Mining Conflict In Schefferville.Canada : The Innu Denounce Their Intimidation By The Federal Government  http://bit.ly/dAHTbt

The Chiefs of the Innu Strategic Alliance vigorously denounce their intimidation by the federal Minister of Indian Affairs, Chuck Strahl, who is threatening the Innu communities with substantial funding cuts should they refuse to remove the barricades currently preventing the resumption of mining operations in the Schefferville region. "For us, this is a measure of last resort meant to protect our rights over our land and resources. The federal government's attitude is scandalous," said the Vice-Chief of Uashat mak Mani-Utenam, Mike McKenzie, on behalf of the Alliance.   It will be recalled that on June 11 the Innu communities of Matimekush-Lake John and Uashat mak Mani-Utenam, with the support of the member communities of the Innu Strategic Alliance, set up barricades to block the lone road leading to the mining projects of two companies on Innu ancestral land. Neither company obtained the consent of the Innu of Matimekush-Lake John and Uashat mak Mani-Utenam before commencing operations on the land to which the Innu hold aboriginal title and ancestral rights.