KI votes to protect watershed

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug membership has voted 96 per cent in favour of protecting their entire watershed from all industrial activity.
The community also voted during the July 5 community custom-based referendum to approve the KI Consultation Protocol, which sets out how consent will be given prior to any decision being made affecting KI’s lands and resources.
“The KI Watershed Declaration and the KI Consultation Protocol will give us a new mandate to foster dialogue with governments and corporations and as well as open up new opportunities in the areas of economic development, environmental sustainability and off-reserve issues,” said KI Chief Donny Morris.
The KI Watershed Declaration applies to 13,025 square kilometres of lakes, rivers, forest, and wetlands in the community’s homeland, including Big Trout Lake’s 661 square kilometers.
All waters that flow into and out of Big Trout Lake, and all lands whose waters flow those lakes, rivers, and wetlands, are declared to be completely protected in the KI Watershed Declaration, under KI’s authority, laws and protocol. No industrial uses, or other uses which disrupt, poison, or otherwise harm KI’s relationship to these lands and waters will be permitted.
Earthroots, a grassroots conservation organization dedicated to the preservation of wilderness, wildlife and watersheds in Canada, called for Premier Dalton McGuinty to respect KI’s decision to protect their water.
“Far too many First Nations communities are forced to suffer from industrially contaminated water sources,” said David Sone, forest campaigner with Earthroots. “Earthroots fully supports this visionary decision by the Elders, citizens, and leadership of KI First Nation; a decision that will benefit all Ontarians. We call on Premier McGuinty to act swiftly to recognize and respect KI’s decision to protect their water and, if necessary, we will take action with KI to help defend their life-giving watershed.”