Statement: AFN Women's Council on Robert Lovelace and the KI Six

Attention News Editors:
Statement: AFN Women's Council on Robert Lovelace and the KI Six

OTTAWA, April 9 /CNW Telbec/ - Today the AFN Women's Council reiterated
their support for Algonquin leader Robert Lovelace of Ardoch and Chief Donny
Morris, the four councillors and community member of the Kitchenuhmaykoosib
Inninuwug (KI), who are in jail for contempt of court. In two separate cases,
these First Nations communities refused to allow mining exploration on their
traditional lands without their permission.
"What is being implied in these cases? That economic interests trump
First Nation rights? Or that economic interests trump constitutionally
protected rights? This is a slippery slope, not only for First Nations but for
all Canadians," said AFN Women's Council Chair Kathleen McHugh. "This should
never have gotten to the point where it went to court. The corporations
involved can still do the right thing: sit down and negotiate fairly and
openly with the communities and their leadership. We also call on the federal
government to end its silence and act responsibly by following its legal duty
to ensure First Nations are properly consulted when development takes place on
their lands."
The AFN Women's Council has supported a "wave fast" started by the
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Women's Council in support of the communities. AFN
Women's Council Chair Kathleen McHugh also visited KI Band Councillor
Cecilia Begg in the Kenora jail earlier this month.

The AFN Women's Council is committed to ensuring that First Nation
women's perspectives are included in all AFN policy directives and activities,
in addition to ensuring that the AFN is an effective advocate on behalf of
First Nation's women.



For further information: Karyn Pugliese, Heath Communications, (613)
241-6789 ext 210, cell (613) 292-1877