The AFNQL Declares its Support to the Six Political Prisoners, Members of the KI Band

    WENDAKE, QC, April 15 /CNW Telbec/ - The Assembly of the First Nations of
Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL) denounces the imprisonment of six members of the
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation, in Ontario. These members have
been sentenced to six months of incarceration, on March 17th. These political
prisoners have been pushed by the governments of Canada and Ontario to stand
up for their rights in regards to a mining exploration project, for which no
consultation was held.
    "It is not the first time that such a dispute occurred in one of our
communities. We only have to go back a few years, when two Quebec Chiefs were
also arrested for the simple fact of trying to have their ancestral rights
respected, on issues which affected natural resources. Where is it going to
end? This intolerable situation requires an immediate action so that the six
persons of KI are released, and this, in the best possible delays, and a real
negotiation in good faith must begin between the concerned parties. It is high
time that the federal government does its homework, takes its
responsibilities, and respects its obligations to consult", states the Chief
of the AFNQL, Mr. Ghislain Picard.

    The Assembly of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is the regional
organization which regroups the Chiefs of the First Nations of Quebec and
Labrador.

For further information: Alain Garon, Communications Officer, AFNQL,
[phone], Cellular: [phone]