News Release on Standing Rock and the Duty to Consult
Saugeen Ojibway Nation stands in solidarity with Standing Rock Sioux Nation and demands States and Proponents consult and accommodate Indigenous Peoples
COMMUNITY NEWS RELEASE
November 18, 2016
Neyaashiinigmiing, Ontario – The Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) stand in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Nation who demand protection of their water, lands and sacred sites from the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) project. The Standing Rocking Sioux Nation were not adequately consulted and accommodated on this project.
State governments and proponents must consult with and accommodate Indigenous peoples whenever they propose projects that could affect their rights.
“I am proud of our people for showing their support for Standing Rock Sioux Nation during the November 15 Unity Walk. We feel connected with them and know that it is important that our rights as the Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island are respected. We condemn any acts of violence toward the peaceful water protectors,” said Chief Lester Anoquot of the Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation.
The SON has struggled over many years with Canadian governments and proponents to ensure adequate consultation and accommodation. In 2013, the highest form of accommodation was finally agreed to when the SON’s right to consent was recognized by Ontario Power Generation in regards to their proposed project to bury low and intermediate level nuclear waste in a deep geological repository. In June 2016, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization recognized the SON’s right to consent when they committed that they will not select a used nuclear fuel (high-level waste) disposal site in SON Territory without the agreement of the Communities. This is a huge victory for the SON.
The people of the SON are now involved in a community-driven decision-making process that will allow members to have a voice on the nuclear waste and legacy issues in the Territory.
Chief Greg Nadjiwon of Chippewas of Nawash First Nation said, “We have significant issues here at home. Our water, land, and communities are impacted by a variety of industry. Our people are deeply concerned about protecting water for future generations.”
The Saugeen Ojibway Nation is the collective of the Chippewas of Saugeen and Chippewas of Nawash First Nations.
Contact:
Paisley Cozzarin
Saugeen Ojibway Nation Environment Office
