FOR IMMEDIATE RELASE
Protests Against Destruction of Beaver Pond Forest Move to City Hall
Ottawa, ON (Feb 1, 2011) - This morning at sunrise Warriors from the Algonquin Nations chained themselves to trees at Beaver Pond Forest, stopping the destruction of the sacred forest that started on January 31st.
Making their way on site, they managed to stop cutting from taking place at the opposed site of KNL Developments. “If Mayor Jim Watson were a real leader, he would know enough to realize that the incremental destruction of the last wildlands in the city needs to stop. As a real Chief, he would be on the side of the people and the land,” wrote Robert Lovelace, former Chief of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, who is chained on the destruction site.
At 11:45 am, concerned community members began a sit-in at Mayor Jim Watson’s office, demanding he take responsibility by immediately stopping cutting at Beaver Pond and calling for an emergency council meeting, open to all residents of Ottawa.
“We are saddened to have to take such drastic measures to have our voices listened to and our rights respected,” commented Pei-Ju Wang, who is taking part in the sit-in. “The city and the province have refused to listen to the voices of the Algonquin, and other concerned community members, and have condemned this forest to be a sacrifice zone for the expansion of urban sprawl.”
Beaver Pond Forest is the entrance to the South March Highlands and – an area recognised for important ecological values and the last of Ottawa’s old growth forest. Archaeological artefacts have been found nearby showing evidence of pre-contact occupation. Algonquin Nations have been vocal in calling for a new comprehensive archaeological assessment and meaningful consultations before development could be allowed to proceed.
“The Mayor, Council, and city staff are failing their duty to protect this important natural area that has unified local residents, Algonquin people, ecologists and recreational users. The city has deferred to the province while the province has referred citizens back to the city. Is this how the new Mayor and Council want to kick off their terms in office? We’re here to do what we can to protect this sacred land, its historical value, and its future as a green space in Ottawa,” commented Ramsey Hart.
Photos will be posted to: www.flickr.com/photos/powless
Contacts:
Paul Renaud - 613-277-5898 (re: forest action)
Pei-Ju Wang – 613-276-8941 (at mayor’s office)
Ramsey Hart – 613-612-1768 (offsite, French-speaking)
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