Stop Niocan
May 11th, 2010 by admin
Niocan Inc., a Montreal-based mining corporation, is at the final stages of approval for their “Oka Project”, a toxic niobium mine to be developed within traditional Kanien’kehaka (Mohawk) territories. Community members in Kanehsatake and Oka have taken a clear stance on this issue – they say the destructive project will not be tolerated! The mine has serious environmental risks – contamination of the air, soil and water – which threaten the health of local residents as well as the agricultural livelihood of the many farmers in the area.
Waste from the operation will be released into the local water system; the water table will also be used to supply the project. The far-reaching effects of all of these derangements on the local agriculture and way of life cannot be understated. Furthermore, the materials left behind in slags and tailings after the projected 17 year operation will continue to negatively impact the environment and future generations. In April 2000, 62% of the Parish of Oka voted against Niocan’s project.
Approval of this project would be a serious encroachment on Kanien’keha’ka traditional territory, a threat to the vibrant agricultural economy of the region, and a violation of the rights of all local residents to health and security.
Therefore, in alliance with the communities of Kanehsatake and Oka, we commit ourselves to opposing Niocan Inc.’s Oka Project by all means at our disposal. We demand that the proposal be rejected by the governments of Quebec and Canada, and specifically the Quebec Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment & Parks. Furthermore, we call on all investors in Niocan Inc. to divest their holdings in the company.