Media advisory - DEHCHO GRAND CHIEF SAM GARGAN and NWT MP DENNIS BEVINGTON -
Press conference

Dehcho First Nations question the honour of the Crown: Federal Government opens formerly protected Arctic wilderness area to mining

Date:   Time:   Location:

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 15, 2010  11:15 to 11:45   (EST) Charles Lynch Press Theatre, 130S Centre Block, Parliament Hill, Ottawa

OTTAWA, Dec. 14 /CNW/ - The government of Canada has frequently proclaimed that its commitment to protecting ecologically sensitive parts of the Arctic is demonstrated by its commitment to the Protected Areas Strategy (PAS), a partnership between Canada, First Nations and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Now, after more than 10 years of cooperative work towards the protection of the Edehzhie, the "Jewel of the Dehcho," as a National Wildlife Area under the PAS, the federal government has suddenly decided to terminate the protection of Edehzhie and open this pristine area to mining, without any warning to their Dene partners in this project. 

The Supreme Court has said the Honour of the Crown must underpin relations between First Nations and Canada. The Dehcho First Nations ask, where is Canada's honour?

For further information:

Grand Chief Sam Gargan, [phone]
or
Christopher Reid, Legal Advisor
[phone]