Grassroots women are blocking Segise Road to keep Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) enforcement officers out, so that the community can repair a bridge used to access the territory. The government had said they will only allow the road to be repaired if the community agrees to logging on the territory, but under increasing pressure and public scrutiny the Minister has been forced to step in to try and resolve the dispute.
The road is used by Grassy Narrows members to access blue berries, wild rice, and medicine picking areas, as well as for hunting, trapping, and fishing on their territory. The road is also the only alternate route out of the community during wild fires, floods, and other emergencies.
The bridge became impassible after the MNR abandoned road repairs when logging was stopped in the area. The MNR initially threatened repair workers with a $10,000 fine and the seizing of their machinery. But now, in a major reversal, Minister Jefferies has committed to complete the repairs at MNR's expense, and to refrain from pressing any changes.
UPDATE:
1. The government used a helicopter to fly over the grassroots road block and threatened the workers with fines and seizing of machinery if the work is not stopped.
2. Under increasing pressure and public scrutiny the Minister of Natural Resources was forced to step in to try to resolve the conflict.
3. After two years of MNR refusals the minister has committed to repairing the bridge in a timely manner at their own expense, and to not levy fines for the work already done without permits.
4. Grassy Narrows people continue to assert that they have a right to make decisions about their territory.
5. The grassroots women are back out there today to assert Grassy Narrows jurisdiction. They believe that Grassy Narrows should complete the repairs themselves, under their own authority.
6. The MNR office has been flooded with calls (hyperlink to action alert) in support of Grassy Narrows. Thanks. You support is making a big difference in pressuring the government, and in keeping the grassroots women feeling safe blockading remote roads.
PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR FURTHER UPDATES
More information:
Read updates from the grassroots Women
Call the MNR to express your support
Dispute Flares Over Road Work Article
Grassy Narrows Women Protecting Bridge Builders Article
Watch on the report on APTN National News (go to 39:13)
Grassy Narrows Women Block MNR Enforcement Team Press Release
Read about a similar action last fall (http://freegrassy.org/2010/08/25/grassy-narrows-clan-mothers-block-mnr-enforcement-team/)
Grassy Narrows First Nation says province trying to stop road repairs
