DAILY MINER & NEWS

Grassy's Environmental Summit Rekindles Fiery Debate

June 17, 2006 BY MIKE AIKEN

As Carolyn Kokopenace plays with her four year-old daughter, Ayana, she pauses to collect her thoughts.

More than three years has now elapsed, since the blockade at Slant Lake stopped logging trucks destined for the Whiskey Jack Forest.

"I'm proud of it," says Kokopenace, remembering the events of December 2002.

While Kokopenace waits for the day's agenda to get going, she appreciates the opportunity to take part in Tuesday's Youth Environmental Gathering at Grassy Narrows.

"I'm happy to know youth are getting to know their culture and getting involved in traditional activities," she said.

As a delegate to the Chiefs of Ontario meeting this summer at Big Trout Lake, Kokopenace is hoping to bring forward a strong message from her community, which has earned a world-wide reputation as an advocate for indigenous rights.

Event organizer Melissa Fobister, said she hoped to motivate her peers, while also trying to prepare a better future.

"I have a son. He's three, and I'm thinking about the future for him," she said.

Guest speaker Dylan Courchene may only be 16, but he's already been entrusted by elders within his community with the ability to practice and speak about traditional ways.

"My elders are proud that I can go around and teach," he said, grateful for the support of his family and First Nation.

In talking with young people from other communities, Courchene describes the traditions and the teachings as part of his daily life, and not just window dressing for ceremonies.

Grassy resident Adrian Kejick hoped the lessons taught at Slant Lake can be passed on to band members, through the Ontario Works program. However, he isn't sure yet how recent changes to the program will impact his efforts, since the new model is based on outcomes measured in dollars. Participants are also having trouble getting used to a new approach to social assistance, he acknowledged.

Along with a representative from the Indigenous People's Solidarity Movement in Winnipeg, formerly the Friends of Grassy, there were also a dozen members from the Rainforest Action Network and Forest Ethics. From destinations across North America, young interns have offered their help.

"I couldn't resist coming up here and seeing the issues first-hand," said Californian Christy Tennery, who joined the Rainforest Action Network delegation after graduating from the University of San Francisco.

"I've been blown away by how welcoming the community has been," she added, noting her admiration for the role youth have played in the ongoing blockade.

The blockade started more than three years ago, when members of the community decided to stop logging trucks from hauling away timber from their traditional land use area.

The First Nation has also been hit hard by mercury contamination in the English River system, which destroyed the reserve's ability to live off the land.

The three-day event concluded Thursday, followed by a traditional powwow this weekend.

Workshops scheduled for Wednesday focused on healing within families and the community. Thursday's sessions will have a more global approach, with a look at indigenous issues around the world.

Another member of the group, Carmelle Wolfson, said she joined because she didn't feel it was proper for the Canadian government to sell logging rights in the band's traditional land use area.

"I really feel for the aboriginal community," she said.

The province is still reviewing Abitibi's licence to harvest fibre in the Whiskey Jack, following the closure of its Kenora mill last December.