Mathias Colomb Cree Nation Reiterates Moratorium Against Extractive Activities on Territory – Idle No More

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PRESS RELEASE
Mathias Colomb Cree Nation Reiterates Moratorium Against Extractive Activities on Territory

Pukatawagan, MB. Mathias Colomb Cree Nation confirmed today that their moratorium against any extractive activities within their territory is still in place. Mathias Colomb Cree Nation (MCCN) will reject any and all applications, permits, leases, licenses and/or authorizations for exploration, extractions, removals, or work of any kind in relation to mining and any other extractive activity until a mutually-designed consultation and consent protocol with the province of Manitoba has been implemented.

Chief Arlen Dumas stated: “The sovereign Nation of Missinippi Nehethowak, as represented by Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, has always and continues to assert our full sovereignty, jurisdiction, rights and responsibilities over our extensive traditional territories. We have ongoing legal, political and cultural obligations to protect the lands, waters, plants, and animals within our territories on behalf of past, current and future generations – and we will live up to that obligation.”

MCCN has rejected several work permit applications by Hudbay Mining and Auriga Gold unless and until a mutually-designed consultation protocol has been negotiated with the Province of Manitoba. MCCN also issued a declaration on July 1, 2013 that no federal, provincial, municipal or other Canadian laws will apply within their territory – traditional, treaty or reserve – without their full, informed and prior consent.

MCCN has extended several offers to work together in good faith with the province of Manitoba on a mutually-designed and agreed-to consultative process which is designed to obtain Mathias Colomb Cree Nation’s consent and ensure their ownership interests are respected. To date, there has been no response from the province of Manitoba.

Chief Dumas further explained: “As per our Cree laws, we continue to extend our hands in the spirit of co-operation, peaceful co-existence, and mutual prosperity. We fully recognize that there may be areas over which we might find it both practical and efficient to share jurisdiction, management and/or use of over specific parts of our territories. However, the unilateral assertion of jurisdiction or continued theft of our lands and resources by federal and provincial governments will no longer be tolerated. We want to work together as true partners.”

MCCN stands in support of Manto Sipi Cree Nation and Red Sucker Lake Cree Nation in their moratoriums designed to protect their territories from unilateral actions by the province of Manitoba as well.

For further information contact: Chief Arlen Dumas, Mathias Colomb Cree Nation at 1-204-553-2089.