Green Party supports Mitchikanibikok Inik

For Immediate Release

November 21, 2008

Montreal/- The Green Party of Canada is calling for an investigation into the infringement of the rights of the Mitchikanibikok Inik, also known as the Algonquin of Barriere Lake, particularly their right to peaceful assembly. There have been reports this week of tear gas and police violence during a protest at this First Nation, involving a crowd which included Elders and children.

The protest was to draw attention to the failure of government to honour the 1991 Tri-lateral Agreement and the 1998 Bi-lateral agreement signed with Canada and Quebec. The recommendations of these agreements are meant to protect Algonquin land uses, including conservation of forest and wildlife, and also improve these peoples dire economic situation.

"It is not enough to apologize to Canada's First Nation's, they need help in a real way to address the continually deteriorating conditions on reserves and support to realize true self-government," said Green Party Leader Elizabeth May.

In 1989, Ms. May worked to help set up the office for the Trilateral Commission on behalf of this First Nation along with former MP and former Quebec Environment Minister the Honourable Clifford Lincoln. "The Algonquin of Barriere Lake have shown extraordinary patience in the face of governmental interference and foot-dragging," said Ms. May.


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John Bennett
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
Phone: 613 562-4916 ext. 230
Cell: 613 291 6888
Fax: 613 482-4632