MISN expresses solidarity with the Idle No More Movement

An open letter to the Idle No More Movement,

As a grassroots organization committed to Indigenous sovereignty, including the right to free, prior and informed consent of Indigenous communities, Mining Injustice Solidarity Network (MISN) expresses its support for the Idle No More movement. We join the chorus of civil society voices condemning the policies of the Harper government, which threaten the way of life of Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island, violating rights defined under treaties signed in government-to-government processes, as well as international law. Similarly, we condemn the role of the Harper government in support of mining interests acting against the well-being of Indigenous communities here and around the world. For us, these issues are inextricably linked.

December 21, 2012 marked the end the Mayan calendar and the beginning of a new era. While protesters around the world responded to a global call put out by Idle No More, in Guatemala there was a renewed call for the respect of Indigenous rights in relation to mining and resource extraction more broadly, which have led to an increase in militarization and the use of force against the population.¹ The Oxlajuj B’ak’tun, signifies an opportunity for renewal and resistance for the Maya. Globally, mining usually proceeds without the free, prior and informed consent of affected communities, causing environmental degradation, health concerns, social disintegration, increased violence and other harms and is met with resistance by local communities. The Harper Government is complicit in these harms, providing political, as well as financial backing for Canadian mining companies operating throughout the world. Most recently, the Canadian government has come under fire for providing support to mining companies, notorious violators of human rights, through its aid budget.² This disregard for Indigenous rights and life itself is apparent in the Harper Government’s relationship with First Nations people in Canada, in its attempt to enact policies that would hasten the expropriation of native land for the purposes of resource extraction and the extinguishment of Native communities. We denounce these racist policies and call for dialogue and action in respect of Indigenous sovereignty.

As we enter into a new era, signified by the Idle No More Movement and the Oxlajuj B’ak’tun, we are inspired by the Indigenous led mobilization we see, within Abya Yala and Turtle Island, working against the neoliberal agenda and in favor of human and non-human life. We pledge our support for these movements, committing to walk side by side Indigenous Peoples in these struggles and call for support of the Idle No More Global Day of Action on January 28th, 2013.

Mining Injustice Solidarity Network

Toronto, ON

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