TOBI COHEN
The Canadian Press
May 26, 2008
TORONTO -- A group of northern Ontario aboriginal leaders jailed over a
dispute with a mining exploration company got a temporary reprieve on
Friday, but their lawyer said they could be back in jail as early as
next week if the province doesn't change the Mining Act.
The Ontario Court of Appeal ordered six members of the
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation, including its chief and
deputy chief, released from jail for five days pending their court
appearance on Wednesday.
They were released after they agreed to abide by an injunction that
prohibits them from interfering with the work of Platinex Inc., which,
in turn, promised not to bring an exploration crew onto the disputed
land before 9 a.m. on Thursday.
"They will have to report back to jail on May 29 unless there's a
further order from the court," said lawyer Chris Reid, who also noted
the group is appealing its six-month sentences, not the finding of
contempt of court.
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"The decision today changes nothing. The only way these people are
going to be able to get out of jail, stay out of jail, is if the
government of Ontario recognizes the right of these communities to say
no to mining on their land."
Mr. Reid said Friday's Appeal Court decision did nothing for Bob
Lovelace of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation in Eastern Ontario, who
is on a hunger strike and remains in solitary confinement on similar
charges as the six who were released.
"We're asking the Court of Appeal to send a message to the government
that they need to change the mining law or this is going to happen over
and over and over again," Mr. Reid said. "They either have to amend the
Mining Act or build a prison for political prisoners, because that's
what we're going to be doing in Ontario if [Premier] Dalton McGuinty
doesn't take steps to change this 19th-century Mining Act."
The six freed KI leaders are expected to attend a rally today at the
Ontario Legislature aimed at pressuring the government to halt mining
and forestry on their traditional lands, said organizer Jack Lapointe
of Ardoch Algonquin First Nation.
Protesters plan to remain on the front lawn of the legislature
conducting traditional aboriginal ceremonies until May 29 - the
national aboriginal day of action.
Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle said last
month the Liberal government is committed to changing mining laws to
include proper consultation with First Nations, but that it will take
time.
He said the government was not prepared to heed calls for a moratorium
that would stop mining companies from staking claims on Crown land in
the meantime.
