In Brief Opposition to power exports First Nations in Quebec expressed their opposition October 7 to the proposed New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC), a project that would see Hydro-Quebec export its energy surplus via a large transmission line through the state of Maine. The First Nations of Pessamit (Innu), Wemotaci (Atikamekw), Pikogan, Lac Simon and Kitcisakik (Anishnabeg) all claim that HydroQuebec would be exporting power from their territories without prior consultation, consent or compensation. Their voices have been added to a growing campaign south of the border opposing the proposed transmission line. A day earlier, on October 6, HydroQuebec was also “surprised” by a $4 billion lawsuit filed by the Innu Nation of Labrador. Citing similar complaints, the Labrador Innu said that the Churchill Falls hydro-electric project destroyed their burial grounds and traditional way of life. “The impact of Churchill Falls has been felt across generations of Innu,” said Innu Grand Chief Etienne Rich. “What happened, it was not right. Our Elders deserved better treatment
then, and we demand better treatment now.”
Mi’kmaq lobster conflict gets violent Non-Native commercial lobster fishers attacked a building in Weymouth, Nova Scotia, used by Mi’kmaw harvesters to store their lobster catch, which was “totally annihilated” by the angry mob. The commercial fishers are opposed to the Sipekne’katik band’s exercising of their constitutional right to a moderate livelihood lobster fishery. According to Mi’kmaq fisher Jason Marr, the group surrounded the building and vandalized it as well as trucks and vans belonging to Mi’kmaw fishers. Marr told the CBC he barricaded himself inside the building while the mob raged outside. Eventually he was taken by who he believes were RCMP officers to safety, but the lobster catch wasn’t so lucky. Photos and video shared October 14 show the entire lobster catch destroyed and laid out in front of the building. Marr also captured about an hour of video of his time trapped inside the building. This all comes one week after a Mi’kmaq fishing vessel was destroyed by a suspicious fire.
The strain on other workers’ emotions was so great, many Cree miners opted for temporary layoffs The Mi’kmaq right to fish to earn a moderate livelihood was affirmed in a 1999 Supreme Court ruling.
On-site Covid labs In a move to help Cree miners visit their families, three mines in Eeyou Istchee have added on-site Covid-19 testing labs. Prior to this, workers would spend two weeks at the mines, and then two weeks self-isolating – making it almost impossible to see their families. For Michelle Polson, a Cree mother working in the mining sector, the two-weeks-on, two-weeks-off work schedule was grueling. From June to September, she would spend two weeks at the mine, and then two weeks in a trailer, self-isolating away from her family due to the Cree Nation Government’s Covid-19 regulations. “It was really emotionally hard being away from my family,” Polson told the CBC. “[When I could finally see them] my mom cried ... my kids didn’t leave my side.” Until the on-site labs at the Osisko, Stornoway and Éléonore mines were
established in August, Polson was only able to see her children via video chats. The strain on other workers’ emotions was so great, many Cree miners opted for temporary layoffs.
Nemaska school vandalized The École Luke Mettaweskum School in Nemaska was forced to close its doors October 13-16 after a dangerous act of vandalism. Gunshots rang out the night of October 12, terrifying and confusing many. When the chaos subsided, community members discovered several windows had been shot out at the school. While no one was hurt, those who work, attend or live near the school were shaken by the event. The Cree School Board (CSB) condemned the violence in an October 13 press release. “The gravity of the event will not be ignored,” stated the CSB. “We are working closely with the Eeyou Eenou Police Force regarding this matter. We are asking for everyone’s vigilance and cooperation at this time.” The school said on its Facebook page October 15 that the building would remain closed to students until the following week. “The school will open tomorrow for staff and teachers only,” read the post. “We will be reviewing important emergency protocols as well as working together on the best ways we can support our students as they return. School will be open for students again on Monday.”
www.nationnews.ca October 23, 2020 the Nation 9
