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Cree people say No to uranium mining and nuclear power

Chief Shecapio explained that the Crees “have always been the guardians and protectors of the land and will continue to be. For the Crees of Mistissini, the land is a school of its own and the resources of the land are the material and supplies they need. Cree traplines are the classrooms. What is taught on these traplines to the youth is the Cree way of life, which means living in harmony with nature.

 “We do not believe that nuclear energy, which is the primary use for uranium in Canada, is a sustainable form of energy. We do not want to see a resource extracted from our land be responsible for causing pollution and waste. We do not want this to be our impact on the world..

Uranium Exploration: Mistissi Says “No” and Calls for a Moratorium MISTISSINI, Market Watch,  EEYOU ISTCHEE, Jun 05, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) 5 June 12, — The Chief of Cree Nation of Mistissini, Richard Shecapio, made it clear at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s (CNSC) public hearing, held today (June 5) in Mistissini, that his
community is firmly against uranium development in Eeyou Istchee. “We want to put an end to the question of uranium development once and for all, right now. We know where this is going and we don’t want any uranium mining at all”, said Chief Shecapio.

This hearing concerns Strateco Resources Inc.’s (Strateco) application
for a licence to develop an underground exploration program at the
Matoush Project, located approximately 260 kilometres north of
Chibougamau, Quebec. In November 2010, the Cree Nation of Mistissini
expressed that this project did not have the support of the community.
This position was reasserted again in 2011. Today, the Chief confirmed
that nothing has changed and that the Cree Nation of Mistissini’s
position on uranium remains unchanged.

A moratorium

Chief Shecapio explained that his Council intends to do “whatever it
takes” to implement a moratorium on uranium development. “In light of
the lack of social acceptability, cultural incompatibility and the
lack of a clear understanding of the health and environmental impacts
of uranium mining, it would be reckless for us as a people to move
forward and allow the licensing of Strateco’s advanced exploration
project. We are seeking a moratorium on uranium mining and exploration
on our traditional lands as well as in the province of Quebec “, said
Chief Shecapio.
In his oral presentation at the hearings, Chief Shecapio explained that the Crees “have always been the guardians and protectors of the land and will continue to be. For the Crees of Mistissini, the land is a school of its own and the resources of the land are the material and supplies they need. Cree traplines are the classrooms. What is taught on these traplines to the youth is the Cree way of life, which means living in harmony with nature. This form of education ensures ou
survival as a people. Any form of education that leads to survival is
a high standard of education. Cree form of education teaches us to be
humble, respectful, responsible, disciplined, independent, sharing and
compassionate”.

“Because our people are still active on the land, hunting, trapping
and consuming the animals, we are concerned that traditional foods may
become contaminated with radionuclides, posing a threat to those who
eat them. High levels of radionuclides in moose and caribou tissues
have been reported in animals near uranium mines. This indirect
exposure can lead to serious health issues for the people who eat
contaminated animalsgreater than greater than, expressed Chief
Shecapio…… No nuclear development

Another point Mistissini opposes is Quebec’s investment in the future
of nuclear energy. “We do not believe that nuclear energy, which is the primary use for uranium in Canada, is a sustainable form of energy. We do not want to see a resource extracted from our land be responsible for causing pollution and waste. We do not want this to be our impact on the world….
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/uranium-exploration-mistissi-says-no-and-calls-for-a-moratorium-2012-06-05-20173115

June 6, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Canada, indigenous issues, Uranium