by Tim Fontaine / APTN
First Nations in Quebec have set up a blockade to stop what they call illegal clear-cutting near their homes.
A group called the Anishinabe of the Ottawa River Watershed set up the blockade last Tuesday about 300 km northwest of Montreal and say they’ve turned away loggers and trucks.
At least two industrial logging companies, Lousiana Pacific and Resolute Forest Products, have been operating in an area called the “Faunique La Verendrye.”
In a press release, the group says clear-cutting is taking place right near their homes and in an area the Anishinabe have lived for millennia.
“The area they’re protecting is a burial ground. It’s also their traditional hunting grounds,” says Naomi Lasry, one of the group’s supporters.
Those at the blockade say Surete du Quebec has been monitoring the situation but no arrests have been made.
Video purportedly from the blockade was live streaming and updates showing the scene are being posted to YouTube.
People at the blockade appear to be digging in for a prolonged fight.
Lasry says more supporters are leaving Montreal next week by bus.
“We’re making a stand.” she says.
This isn’t the first time people in the area have fought logging in the area. in 2007, several were arrested after a blockade went in the same area and those charged are still in the courts.
“Seven years later and they’re fighting this,” Lasry said.