Aamjiwnaang community members plan rally and sacred fire against Bill C-39

Organizers connect their call to withdraw the federal bill with concerns about industrial pollution, Indigenous rights and decision-making in Aamjiwnaang.

Aamjiwnaang First Nation community members and supporters are planning a rally and sacred fire Wednesday, Oct. 28, calling for the withdrawal of federal Bill C-39 and stronger protections for Indigenous rights.

The rally is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Chipadome Stage, 978 Tashmoo Ave., according to a poster supplied by organizer Vanessa Gray. The poster lists a noon start for the sacred fire, along with a pipe ceremony and speakers to be announced.

In a release provided to the Journal, organizers connect opposition to the bill with the industrial pollution surrounding Aamjiwnaang and the community’s right to make decisions about its health, land and cultural practices.

The release calls on the Ontario and federal governments to work with Aamjiwnaang to address industrial harms and respect free, prior and informed consent in decisions affecting Indigenous rights.

“The Creator gave us the rights to exist upon Turtle Island. Only the Creator can take that away,” Mike Plain, of Aamjiwnaang First Nation, said in the release.

Plain also criticized governments’ use of legislation, referring to bills C-5, C-37 and C-39.

The gathering is being organized in solidarity with other communities opposing Bill C-39, according to the release.

Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, is before a House of Commons committee after passing second reading Oct. 8. It has not become law.

The federal government says the proposed legislation would streamline project approvals, including establishing a one-year timeline for federal decisions once the necessary information has been received and enabling regions of national interest.

In its backgrounder on the bill, Ottawa says the changes would maintain environmental protections and would not change the Crown’s duty to consult Indigenous Peoples or obligations under modern treaties.

The Aamjiwnaang organizers’ release argues that lasting solutions to pollution require governments to work with the community and respect its authority over decisions affecting its people and lands.

The rally details are based on the organizers’ announcement and poster.