QUEBEC CITY, Dec. 5, 2014 /CNW/ - After 13 days and 600 kilometres, the StandAgainstUranium march has today reached Quebec City. The Cree youth are visiting the National Assembly and meeting with representatives from all political parties, to deliver the marchers' message: the Cree Nation is opposed to uranium exploration and mining on their territory, Eeyou Istchee.
The Cree youth began their march on November 23 in Mistissini, where the Cree Nation's fight against uranium development began when Strateco Resources sought to pursue the Matoush advanced exploration project on Mistissini family hunting grounds. The Cree youth have been generously received and supported by Quebecers and other First Nations along the way, including the Innu of Mashteuiatsh and the Huron-Wendat Nation in Wendake. The marchers will walk over 850 km to Montreal, to hand deliver their message to the Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement (BAPE) on December 15, the last day of the BAPE's public hearings regarding the uranium industry.
"For thirteen days, we have braved the elements of Northern Quebec to make it clear to the government, and to Quebecers everywhere, that the Cree Nation has said NO to uranium development in Eeyou Istchee," stated Youth Grand Chief Joshua Iserhoff. "Our people have said from the beginning that once Quebecers learn the true facts about uranium, they will join with us in our stand. We are seeing this now. This march demonstrates the strength of our conviction and what we are prepared to do to protect our land and our people. The overwhelming response and support we have received from Quebecers on our journey has been inspiring."
"The Cree Nation of Mistissini thought long and hard before taking a position on uranium. Our leaders consulted outside experts and listened to what our people had to say," added Mistissini Youth Chief Amy Linton. "Over recent months, it has become clear that it is not just the Crees who are against uranium development – Quebecers are standing with us. And now, today, we are seeing that Quebec's politicians are responding."
During this third and final phase of hearings on the uranium industry in Quebec, the BAPE is touring the province to give the public the opportunity to make submissions about their position on the uranium industry. The response at each stop along the way has been clear and resounding: the people of Quebec do not support uranium development.
The BAPE hearings on uranium are scheduled to wrap up in Montreal on December 15 at the Hyatt Regency hotel. More information on the BAPE and the StandAgainstUranium Solidarity March can be found on www.StandAgainstUranium.com, on Facebook (James Bay Cree Against Uranium) and on Twitter (@JBCAUranium).
SOURCE: The Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)
Please contact : Laïla Boulasri (HATLEY) 418 558-4396
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