Cold Lake First Nations Protest

Cold Lake First Nations Protest

Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at 14:42

 

 

A protest is underway today at a campground on the west side of Cold Lake.

 

Around 30 members of the Cold Lake First Nations have set up their own campsite in defiance of a planned expansion to the park.

 

Cecil Janvier is the chief of the Heart Lake First Nation, one of the bands taking part in the demonstration.

 

He says the main objection is about access to the site.

 

He says for thousands of years First Nations have used the park for traditional activities.

 

Since that time, his people have always been able to access the site throughout the year.

 

However with the planned expansion, this will all change due to a variety of new rules and procedures.

 

The chief says he wishes the government would be more understanding about the issue.

 

He adds the bands don’t object to the expansion itself.

 

Rather, they just want to access the land they always have.