Posted October 1, 2007

Algonquin No Uranium Protest
September 28, 2007
Report by Alma

This was one of the most moving protests I’ve been at.  It wasn’t very large but it was extremely well organized and effective ( even though the politicians may ignore the demand to SAY NO TO URANIUM).

Unfortunately only two Grannies, Alma and Rosalie, were able to go ( three if we count our  silent virtual Grannie who gets carried around).  However, we were welcomed and appreciated by those who’ve seen us at other protests, and by others seeing Grannies for the first time. We marched from Victoria Island to the Hill where several speakers, mostly Aboriginal, spoke movingly about the  need to protect our water and our natural environment in general. The leader of the Green Party of New Zealand spoke about many achievements they have had in reducing the use of nuclear power.

What I found particularly inspiring was that several speakers emphasized that although this protest was organized by the Algonquin Nation – we are after on their land -  it was not a clash between  the Aboriginals and the white settlers, but an issue that affects all of us,  where  we can only protect our precious water for ourselves and generations to come if we organize and work together.  Except for one angry interruption of a politician’s talk, there was no anger or hostility or personal attack.

Aboriginal drumming, and a beautiful song by a group of Aboriginal women –  in which all women were invited to join -  added to a festive but solemn air.  For more information, see Yaya Canada report.