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In 1979, the year oil wells appeared all around them, the Lubicon Cree killed 219 moose for food. Four years later only 19 were taken. Lubicon: "Time for Action"Aboriginal Neighbours The Lubicon Cree of northern Alberta were missed by treaty-makers at the turn of the 20th century. Although they were promised a reserve in 1939, governments ignored or actively denied their rights over the next several decades. The people sustained themselves in relative isolation. In 1979 an all-weather road into their territory was completed and resource extraction activity exploded. Between 1979 and 1983 four hundred oil wells appeared within a 15 mile radius of the Lubicon community. During those same four years the number of moose killed for food by Lubicon dropped by 90% and annual trapping income per family dropped 90% from $5000 to $400. The welfare rate rose from under 10% to over 90%. Lubicon health and social life suffered enormously. Meanwhile, billions of dollars in resources began flowing to outside interests from lands never ceded by the Cree. During the 1980's and 90's the Lubicon struggled to defend their land rights by various means. They appealed to the courts; they gained the support of churches, activists and international human rights bodies; and they asserted themselves through blockades and boycotts. In on-again-off-again negotiations with the federal and provincial governments they sought a land base, community infrastructure, and provision for a secure economic future. In 1993, then leader of the opposition, Jean Chretien, stated about the case that "It's time for action." In 1998 the chief federal negotiator described the Lubicon land rights struggle as a "black spot" on Canadian history and promised to speed the negotiations. Now, in 2002, Prime Minister Chretien has only a short time to fulfill promises made to the Lubicon. A recent breakthrough appears to have set the stage for an agreement. Lubicon supporters are asking Canadians to write to the Prime Minister to generate the extra measure of goodwill required to complete negotiations. MCC's has had a lengthy involvement with the Lubicon. Volunteers have lived and worked alongside the Lubicon, assisting with community development efforts. At key moments MCC staff and boards have expressed publicly their support for Lubicon rights and aspirations. Recently, MCC issued a letter to the Prime Minister.
ActionsMCC letter to the Prime Minister of Canada Background documentsSend a letter urging the Prime Minister to act decisively before leaving office. Lubicon supporters who wish to write letters to the Prime Minister encouraging him to fulfill his promise before he leaves office can write to:
Rt. Hon. Jean Chretien No postage is required to write to a Member of Parliament within Canada.
Friends of the Lubicon |
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