Jon Thompson

Kenora Daily Miner and News

Dec. 21, 2011

Asubpeeschoseewagong (Grassy Narrows) First Nation is rejecting Ministry of Natural Resources long-term planning for the Whiskey Jack Forest.

"This document was developed without our participation or consent and entirely outside the good faith negotiations we have undertaken with MNR since the 2008 process agreement," said Chief Simon Fobister. "It sets the stage for more clearcutting throughout our traditional lands, contrary to our treaty and inherent rights. And we have not given our consent."

Fobister said the ministry has not returned his calls and urged Minister Michael Gravelle to work with the First Nation on a government-to-government basis on the table established three years ago. The ministry's five-year plan is set to begin on April 1, 2012.

Fobister's declaration comes on the heels of a movement launched with environmental organizations in Winnipeg on Sunday to boycott all Weyerhaeuser products until a peaceful resolution is reached to end the nine-year blockade.

An online petition has already attracted over 100 signatures and pressure is being applied to suppliers, encouraging them to cease sourcing "conflict wood" from the Whiskey Jack Forest, where a logging blockade has stood since 2002.

"Your withdrawal from this territory will be a significant step in preserving what remains of the intact forest, which is crucial to the Anishinaabe way of life, estimated to be only 30 per cent of what it was before mismanagement of logging companies," a letter addressed to Weyerhaeuser and Premier Dalton McGunity reads. It calls on Weyerhaeuser to commit to "never produce any of their products with wood sourced from (Grassy Narrows) until or unless the conflicts over logging are resolved to the satisfaction of the community and opposition has ceased."

As evidence of mismanagement, it points to a July independent audit of the forest, which found "significant issues with management," including 21 recommendations condemning non-conformances to policies and laws. It also applauds wood companies Boise, AbitibiBowater, Domtar and Ainsworth, who have committed not to use wood from Whiskey Jack.

Grassy Narrows' Judy DaSilva spoke at the event alongside the Indigenous Peoples Solidarity Movement of Winnipeg (aka Friends of Grassy Narrows) and the Boreal Forest Network.

Communications director for the Boreal Forest Network, Suzanne McCrea, said the movement will focus on the supply chain and working with its global allies in Scandanavia and Northen Europe who have "developed an affinity with the people of Grassy Narrows." McCrea recognizes it's difficult for citizens to actively take part in the campaign, as Weyerhaeuser no longer uses its logo on paper bags it produces and has moved out of the office paper industry and urged the public to sign on to the petition posted to her organization's website.

"For the average person, it's difficult and that's why we're approaching contractors as well. The average person might be building a home or know someone who is building a home. The other avenue we're continually doing research on is packaging, boxes and bags. It's difficult unless you see (Weyerhaueser) on the packaging to know what they are but if you work with a company who purchases those products, we want you to know."

jthomps5@hotmail.com