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The Indigenous Elders and Youth Council (IEYC), is grassroots
collective of Indigenous representatives from the Americas working
toward the protection and preservation of Indigenous knowledge,
language and culture. The group evolved from the International
Indigenous Elders Summit 2004. This gathering brought together
Indigenous knowledge carriers and youth from North, South and
Central America to discuss historical trauma and Indigenous approaches
to healing. At this time, a group of Elders and helpers expressed
interest in continuing to work together promoting and protecting
Indigenous languages, culture, knowledge, and traditional land
bases.
“Indigenous knowledge is a complete knowledge system with
its own epistemology, philosophy, and scientific and logical validity...
which can only be understood by means of pedagogy traditionally
employed by the people themselves” (Battiste and Henderson,
2000: 41). The diversity of Indigenous Peoples’ cultures
and histories should not be presented as a barrier to international
networking on Indigenous Knowledge translation, but as an opportunity
to demonstrate the advantages of plural knowledge systems in contemporary
contexts. A primary focus of the council has been on Indigenous
knowledge translation to youth and community members. Over the
last two years the council has developed a working partnership
with the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO), the Amazon
Conservation Team (ACT) and the Indigenous Studies Program of
McMaster University. These organizations have partnered to support
the mission statement and objectives of the I.E.Y.C.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In early May The Lubicon Lake Nation was been made aware of an oil spill in within Lubicon lands as a result of a leak in a Plains Midstream Canada pipeline. This spill has occurred near the lands set aside for the future reserve of the Lubicon Lake Nation. The Chief and Council have met with officials from Plains Midstream Canada (a subsidiary of Plains All American) and are monitoring the situation closely with the assistance of the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB). Chief Bernard Ominayak has indicated that the Nation’s primary concern is the protection of Lubicon lands and the environment. It is of the utmost importance to ensure that the health and environmental aftermath of this incident are mitigated to ensure the health and safety of the Lubicon community. This situation has been compounded by forest fires threatening the entire area. IEYC has offered to asisst in gathering donations to support the community in their struggles for more information about the event please read the following Press Releases and visit http://www.lubiconlakenation.com. If you would like to make a donation please contact (519) 445-4714.
May 18 Wildfires Press Release
Lubicon Lake Nation Now Battling Wildfires On Three Sides of Community
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 18, 2011
The Lubicon Lake Nation government has been advised by ASRD officials that the 700 hectare wildfire (PWF-016-2011) burning approximately 12km North of the community remains out of control. The fire is approximately 60% contained by bulldozer fireguards and water bodies. ASRD officials advise that bulldozer guards are expected to be 100% complete by 3:00pm today.
A wildfire burning approximately 15-20km South of Lubicon territory also continues to burn out of control. Forestry officials advise that all resources had been diverted from this fire and redirected to fighting a fire that was threatening the town of Red Earth. The intensity rating of this fire is 4/5 suggesting the fire is spreading at a speed greater than 360 meters per hour. ASRD officials have indicated that fire crews, air support and heavy equipment are expected to restart work this morning to control the blaze. Forestry officials advised yesterday afternoon that employees of Murphy Oil have evacuated a plant located in Lubicon territory as a result of red skies and heavily falling ash related to this fire.
A third wildfire has also been reported in Lubicon territory and is currently listed as 5000 hectares in size. This fire appears to be a part of a previously reported fire Northwest of Red Earth and is now located Northeast of the Lubicon community of Little Buffalo. According to local officials, this fire appears to be burning very vigorously and producing extensive low lying black smoke. Chief Bernard Ominayak and the Lubicon Lake Nation Council responded Tuesday afternoon by dispatching more of the Nation’s heavy equipment to begin construction of a fireguard around Haig Lake which is a protected area for the Lubicon that is threatened by this fire. “There are cabins on that lake that have been passed down from our Elders for generations,” Ominayak said. “So we are working to ensure that that portion of our territory is also protected,” he continued.
Within the Lubicon community of Little Buffalo itself, smoke in the air overnight was the worst it has been since the fires began and ash continues to rain down over the community. Chief Ominayak has stressed that Lubicon citizens and other residents of Little Buffalo should not consider returning to the community until the wildfire situation has stabilized. “Right now the winds continue to change directions throughout each day, with fires on 3 sides of us any drastic wind could have a rapid and profound effect on the safety of the community,” said Chief Ominayak.
In spite of the instability, the evacuation of Little Buffalo remains a voluntary evacuation. Garrett Tomlinson, the Communications Coordinator for the Lubicon Lake Nation says: “No one is being forced to leave the community, however for the most part everyone has.” Tomlinson, who is also a local EMT in the community, has advised local residents of the potential dangers of staying in Little Buffalo and breathing the heavy smoke. Those wishing to evacuate or needing assistance are asked to contact the Lubicon Lake Nation Administration Office at (780) 629-3945 during extended emergency hours or Garrett Tomlinson - Communications Coordinator at (780) 618-3794 at any time.
Press Release: May 9, 2011
Leaders from the Lubicon Lake Nation and Woodland Cree Meet with Alberta’s Environment Minister to Address Oil Spill Concerns
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2011
Lubicon Lake Nation: Little Buffalo, AB – Lubicon Lake Nation Chief Bernard Ominayak and Woodland Cree Chief William Whitehead met with Alberta's Environment Minister, Rob Renner on Saturday to tour the site of an oil spill that has dumped approximately 4.5 million litres of oil onto Lubicon territory.
MLA Frank Oberle (Peace River), MLA Pearl Calahasen (Slave Lake), and Lubicon Councillors Walter Whitehead and Bryan Laboucan, also took part in the tour of the spill site and surrounding area to assess the nature and extent of the spill and its immediate impact on the Lubicon Lake Nation’s territory.
Lubicon leaders remain committed to the wellbeing of their citizens, the animals, and land of their people. “At this time our biggest concerns remain the health and safety of the people, the welfare of the wildlife, and the lasting effects this will have on the environment,” said Chief Ominayak, noting that everyone in attendance shared those priorities and concerns.
Alberta health representatives assured the Chief and Council that the safety of the Lubicon people was paramount and not in jeopardy. Regardless, Chief Ominayak and the Council will continue to take precautions to provide for emergent or other circumstances related to the health of Lubicon Lake Nation citizens.
While all involved in the tour seemed to agree that the cleanup will take longer than originally anticipated, the Lubicon Lake Nation is, at this stage, satisfied with initial containment and cleanup efforts.
Lubicon Chief and Council hope that the energy and commitment demonstrated by Plains Midstream Canada and the ERCB so far will be maintained until the reclamation and restoration of the land is complete. “We know that our land can never be fully restored to its original state. This is impossible,” said Chief Ominayak. “But, we are satisfied with the positive efforts by Plains Midstream Canada and the Alberta government to mitigate the damage so that the land can be restored to the furthest extent possible.”
The government of the Lubicon Lake Nation anticipates further discussions about improving emergency preparedness. Response plans that involve the Lubicon citizens and territory must be strengthened through a process of consultation and accommodation discussions. Oil and gas companies in Lubicon territory must adhere to emergency response plans that are driven by, and supportive of, the Lubicon Lake Nation.
Chief Ominayak said, “Ultimately we don't want to see a spill of this magnitude ever again, but if such a spill should occur we want to be better prepared to deal with it.”
Ongoing updates from the Lubicon Lake Nation are available at www.LubiconLakeNation.com.
For More Information Please Contact:
Garrett Tomlinson –- Communications Coordinator
Lubicon Lake Nation
(780) 629-3945 Office
(780) 618-3794 Cell
(780) 629-3939 Fax
www.LubiconLakeNation.com
lubiconlakenation@telus.net
If you wish to contact us, the information below is provided
for your convenience.
Indigenous Elders and Youth Council
P.O. Box 700
Ohsweken, Ontario
N0A 1M0
Telephone: (519) 445-4714
Fax: (519) 445-4416 |
