Preamble:
Aboriginal rights and environmental issues are often inextricably connected throughout instances of natural resource extraction around the globe. In many cases, the closer ties of indigenous populations to their environment mean they are often the first to be impacted by the effects of natural resource extraction on the environment. Though many nations, including Canada, have specific legislation or agreements in place to protect the way of life of these people, case studies from around the globe point to a systemic exploitation of indigenous peoples whenever natural resources (and the large sums of capital associated therewith) are in play. Without such agreements in place, it is likely that the international response to environmental damage would be far more muted. Based on the significant (though predominantly unsuccessful) way that indigenous groups have campaigned for their right to continue their traditional way of life in a clean environment, can we not infer the need for a general right to a clean environment to be enjoyed by all people, indigenous and other populations alike? More importantly, would there any possible international mechanisms for guaranteeing these rights, especially when in the indigenous context enforcement seems to be fundamentally lacking? The Canadian context is particularly interesting in this regard insofar as challenges are currently being presented to the government of Canada and the provincial government of Alberta by both indigenous and non-indigenous populations.
Goals:
• Outline compelling arguments, based on examples drawn from both domestic and international cases, for both a general right to a clean environment, in order to lay the groundwork for a call for increased accountability on the part of government with regard to natural resource extraction and environmental issues.
• Challenge the governments of Canada and Alberta to respond meaningfully to allegations in the case of both recognized indigenous groups (ie. The Beaver Lake Cree) and others (ie. Lubicon) that significant duties are being neglected with regard to the environment and the ability of people to live within that environment in the face of large-scale natural resource extraction.
• Determine to what legitimate (ie. Not strictly financially motivated) objections are held to a general right to a clean environment by the federal government
• Assist, hopefully through the above goals, the case of the Beaver Lake Cree as represented by Jack Woodward.
Strategies:
• Reach out to various activist groups to gauge depth of the issues at hand as well as to refine research strategies. Candidates: Indigenous Environmental Network, Friends of the Earth International, Amnesty International (re: Lubicon Cree),
• Contact appropriately involved MPs and MPPs to determine government response to the Canadian issues. Key players: Members of the House Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development: Mark Warawa (Conservative MP - Langley, BC); Linda Duncan (NDP MP - Edmonton); Francis Scarpaleggia (Liberal MP - Lac St-Louis); also, Brian Jean (Conservative MP - Fort McMurray), Chris Warkentin (Conservative MP - Peace River [Lubicon Cree] ).
• Continue to research international literature and precedents to put together a more compelling case of the need for an international human right to a clean environment, and explore possible means of enforcement.
Action taken so far:
• Contacted Ottawa representative of the Indigenous Environmental Network to attempt to meet while I was in Ottawa last week, but received no reply.
• Continuing to accumulate research documents and develop overall knowledge and theoretical approach; laying down the outlines of the paper project.
So, what are my next steps?
- Start working on the MPs.
- Any reply for Jack Woodward?
- Continue research and begin to draft paper
- What can I do to be more advocacy-y?
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