Northern Superior Chiefs oppose wind farm due to lack of consultation

FORT WILLIAM FN, Sept. 27, 2012 /CNW/ - Anishinabek Nation Northern Superior Chiefs passed a resolution that opposes wind farm construction in Anishinabek traditional territory near Michipicoten First Nation due to lack of consultation.

"There was no consultation with the developer BluEarth Renewables," says Chief Buckell of Michipicoten First Nation.  "It seems that Batchewana First Nation has made a deal with BluEarth Renewables and Batchewana claims that they consider it their area which is a least 50 Kilometres from their reserve.  They are ignoring the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850 where the boundaries are clearly stated.  This needs to be addressed by the Federal government."
 
BluEarth Renewables intent is to erect 36 wind turbines approximately 80 kilometres north of Sault Ste. Marie, close to Lake Superior's eastern shore and south of the Montreal River - which is in Michipicoten First Nation territory.

Other Anishinabek Nation communities do have wind farm projects on the go - and had meaningful consultation with the wind farm companies involved.

"Direct action by the Northern Superior Chiefs will take place if Blue Earth wind farm project moves forward with the venture," says Buckell.

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, to which Canada is signatory, states that Indigenous Peoples have the right to consultation and accommodation when it comes to traditional territory involving the environment, health and resource sharing.

The Anishinabek Nation established the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949.  The UOI is a political advocate for 39 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 55,000 people.  The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

SOURCE: Anishinabek Nation

Marci Becking, Communications Officer
Phone: [phone] ext. 2290
Cell: 705-494-0735
E-mail: [email protected]
www.anishinabek.ca
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