A group of Inuit hunters have faced nearly a week of freezing temperatures to block a remote iron mine in northern Canada, in protest of an expansion plan they say will harm local wildlife.
The blockade, which has sparked solidarity rallies in other communities in Nunavut, has also exposed growing tensions among large Inuit organizations with the power to approve development permits and residents of small communities where the impact of these is noticeable. projects.
Since Feb. 5, seven hunters have created an makeshift barrier for snowmobiles and sleds to block the runway and service road of the Mary River ore mine, halting operations. Temperatures in recent days have dropped to as low as -30sC.
These are controversial plans drawn up by mine operator Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation to double production. To bring 12 million tonnes of iron ore to market, the mine has said it needs to build a railway to a port near the Pond Inlet community.
But hunters have dismissed fears that the expansion could threaten caribou and narwhal populations, two key food sources, if approved.
map
“Baffinland makes money and we are given very little money and we know the money will not get wildlife back,” Tom Naqitarvik said in an Inuktitut video posted on Facebook, CBC News reports.
When the confrontation reaches its fifth day, 700 workers are stranded at the Mary River site and, according to the company, the blockade on the runway means no food can be supplied.
“Baffinland staff have had numerous meetings with organizers, both at the blockades and at Pond Inlet, imploring protesters to move from the runway and allow runway maintenance and flights to resume.” , the company said in a statement. “So far, these discussions have not yielded any progress.”
Baffinland says the mine’s expansion is critical to keeping its operations in the region profitable. He has tried to alleviate concerns about the project, saying he is confident that wildlife will not be affected by the increase in ore shipments.
Under the 1993 Nunavut Accord, which established a number of key Inuit rights to their lands, Baffinland is required to negotiate a benefit agreement with Inuit groups representing residents of the territory.
But the protest has also drawn attention to long-standing tensions between remote Inuit communities and these organizations, which some residents say have lost touch with the challenges of living in remote communities.
After years of feeling ignored and ignored by decision-makers in the territorial capital of Iqaluit, northern communities are looking to form their own legally recognized partnership, said Jerry Natanine, mayor of Clyde River. This new group would have the power to negotiate royalty payments and would have more value on projects that could affect their communities, he said.
“The decision comes from years of disappointment on the part of Inuit organizations that do not bear our name,” he said. “We have been dreaming of the possibility of creating something that can help us benefit from the development that is happening and lead our own government.”
Many of the groups opposed to the project do not oppose all mining in the region. “My brother and my cousins work in the mine. I don’t want them to lose their jobs, ”said Natanine. “But the mine does not take our ideas into account. We told them to change the location of the railroad and we would accept it. We told them, “Instead, do this route.” But they just pushed us. “
Despite the demands of those blocked for a new rights structure, Baffinland has said he has no legal authority to negotiate with community groups.
Clyde River residents plan to bring supplies to Mary River protesters in the coming days, a trip that could take three days on snowmobiles and require travelers from brave mountain valleys and dangerous sections of ice.
“After all, the expansion project was imposed on us. However, we have clearly and repeatedly told the mine that their plans were unacceptable. And they haven’t heard any of our suggestions, “Natinine said.” So now we’re left fighting for our culture and way of life. “