First Nations members join fight to restore our upper Great Lakes levels

News release from Federation of Tiny Township Shoreline Associations – July 15 2012

Local First Nations members from the Beausoleil First Nation have joined the fight to restore our lake levels. Prior to the IJC Hearing at the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre, 527 Len Self Boulevard in Midland this Monday, a First Nations Water Ceremony lasting about 45 minutes will take place, starting at 6 pm. 

“In this time of change it is imperative that all stakeholders be included in the decision making of our bodies of water,” said Elizabeth Brass Elson from Beausoleil First Nation “We all live in conjunction with one another and the connection is apparent when you consider the communities and Nations surrounding the Great Lakes area.

“First Nations have not been included during the Great Lake/Georgian Bay discussions by the IJC. The duty to consult has been ignored during this process when most of our lands and territory borders on the water bodies being discussed.

“It is time to move forward with restorative measures that will keep our water safe from practices that are hazardous, and jeopardize the sustainability of our Great Lakes and the future for our Nations. To do nothing about restoring the water levels of Michigan/Huron/Georgian Bay is unacceptable, and we urge the IJC commission to act now on restoring our water levels.”

A Water Ceremony will be performed at 6:00 p.m. by Roseanne Monague before the meeting for the International Joint Commission. The water will be blessed and prayed for, so it can be cleansed and nourished with prayers, and good thoughts are sent to the creator.  All are welcome.

The Water Ceremony is an important Anishinabe tradition, where women play an integral role. Just as Grandmother Moon watches over the waters of the Earth by regulating the tides, women watch over the waters of the people. Clean water ensures that women will be able to fulfill their role in bringing forth life and provide nurturing for their families. In traditional water ceremonies, women speak for the ever-flowing water and offer thanks.

The Sierra Club Ontario will also be there to present key messages for the commissioners adjudicating the meetings. The Sierra Club and FoTTSA have produced a Facebook page to focus attention and materials on this issue.

FoTTSA has called on the residents of Ontario and the states of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York “to demand the IJC scrap the status quo and take action to slow the outflow from the only Great Lake that has no outflow protection whatsoever.”