiving the Uranium News.
I would also like to take a moment to thank the CCAMU team. Thank you everyone for the time, energy and sleepless nights you have given to get so many uranium protest projects off the ground and running. You are an amazing group people to work with!
Migwich to the Uranium News readers for your support and feedback over these past few months.
Regards,
Lynn Daniluk
P.S. A particular area of interest at this time (election time) is the "Politics" page on our website. Here you can find out where the politicians stand on the issue of uranium mining.
The following is a history of the Uranium Mining Protest in the Frontenac and Lanark region.
TIME LINE OF URANIUM PROTEST EVENTS
October 2006: Frank and Gloria Morrison discover that a mining company, without their consent, has staked their property in North Frontenac. They bring the issues of claim staking on private property to a national level when Gloria is interviewed by CBC radio's "As it Happens."
After spending months of being stonewalled by different levels and departments of the government, they take their concerns to the Ardoch Algonquins. The Algonquin people agree to help.
(For more information about the Algonquin people, click on the 'FIRST NATIONS' tab and then the 'FN LINKS', on our website.)
April 9, 2007: A meeting is advertised and over 100 concerned citizens show up at Snow Road Snowmobile Club. Standing room only. Presentations made by Maureen Towaij, Citizens Mining Advisory Group (CMAG) and Marilyn Crawford, MiningWatch Canada (MWC). They discuss the Mining Act and the effects of claim staking and exploration.
June 17, 2007: An organizational meeting at Snow Road Station draws attendance of community members.
June 11, 2007: O.P.P's Major Events Liaison Team (M.E.L.T) and Aboriginal Relations Team (A.R.T) team contact the community groups. Over the following weeks they become an integral part of the protest.
(For more information about the M.E.L.T, contact: Michelle Brochu at 613-360-0053)
June 28, 2007: Presentations to North Frontenac Council by George White, President of Frontenac Ventures Corporation, John Kittle, concerned citizen and Marilyn Crawford, Bedford Mining Alert (BMA).
(For more information about BMA, click on the 'LINKS' tab and then the 'OUR SUPPORTERS' subtab.)
June 28, 2007: The Ardoch Algonquin First Nation and the Shabot Obaadgiwan First Nation move onto an old mine site in North Frontenac, which is a gateway to a 30,000-acre parcel of land that has been staked, claimed and explored for a potential uranium mine. The site is located north of Hwy #7 on Hwy #509. An information toll is held at the site on the #509, to raise awareness in the community. Live music is provided for the dozens of people who hand out information and carry signs.
June 29, 2007: On the Aboriginal Day of Protest the information toll continues at the site. More people join in the protest. Supplies start to come in to support the cause.
July 6, 2007: A uranium bulletin (before the Uranium News) is emailed out to inform the broader community of the mining exploration.
July 7, 2007: The first edition of the Uranium News is emailed.
July 7, 2007: A group of non-natives start to organize the larger community support for the First Nations.
The Tay River Legal Defense Fund offers to set up a specific account to receive financial donations for the 'Uranium Mining Moratorium Fund'. (The TRLDF is the board that raised, collected and distributed money to fight the OMYA water taking issue in Perth, ON)
July 8, 2007: A Uranium Mine Protest Walk is organized by the First Nations. Over 300 people block both lanes of Hwy #7 from Hwy 509 to Hwy #36 in Sharbot Lake, for 2 hours. People come out to carry signs and lend their voices in support of the First Nations, as they walk to Sharbot Lake. After the walk, many people come back to the protest site to listen to speakers and share in food provided by the local residents.
July 9, 2007: The national media start to take notice of events going on in North Frontenac. Global, CTV, CBC radio and TV air info about the protest.
July 10, 2007: A coalition of settlers recognizes the need for non-natives to have a voice on this issue and start to organize as a group.
July 12, 2007: The Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium (CCAMU) is formed, with 12 subcommittees and 25 committee members. The Uranium Mining Moratorium Fund is launched.
(For more information on this fund, click on the 'WHAT IS CCAMU?' tab and then the 'TO DONATE' subtab on our website.)
July 13, 2007: Mining Watch Canada (MWC) states its support for CCAMU's and First Nations' call for a moratorium on uranium mining in Ontario.
(For more information on MWC, click on the 'LINKS' tab and then the 'OUR SUPPORTERS' subtab, on our website.)
July 13, 2007: There is a second Uranium Mine Protest Walk down Hwy#7 to Sharbot Lake. Over 300 people attend. Flyers are handed out to cars that are stopped by the proceedings. Grandfather William Commanda (the Spiritual Leader of the Algonquin People) joins the walk and gives a speech to the crowd following the event.
(For more information about William Commanda, click on the 'FIRST NATIONS' tab, and then 'FN LINKS' subtab on our website.)
July 17, 2007: An open meeting is held between George White and the First Nations, in Snow Road.
(To see a copy of this report, click on the 'FIRST NATIONS' tab, on our website.)
July 21, 2007: John Kittle makes a presentation on behalf of CCAMU to the Bedford Mining Alert. (This is one of many presentations John gives to different community organizations and townships over the next few months.) The BMA support CCAMU and the First Nations in their call for a moratorium on uranium mining.
(For more information on BMA, click on the 'LINKS' tab and then 'OUR SUPPORTS' subtab, on our website.)
July 24, 2007: Frontenac Ventures files a lawsuit against the Ardoch Algonquin First Nations and Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nations. Collectively, the suit is for 77 million dollars and includes 4 of the First Nations leaders and the two bands collectively.
July 25, 2007: Fundraiser in Sharbot Lake put on by Jenny Whitely and Joey Wright, in support of the First Nations. Over 350 people attend. Sarah Harmer, Luther Wright, Chris Brown, Harold Perry, Neil Perry and Frank Morrison all perform.
July 25, 2007: The local NDP candidate Ross Sutherland comes on board to support the Uranium Protest.
(To see Sutherland's press release and the NDP letter of support, click on the 'POLITICS' tab, then the 'PROVINCIAL PARTIES' tab and then the NDP subtab.)
July 28, 2007: A three-hour 'Information Toll' is held in Perth, Ont. 100 people come out to distribute pamphlets and show their support, by cheering and waving signs at the cars on Hwy #7. 2000 information flyers are handed out. Spirits are high, even when the sky opens up to let loose a deluge of rain. Overall, there is a great response from the passing traffic. After the protest, a great feast is prepared by the First Nations to thank all those who have supported them.
(To see a video of this protest, click on the 'VIDEO' tab on our website.)
July 30, 2007: The Green Party of Canada comes on board to support the Uranium Protest.
(To see the GPC's press release and letter of support, click on the 'POLITICS' tab, then the 'PROVINCIAL PARTIES' tab and then the 'GREEN' subtab.)
July 30, 2007: The First Nation's first day in court regarding the lawsuit. Frontenac Ventures asks the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for an injunction to have the First Nations removed from the property. Justice Gordon Thomson does not grant an injunction at this time and asks for a compromise between the two parties until the lawsuit case begins in September.
August 2nd-3rd: Two days of court hearings leave the First Nations waiting for a decision on the injunction. The court is filled with supporters on all three days.
August 13, 2007: Judge Gordon Thomson sets down an adjournment and lays out conditions that Frontenac Ventures and the First Nations are expected to uphold.
All of the lawyers understand that the conditions are:
1) First Nations are to leave the protest site.
2) The First Nations are to remove the flags, signs and paraphernalia from the protest site.
3) The gate is to be locked and no one may access the land without an escort agreed upon by both parties.
4) Archeologists are to be escorted on to the property to determine where First Nations' sacred sites and trap lines are located.
August 15th, 2007: Frontenac Ventures request an emergency meeting with Judge Gordon Thomson to state that the First Nations has not complied with the terms of adjournment. Thomson states that in his terms of adjournment he did not require the First Nations to leave the protest site. There is much confusion about this.
August 15, 2007: The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority starts a Well Water Quality sampling program.
(For more information on this, click on the 'ON GOING PROJECTS' tab and then the 'WATER TESTING' subtab on our website.)
August 16, 2007: An Emergency Rally is called. Non-native supporters come to the protest site to witness an interim injunction being served. The police do not formally serve the injunction as they do not have a copy of it but two representatives from the OPP do meet with the Chiefs and Elders of the First Nations. The officers bring an offering of sacred tobacco, which is received by the Elder Harold Perry and a meeting is then held in the presence of the non-native supporters. The OPP say that they would notify the First Nations before they come to serve the injunction and then explain when it would come into effect. After this meeting the First Nations invite the non-native supporters to a meeting where they read out a letter that they have sent to Premier McGuinty. They also read sections of the injunction that they have received by fax.
(To see the First Nations letter to McGuinty, click on the 'FIRST NATIONS' tab on our website.)
August 17, 2007: The First Nations are notified that the injunction was considered served when they received the aforementioned fax and it is now in effect. The First Nations have two working days to remove themselves (and anything they brought with them) from the protest site on Hwy #509. The First Nations restated that they have no intention of leaving. The police claim that they do not recognize that the First Nations as being served, as they were not included in the serving process. They do not remove anyone from the site.
August 21, 2007: CCAMU writes to the minister of the Northern Development and Mines', Minister Bartolucci.
(A copy of this letter can be seen under the "WHAT IS CCAMU?' tab on our website.)
August 24, 2007: First Nations state that they will no longer participate in the court injunction process. Chris Reid, lawyer for the First Nations, attends court to explain the August 14 letter to McGuinty and why the First Nations will no longer participate. Chris Reid files a report.
(This report can be seen by going to the 'FIRST NATIONS' tab on our website.)
August 27, 2007: Green Party's provincial leader, Frank De Jong, visits the protest site with local candidate Rolly Montpellier. De Jong shows his support for the First Nations' ongoing protest. He calls for a moratorium on uranium prospecting and mining in Ontario, the modernizing of the mining act, as well as a settlement of the First Nations' land claim.
August 27, 2007: Judge Gordon Thomson changes the conditions of the interim injunction and issues it to the lawyers and OPP. The First Nations ready themselves to be served. The community is put on alert for 5 days before the interim injunction is served.
August 29, 2007: A Tent City is started by non-native supporters, just outside the gate of the protest site. People are joining in from all over Ontario. The energy at the site is very positive and uplifting in spite of the seriousness of the situation. Donations of food and supplies continue to pour in.
August 30, 2007: The First Nations are served the interim injunction in front of 200 non-native supporters. The First Nations and their supporters drum and chant, while the police read the injunction.
(To see a copy of the injunction, click on the 'LEGAL' tab on our website.)
It is important to note that…
*The police retain their discretion to decide whether to arrest or remove anyone pursuant to this order.
*The final sentence of the order says: "It is important for all concerned … that confrontation in any form simply should not happen".
*The police have not arrested anyone to date.
September 1-2, 2007: The AAFNA hosts a Pow-Wow at the Blue Skies Festival grounds, minutes from the protest site.
September 7, 2007: Representatives of the First Nations and CCAMU go to Kingston to meet with Greenpeace officials on their ship the Artic Sunrise. A media conference is held and Greenpeace states its support of the First Nations and CCAMU in their protest against the proposed uranium mine in North Frontenac.
(For more about Greenpeace, click on the 'LINKS' tab, then the subtab 'OUR SUPPORTERS', on our website.)
September 8-9, 2007: Non-violence trainings are offered for people at the protest site and also those willing to respond to an emergency call to the site. The four-hour training sessions are planned in consultation with the Algonquins, specifically for this situation. It is lead by experienced people from the local area and the Christian Peacemaker Teams.
September 10, 2007: The Anti-Uranium Mine Benefit Concert, Dinner and Silent Auction is held at the Green Door restaurant in Ottawa. The concert features Jennifer Noxon, Phil Lafreniere & Steven Patterson, and Christine Graves. The performers play to a packed house.
September 11, 2007: CCAMU volunteers start to paper Premier Dalton McGuinty's riding with "No Uranium Mine, Where's McGuinty" posters. Dozens of volunteers hand-deliver information flyers to all of the mailboxes in McGuinty's home riding. These carry a message alerting McGuinty's constituents of CCAMU's concerns.
September 12, 2007: 'Know Your Rights Workshop' is held, hosted by Jamie Liew & Karin Galddin of Galldin Liew LLP. This is a legal practice working out of Ottawa, willing to assist non-natives who are involved with the uranium protest.
(For more information on Galldin Liew LLP, go to http://www.galldinliew.ca/index.html)
September 13, 2007: By this time, John Kittle has made numerous presentations and six area township Councils (North Frontenac, Central Frontenac, South Frontenac, Lanark Highlands, Lanark County and Tay Valley) petition the province of Ontario for a moratorium. 3 of the 4 candidates for the Lanark/Frontenac/Lennox/Addington provincial riding have given CCAMU letters of support.
(To see the letters of support from the different townships, click on the 'POLITICS' tab, then the 'MUNICIPALITIES' subtab, on our website.
To see letters of support from the different provincial candidates, click on the 'POLITICS' tab, then the 'LOCAL PROVINCIAL CANDIDATES' subtab, on our website.)
September 13, 2007: By this time dozens of organizations have given CCAMU letters of support. The list includes: Lanark Landowners' Association, Ontario Landowners' Association, Glengarry Landowners' Association, Dalhousie Lake Association, McDonalds Corners & Elphin Recreation & Arts, Buckshot Lake Cottagers Association, Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority, Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists, Greenpeace Canada, Mining Watch Canada, Bedford Mining Alert, Canadian Mining Alert Group (CMAG), Friends of the Tay Watershed Association and ACTCity Ottawa.
(For more information about these organizations, click on the 'LINKS' tab and then the 'OUR SUPPORTERS' subtab, on our website.)
September 14, 2007: Nuclear Information and Resource Service announces the result of an appeal to international organizations and individuals to sign a statement of support against uranium exploration/mining in Algonquin territory in Ontario, Canada. The statement is sent to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Minister of Indian Affairs Chuck Strahl, Ontario Premier, Dalton McGuinty and Ontario Minister of Aboriginal Affairs David Ramsey. The statement is signed by 81 organizations from 12 different countries and 107 individuals.
September 18, 2007: CCAMU holds a press conference at the Charles Lynch Press Gallery on Parliament Hill, to demand that Premier McGuinty bring about an immediate moratorium on uranium mining in Ontario. Elizabeth May holds a press conference immediately following CCAMU. The Green Party of Canada calls for a moratorium on uranium exploration and mining.
A rally is held outside in front of the media to unroll a petition scroll of 2500 names down the steps of Parliament Hill. The scroll, CCAMU's letter to McGuinty and letters of support are then given to John Fraser, McGuinty's Executive Director for Eastern Ontario, at McGuinty's constituency office.
(For more information click on the 'WHERE'S MCGUINTY? CAMPAIGN' tab, on our website.)
September 22, 2007: The beginning of the 7-day Algonquin Canoe protest. The Algonquin Alliance undertook a ceremonial descending of the headwaters of the Mississippi watershed to Parliament Hill. The First Nations took water from their starting point and poured it onto the steps of Parliament Hill, to send the message that the waters of the Mississippi are not far away. A proclamation demanding a moratorium on uranium mining was delivered to the Government of Canada.
(For more information about this, click on the 'FIRST NATIONS' tab and then the CANOE PROTEST' subtab, on our website.)
September 25, 2007: The First Nations return to court to face a new judge (Justice Douglas Cunningham) and the possibility of a new injunction. The First Nations have refused to participate in the court procedures and have instead insisted on dealing with the Ontario Government through mediation. 100 supporter fill the court room. Talks with the government have begun.
(Statements on the First Nations' position can be found by clicking on the 'FIRST NATIONS' tab and then the 'MINERAL STATEMENT SEPT 23' and the 'CONSULTATION STATEMENT SEPT 23' subtabs, on our website.)
September 25, 2007: Beckwith Township Council passes a resolution to petition the province for a uranium mining moratorium. (A total of 7 townships)
September 27, 2007: The Algonquin Canoe protest arrives in Ottawa at Victoria Island. Over 100 people attend this event. Grandfather William Commanda welcomes the paddlers to the sacred island of the Algonquin People. The First Nation leaders sign a proclamation, to the Government of Canada, demanding a moratorium on uranium mining in Canada.
(To see a video of the canoe ride, click on the 'VIDEO' tab on our website.)
September 27, 2007: The Green Party hosts a fundraising event for CCAMU, featuring Jeanette Fitzsimmons, leader of the Green Party of New Zealand. Jennette is a long time Member of Parliament in NZ, which is a proud and successful nuclear-free country.
(Info about the New Zeeland Green Party go to, http://www.greens.org.nz/)
September 28, 2007: A Rally of the Canoes on Parliament Hill. 250 people come out to support the First Nations. Conservative MP Scott Reid, who represents the riding of Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington, accepted a copy of the Algonquin proclamation to the Government of Canada.
Date: Oct 1, 2007 7:06 PM
ANNOUNCING THE COMMUNITY COALITION AGAINST MINING URANIUM CCAMU WEBSITE
http://www.ccamu.ca
Our website is officially launched. A very big thank you to our Webmaster, Isidora Spielmann, for her many long hours of work. Some of you had been peaking into the site to watch her build, arrange and rearrange as I sent her material to work with. Our plan is to continue to update the site by adding new material, updating our "Upcoming Events" page and archiving the Uranium News.
I would also like to take a moment to thank the CCAMU team. Thank you everyone for the time, energy and sleepless nights you have given to get so many uranium protest projects off the ground and running. You are an amazing group people to work with!
Migwich to the Uranium News readers for your support and feedback over these past few months.
Regards,
Lynn Daniluk
P.S. A particular area of interest at this time (election time) is the "Politics" page on our website. Here you can find out where the politicians stand on the issue of uranium mining.
The following is a history of the Uranium Mining Protest in the Frontenac and Lanark region.
TIME LINE OF URANIUM PROTEST EVENTS
October 2006: Frank and Gloria Morrison discover that a mining company, without their consent, has staked their property in North Frontenac. They bring the issues of claim staking on private property to a national level when Gloria is interviewed by CBC radio's "As it Happens."
After spending months of being stonewalled by different levels and departments of the government, they take their concerns to the Ardoch Algonquins. The Algonquin people agree to help.
(For more information about the Algonquin people, click on the 'FIRST NATIONS' tab and then the 'FN LINKS', on our website.)
April 9, 2007: A meeting is advertised and over 100 concerned citizens show up at Snow Road Snowmobile Club. Standing room only. Presentations made by Maureen Towaij, Citizens Mining Advisory Group (CMAG) and Marilyn Crawford, MiningWatch Canada (MWC). They discuss the Mining Act and the effects of claim staking and exploration.
June 17, 2007: An organizational meeting at Snow Road Station draws attendance of community members.
June 11, 2007: O.P.P's Major Events Liaison Team (M.E.L.T) and Aboriginal Relations Team (A.R.T) team contact the community groups. Over the following weeks they become an integral part of the protest.
(For more information about the M.E.L.T, contact: Michelle Brochu at 613-360-0053)
June 28, 2007: Presentations to North Frontenac Council by George White, President of Frontenac Ventures Corporation, John Kittle, concerned citizen and Marilyn Crawford, Bedford Mining Alert (BMA).
(For more information about BMA, click on the 'LINKS' tab and then the 'OUR SUPPORTERS' subtab.)
June 28, 2007: The Ardoch Algonquin First Nation and the Shabot Obaadgiwan First Nation move onto an old mine site in North Frontenac, which is a gateway to a 30,000-acre parcel of land that has been staked, claimed and explored for a potential uranium mine. The site is located north of Hwy #7 on Hwy #509. An information toll is held at the site on the #509, to raise awareness in the community. Live music is provided for the dozens of people who hand out information and carry signs.
June 29, 2007: On the Aboriginal Day of Protest the information toll continues at the site. More people join in the protest. Supplies start to come in to support the cause.
July 6, 2007: A uranium bulletin (before the Uranium News) is emailed out to inform the broader community of the mining exploration.
July 7, 2007: The first edition of the Uranium News is emailed.
July 7, 2007: A group of non-natives start to organize the larger community support for the First Nations.
The Tay River Legal Defense Fund offers to set up a specific account to receive financial donations for the 'Uranium Mining Moratorium Fund'. (The TRLDF is the board that raised, collected and distributed money to fight the OMYA water taking issue in Perth, ON)
July 8, 2007: A Uranium Mine Protest Walk is organized by the First Nations. Over 300 people block both lanes of Hwy #7 from Hwy 509 to Hwy #36 in Sharbot Lake, for 2 hours. People come out to carry signs and lend their voices in support of the First Nations, as they walk to Sharbot Lake. After the walk, many people come back to the protest site to listen to speakers and share in food provided by the local residents.
July 9, 2007: The national media start to take notice of events going on in North Frontenac. Global, CTV, CBC radio and TV air info about the protest.
July 10, 2007: A coalition of settlers recognizes the need for non-natives to have a voice on this issue and start to organize as a group.
July 12, 2007: The Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium (CCAMU) is formed, with 12 subcommittees and 25 committee members. The Uranium Mining Moratorium Fund is launched.
(For more information on this fund, click on the 'WHAT IS CCAMU?' tab and then the 'TO DONATE' subtab on our website.)
July 13, 2007: Mining Watch Canada (MWC) states its support for CCAMU's and First Nations' call for a moratorium on uranium mining in Ontario.
(For more information on MWC, click on the 'LINKS' tab and then the 'OUR SUPPORTERS' subtab, on our website.)
July 13, 2007: There is a second Uranium Mine Protest Walk down Hwy#7 to Sharbot Lake. Over 300 people attend. Flyers are handed out to cars that are stopped by the proceedings. Grandfather William Commanda (the Spiritual Leader of the Algonquin People) joins the walk and gives a speech to the crowd following the event.
(For more information about William Commanda, click on the 'FIRST NATIONS' tab, and then 'FN LINKS' subtab on our website.)
July 17, 2007: An open meeting is held between George White and the First Nations, in Snow Road.
(To see a copy of this report, click on the 'FIRST NATIONS' tab, on our website.)
July 21, 2007: John Kittle makes a presentation on behalf of CCAMU to the Bedford Mining Alert. (This is one of many presentations John gives to different community organizations and townships over the next few months.) The BMA support CCAMU and the First Nations in their call for a moratorium on uranium mining.
(For more information on BMA, click on the 'LINKS' tab and then 'OUR SUPPORTS' subtab, on our website.)
July 24, 2007: Frontenac Ventures files a lawsuit against the Ardoch Algonquin First Nations and Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nations. Collectively, the suit is for 77 million dollars and includes 4 of the First Nations leaders and the two bands collectively.
July 25, 2007: Fundraiser in Sharbot Lake put on by Jenny Whitely and Joey Wright, in support of the First Nations. Over 350 people attend. Sarah Harmer, Luther Wright, Chris Brown, Harold Perry, Neil Perry and Frank Morrison all perform.
July 25, 2007: The local NDP candidate Ross Sutherland comes on board to support the Uranium Protest.
(To see Sutherland's press release and the NDP letter of support, click on the 'POLITICS' tab, then the 'PROVINCIAL PARTIES' tab and then the NDP subtab.)
July 28, 2007: A three-hour 'Information Toll' is held in Perth, Ont. 100 people come out to distribute pamphlets and show their support, by cheering and waving signs at the cars on Hwy #7. 2000 information flyers are handed out. Spirits are high, even when the sky opens up to let loose a deluge of rain. Overall, there is a great response from the passing traffic. After the protest, a great feast is prepared by the First Nations to thank all those who have supported them.
(To see a video of this protest, click on the 'VIDEO' tab on our website.)
July 30, 2007: The Green Party of Canada comes on board to support the Uranium Protest.
(To see the GPC's press release and letter of support, click on the 'POLITICS' tab, then the 'PROVINCIAL PARTIES' tab and then the 'GREEN' subtab.)
July 30, 2007: The First Nation's first day in court regarding the lawsuit. Frontenac Ventures asks the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for an injunction to have the First Nations removed from the property. Justice Gordon Thomson does not grant an injunction at this time and asks for a compromise between the two parties until the lawsuit case begins in September.
August 2nd-3rd: Two days of court hearings leave the First Nations waiting for a decision on the injunction. The court is filled with supporters on all three days.
August 13, 2007: Judge Gordon Thomson sets down an adjournment and lays out conditions that Frontenac Ventures and the First Nations are expected to uphold.
All of the lawyers understand that the conditions are:
1) First Nations are to leave the protest site.
2) The First Nations are to remove the flags, signs and paraphernalia from the protest site.
3) The gate is to be locked and no one may access the land without an escort agreed upon by both parties.
4) Archeologists are to be escorted on to the property to determine where First Nations' sacred sites and trap lines are located.
August 15th, 2007: Frontenac Ventures request an emergency meeting with Judge Gordon Thomson to state that the First Nations has not complied with the terms of adjournment. Thomson states that in his terms of adjournment he did not require the First Nations to leave the protest site. There is much confusion about this.
August 15, 2007: The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority starts a Well Water Quality sampling program.
(For more information on this, click on the 'ON GOING PROJECTS' tab and then the 'WATER TESTING' subtab on our website.)
August 16, 2007: An Emergency Rally is called. Non-native supporters come to the protest site to witness an interim injunction being served. The police do not formally serve the injunction as they do not have a copy of it but two representatives from the OPP do meet with the Chiefs and Elders of the First Nations. The officers bring an offering of sacred tobacco, which is received by the Elder Harold Perry and a meeting is then held in the presence of the non-native supporters. The OPP say that they would notify the First Nations before they come to serve the injunction and then explain when it would come into effect. After this meeting the First Nations invite the non-native supporters to a meeting where they read out a letter that they have sent to Premier McGuinty. They also read sections of the injunction that they have received by fax.
(To see the First Nations letter to McGuinty, click on the 'FIRST NATIONS' tab on our website.)
August 17, 2007: The First Nations are notified that the injunction was considered served when they received the aforementioned fax and it is now in effect. The First Nations have two working days to remove themselves (and anything they brought with them) from the protest site on Hwy #509. The First Nations restated that they have no intention of leaving. The police claim that they do not recognize that the First Nations as being served, as they were not included in the serving process. They do not remove anyone from the site.
August 21, 2007: CCAMU writes to the minister of the Northern Development and Mines', Minister Bartolucci.
(A copy of this letter can be seen under the "WHAT IS CCAMU?' tab on our website.)
August 24, 2007: First Nations state that they will no longer participate in the court injunction process. Chris Reid, lawyer for the First Nations, attends court to explain the August 14 letter to McGuinty and why the First Nations will no longer participate. Chris Reid files a report.
(This report can be seen by going to the 'FIRST NATIONS' tab on our website.)
August 27, 2007: Green Party's provincial leader, Frank De Jong, visits the protest site with local candidate Rolly Montpellier. De Jong shows his support for the First Nations' ongoing protest. He calls for a moratorium on uranium prospecting and mining in Ontario, the modernizing of the mining act, as well as a settlement of the First Nations' land claim.
August 27, 2007: Judge Gordon Thomson changes the conditions of the interim injunction and issues it to the lawyers and OPP. The First Nations ready themselves to be served. The community is put on alert for 5 days before the interim injunction is served.
August 29, 2007: A Tent City is started by non-native supporters, just outside the gate of the protest site. People are joining in from all over Ontario. The energy at the site is very positive and uplifting in spite of the seriousness of the situation. Donations of food and supplies continue to pour in.
August 30, 2007: The First Nations are served the interim injunction in front of 200 non-native supporters. The First Nations and their supporters drum and chant, while the police read the injunction.
(To see a copy of the injunction, click on the 'LEGAL' tab on our website.)
It is important to note that…
*The police retain their discretion to decide whether to arrest or remove anyone pursuant to this order.
*The final sentence of the order says: "It is important for all concerned … that confrontation in any form simply should not happen".
*The police have not arrested anyone to date.
September 1-2, 2007: The AAFNA hosts a Pow-Wow at the Blue Skies Festival grounds, minutes from the protest site.
September 7, 2007: Representatives of the First Nations and CCAMU go to Kingston to meet with Greenpeace officials on their ship the Artic Sunrise. A media conference is held and Greenpeace states its support of the First Nations and CCAMU in their protest against the proposed uranium mine in North Frontenac.
(For more about Greenpeace, click on the 'LINKS' tab, then the subtab 'OUR SUPPORTERS', on our website.)
September 8-9, 2007: Non-violence trainings are offered for people at the protest site and also those willing to respond to an emergency call to the site. The four-hour training sessions are planned in consultation with the Algonquins, specifically for this situation. It is lead by experienced people from the local area and the Christian Peacemaker Teams.
September 10, 2007: The Anti-Uranium Mine Benefit Concert, Dinner and Silent Auction is held at the Green Door restaurant in Ottawa. The concert features Jennifer Noxon, Phil Lafreniere & Steven Patterson, and Christine Graves. The performers play to a packed house.
September 11, 2007: CCAMU volunteers start to paper Premier Dalton McGuinty's riding with "No Uranium Mine, Where's McGuinty" posters. Dozens of volunteers hand-deliver information flyers to all of the mailboxes in McGuinty's home riding. These carry a message alerting McGuinty's constituents of CCAMU's concerns.
September 12, 2007: 'Know Your Rights Workshop' is held, hosted by Jamie Liew & Karin Galddin of Galldin Liew LLP. This is a legal practice working out of Ottawa, willing to assist non-natives who are involved with the uranium protest.
(For more information on Galldin Liew LLP, go to http://www.galldinliew.ca/index.html)
September 13, 2007: By this time, John Kittle has made numerous presentations and six area township Councils (North Frontenac, Central Frontenac, South Frontenac, Lanark Highlands, Lanark County and Tay Valley) petition the province of Ontario for a moratorium. 3 of the 4 candidates for the Lanark/Frontenac/Lennox/Addington provincial riding have given CCAMU letters of support.
(To see the letters of support from the different townships, click on the 'POLITICS' tab, then the 'MUNICIPALITIES' subtab, on our website.
To see letters of support from the different provincial candidates, click on the 'POLITICS' tab, then the 'LOCAL PROVINCIAL CANDIDATES' subtab, on our website.)
September 13, 2007: By this time dozens of organizations have given CCAMU letters of support. The list includes: Lanark Landowners' Association, Ontario Landowners' Association, Glengarry Landowners' Association, Dalhousie Lake Association, McDonalds Corners & Elphin Recreation & Arts, Buckshot Lake Cottagers Association, Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority, Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists, Greenpeace Canada, Mining Watch Canada, Bedford Mining Alert, Canadian Mining Alert Group (CMAG), Friends of the Tay Watershed Association and ACTCity Ottawa.
(For more information about these organizations, click on the 'LINKS' tab and then the 'OUR SUPPORTERS' subtab, on our website.)
September 14, 2007: Nuclear Information and Resource Service announces the result of an appeal to international organizations and individuals to sign a statement of support against uranium exploration/mining in Algonquin territory in Ontario, Canada. The statement is sent to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Minister of Indian Affairs Chuck Strahl, Ontario Premier, Dalton McGuinty and Ontario Minister of Aboriginal Affairs David Ramsey. The statement is signed by 81 organizations from 12 different countries and 107 individuals.
September 18, 2007: CCAMU holds a press conference at the Charles Lynch Press Gallery on Parliament Hill, to demand that Premier McGuinty bring about an immediate moratorium on uranium mining in Ontario. Elizabeth May holds a press conference immediately following CCAMU. The Green Party of Canada calls for a moratorium on uranium exploration and mining.
A rally is held outside in front of the media to unroll a petition scroll of 2500 names down the steps of Parliament Hill. The scroll, CCAMU's letter to McGuinty and letters of support are then given to John Fraser, McGuinty's Executive Director for Eastern Ontario, at McGuinty's constituency office.
(For more information click on the 'WHERE'S MCGUINTY? CAMPAIGN' tab, on our website.)
September 22, 2007: The beginning of the 7-day Algonquin Canoe protest. The Algonquin Alliance undertook a ceremonial descending of the headwaters of the Mississippi watershed to Parliament Hill. The First Nations took water from their starting point and poured it onto the steps of Parliament Hill, to send the message that the waters of the Mississippi are not far away. A proclamation demanding a moratorium on uranium mining was delivered to the Government of Canada.
(For more information about this, click on the 'FIRST NATIONS' tab and then the CANOE PROTEST' subtab, on our website.)
September 25, 2007: The First Nations return to court to face a new judge (Justice Douglas Cunningham) and the possibility of a new injunction. The First Nations have refused to participate in the court procedures and have instead insisted on dealing with the Ontario Government through mediation. 100 supporter fill the court room. Talks with the government have begun.
(Statements on the First Nations' position can be found by clicking on the 'FIRST NATIONS' tab and then the 'MINERAL STATEMENT SEPT 23' and the 'CONSULTATION STATEMENT SEPT 23' subtabs, on our website.)
September 25, 2007: Beckwith Township Council passes a resolution to petition the province for a uranium mining moratorium. (A total of 7 townships)
September 27, 2007: The Algonquin Canoe protest arrives in Ottawa at Victoria Island. Over 100 people attend this event. Grandfather William Commanda welcomes the paddlers to the sacred island of the Algonquin People. The First Nation leaders sign a proclamation, to the Government of Canada, demanding a moratorium on uranium mining in Canada.
(To see a video of the canoe ride, click on the 'VIDEO' tab on our website.)
September 27, 2007: The Green Party hosts a fundraising event for CCAMU, featuring Jeanette Fitzsimmons, leader of the Green Party of New Zealand. Jennette is a long time Member of Parliament in NZ, which is a proud and successful nuclear-free country.
(Info about the New Zeeland Green Party go to, http://www.greens.org.nz/)
September 28, 2007: A Rally of the Canoes on Parliament Hill. 250 people come out to support the First Nations. Conservative MP Scott Reid, who represents the riding of Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington, accepted a copy of the Algonquin proclamation to the Government of Canada.
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