To: undisclosed-recipi...@yahoo.com Sent: Monday, December 19, 2011 6:32:36 AM Subject: Fw: [TIDE] Defend Secwepemc Sacred Headwaters [from Janice Billy]
FYI From: Corvin Russell Sent: Monday, December 19, 2011 12:59 AM To: turtle-island-defenders-of-the-ea...@googlegroups.com Subject: [TIDE] Defend Secwepemc Sacred Headwaters [from Janice Billy] [Sign the petition here: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/protect-our-sacred-headwaters/ ] The Secwepemc Walk for Protection of Our Sacred Headwaters was a great success this past Sunday December 11, 2011. Grandparents, mothers, children, elders, fishermen and hunters participated in the walk. The walk began at the Adams Lake Reserve with an opening prayer by Secwepmemc elder Sarah Deneault. A sacred fire was lit where prayers were offered to protect the watershed and salmon habitat and all our foods from destruction. The walk proceeded through Adams Lake Reserve to distribute information about the exploratory drilling and proposed Ruddock Creek lead-zinc mine and to gather signatures for the petition. The petition was presented during the walk and 152 signatures were collected. We will continue gathering signatures and informing our people and others of the destruction of our lands. “This proposed mine threatens our sacred watershed,” addressed Secwepemc mother. Imperial Metals is proposing the “Ruddock Creek Project” the development of a zinc-lead mine at the Sacred Headwaters of the Adams River Watershed. The proposed mine is located in the glaciers, at 1500-2300 meters (4921 - 7546 feet) near Tumtum Lake at the headwaters of Ruddock Creek and Oliver Creek in the Monashee Mountain Range, 155 km northeast of Kamloops, BC, 77 km east of Clearwater and 45 km southeast of Blue River. This proposed project is located in unceded, un-surrendered Secwepemc Territory and home to the world’s largest Sockeye Salmon Run. Ruddock Creek flows into Lake Revelstoke and Oliver Creek flows into upper Adams River and Adams Lake. Everyone downstream from the mine site, including the Thompson and Fraser Rivers and all the way to the Pacific Ocean will be devastated by the destruction of the Salmon and Water from this proposed mine. Secwepemc came together during this walk to address the issues that a mine of this sort will have on our water sources, people, salmon and animals who depend on them. As well, the pristine wilderness and ecologically sensitive area is within the Secwepemc spiritual sites, hunting, fishing, berry, and medicine harvesting areas. After participants gathered at the Neskonlith Hall to feast and plan further actions. Watch for further information and events. E mail comments to saveourtm...@hotmail.com
