Inuit land defenders need YOUR support! Help protect their Arctic home!
- av: Greenpeace Canada
- mottagare: Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal
In a matter of weeks, Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal will make a decision on an iron ore mine expansion in Nunavut, one that's being strongly opposed by Inuit land defenders. Mining company Baffinland is behind the expansion, pushing forward with this dangerous proposal for its iron mine.
This mine expansion is a grave threat to local Inuit and the wildlife they depend upon for their food, livelihoods, and culture.
In fact, the Nunavut government's own environmental assessment agency has recommended the expansion not proceed because of the potential for significant adverse effects on wildlife and Inuit.
Inuit have been speaking out forcefully against the project. Last year, Inuit land defenders peacefully blockaded the mine in opposition to the expansion plans, and solidarity protests were held all across Nunavut.
Now they need your voice to back them up. It's CRITICAL we get as many people as possible to speak up for Inuit rights and Arctic wildlife.
Tell Minister Vandal to listen to Inuit land defenders, protect Arctic wildlife, and say NO to this dangerous mine expansion.
I am writing to you today to express my support for the Inuit land defenders, hunters and organizations opposing the expansion of the Baffinland iron mine in Nunavut.
I urge you to listen to their concerns and reject Baffinland's expansion proposal.
Inuit have repeatedly raised concerns about the potential impacts of the proposed expansion of the Mary River iron mine on wildlife such as caribou and narwhal. [1] They have already observed major impacts on wildlife from the current mine, and the expansion could cause even more harm. [2] Inuit culture is grounded in hunting and a connection with the land and water. They depend upon healthy animals and a healthy environment for their food, livelihoods and culture. This expansion threatens to take that away from them.
They have tried to engage in good faith to have their concerns addressed, but to no avail. [3]
Baffinland, the company behind the mine, has refused to take adequate action to address their concerns. The company has insisted on pushing forward with an expansion plan that presents unacceptable risks to Arctic animals and the Inuit communities which depend on them.
Baffinland has failed to engage with local communities in a collaborative, respectful way, grounded in an awareness that they are guests on Inuit land. The government of Canada has committed to an improved relationship between Canada and Indigenous Peoples. I am concerned that Baffinland's conduct here represents an unacceptable and outdated colonial approach that is incompatible with Canada having a respectful and honourable relationship with Indigenous communities.
Now that the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) has issued its final report on the project, you have just a few weeks to decide whether or not this expansion proposal can proceed. The NIRB has said clearly the expansion should be rejected because it has the potential for significant adverse effects on wildlife and Inuit, effects which cannot be effectively managed. [4]
Given the strong opposition from numerous Inuit organizations and the risks posed to Arctic wildlife, and your government's commitments to support environmental protection and respect for Indigenous rights, you must say No to this mine expansion.
[your comment here]
Sincerely,
[your name will go here]
This e-mail will be CC'ed to aadnc.infopubs.aandc@canada.ca and lori.idlout@parl.gc.ca.
[1] Community reps oppose mine expansion at final day of Baffinland hearing : https://nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/community-reps-oppose-mine-expansion-at-final-day-of-baffinland-hearing/
[2] Compendium of Testimonies - Pond Inlet :
https://vimeo.com/505376532
[3] Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal must visit Nuluujaat to meet with Inuit hunters before issuing decision on mine expansion :
https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2021/05/06/northern-affairs-minister-dan-vandal-must-visit-nuluujaat-to-meet-with-inuit-hunters-before-issuing-decision-on-mine-expansion.html
[4] Nunavut Impact Review Board rejects proposed Baffinland expansion :
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/baffinland-expansion-should-proceed-nirb-1.6452648
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