KMA Takes Lead on Environmental Issues Press Release - May 5, 2004 Ktaqamkuk (Da-Hum-Gook) Mi'kmaq Alliance Kippens, NL The Ktaqamkuk Mi'kmaq Alliance - KMA is establishing an independent organization whose only focus will be the environment and environmental issues specifically on the west coast of the province and the starting point is the Bay St. George area where there are long-standing and major environmental concerns. It is no longer acceptable to watch municipal and organizational leaders, big business and government officials demonstrate a blatant disregard for Mother Earth and lack of respect for the presence of the Mi'kmaq people and their needs and whose numbers may well reach into the tens of thousands on the west coast and northern peninsula. Traditional aboriginal lands and communities have been used and abused to such an extent that our earth, forests, lakes, rivers, streams, and bays upon which our people and others still depend in large part for food and other necessities are all at risk. Even our drinking water has been affected to the point that even after towns and communities have spent millions of dollars on water supply systems, most residents of Bay St. George have to rely on a few water springs for water because they fear to use the installed water systems. Something is definitely wrong with this picture. These abuses have affected, and will increasingly affect all inhabitants of the area, aboriginal and non-aboriginals alike along with our children and grandchildren. Nothing appears to be sacred anymore. It is ironic to note that a person may be ticketed for touching a bog with an ATV wheel while at the same time wood harvesters are turned loose in the forest destroying everything in their paths. When a mill wants wood, the last tree will come down even if it falls into a lake or river. And, the province is not getting one cent for stumpage from the mills. There's nothing left to hold the soil in the country anymore. Small game such as rabbit, beaver and fox, etc. and big game including moose, bear and caribou, along with salmon and trout will all suffer the same fate. The logging companies are not the only offenders. Mining and contracting companies are taking their toll as well. Blasting, hauling and processing operations have destroyed nearby lakes and rivers and these will be fished no more. In addition it is reported that many residential wells have been rendered useless on the Port au Port Peninsula and some basements have been damaged as well. Also, remember Hope Brook Gold Mine and the $9 million clean-up mess it left the province to pay. It doesn't stop there. In the past several weeks we have seen flatbed trailers hauling load upon load of monstrous boulders from a site in Aguathuna to Port Harmon. Where were the half load limits? Who is going to pay for the damage to the roads and possibly bridges, the contractor? Not likely! What about the storage of thousands of tires on the ramp at the old Harmon Air Force Base? What about the reportedly contaminated soil being delivered to residential home sites in the area? Why is the containment area on the old base site not identified as possibly hazardous? Has the Town of Stephenville been left with so much toxic waste from the spoils of the former American Air Base that it has now become a regional toxic waste site? Why is there no public outcry on these issues? Does anyone realize what is going on here? Does anyone care? We are all well aware of the importance of jobs in the local area and with many of our facilities including; the airport, hospital, and mill under pressure and even risk, we should all be concerned. The KMA does not want one single job to disappear. In fact we want to create jobs and in fact a number of KMA members hold jobs with some of the worst environmental offenders in the area. However, if the land and the forests are at risk, then so to are the jobs at risk as well. The KMA is taking a leadership role in protecting the remaining environment and will be particularly active in opposing any kind of activity that threatens traditional lands or communities. In this regard the KMA is inviting the chiefs of other Indian bands and all concerned aboriginals, regardless of band affiliation, to come forward, speak out and participate in this important effort. Protecting Mother Earth is one area where we can look beyond band cards and truly be one family and one people, something, which we have all been to begin with. This is an opportunity and a cause whereby we can be truly united. The KMA will ensure that the public will become aware of any and all environmental issues that affect their lives and that of their families. A strategic plan is currently being developed which will address the issues stated above and more. Ongoing developments will be made public as they unfold. Bertram Alexander Chief, Ktaqamkuk Mi'kmaq Alliance Back to the Environment page ©2003-2008 KMA - Ktaqamkuk (Taga-ma-goog)Mi'kmaq Alliance   Hosted by Your Community, Online!