|
|
|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LUMBER GIANT DOMTAR INC. LOCKS ITS DOOR TO PREVENT ABORIGINAL WOMAN FROM ENTERING ITS OFFICES A Group Of Concerned Aboriginals Is Left Wondering How Committed Domtar Inc. Is To Its Policies Of Social Responsibility Val D’Or, Quebec, December 3, 2004; A coalition of Algonquin communities near Val d’Or Quebec have been embroiled in a dispute with Domtar and its largest shareholder, The government of Quebec, over fears that their aboriginal way of life is being steamrolled in the name of corporate profits. On November 24, 2004, it all came to a head as Domtar Inc. refused a diplomatic solution and authorized its Logging Trucks to “force” the issue with the Algonquin’s. The group of Native woman which were brutally attacked by the Quebec Riot Police while they peacefully sat on a Logging Road (some 60 kilometers in the forest), visited the Domtar mill in Val d’Or Quebec on December 2, 2004. They came bearing peaceful ceremonies and singing song’s. One woman hoping to have a constructive word with Domtar, made her way to the offices but found the door locked and no one to see. “I wanted to just ask the Manager why he decided to force the confrontation which resulted in my back being bruised and my going to jail.” Stated Marlene Jerome. Jerome explained further that the woman just wanted someone to explain to them why they choose this path as opposed to the path of helping the government of Quebec simply accept the recommendations of their own hand picked mediator. The delegation of some fifty people sang song’s as they walked continuously in a circle in front of Domtar. Frustrated that Domtar claims its policies of being open and transparent are important to them, the Algonquin’s vow to push on. They plan on expanding the demonstrations to other Domtar facilities, and are beginning to explore the possibilities of addressing Domtar’s largest customers, the American People, directly in the near future. Chief Steeve Mathias addressed the crowd by saying, “we are people of honour and dignity and deserve to have someone from Domtar give them the common courtesy of explaining to them why they feel that violence against Aboriginals is acceptable when a diplomatic solution, developed by a mediator, exists on the table”.
- 30 - Source: Mr. Jean Cotten, Chief of Communications 819-949-2298/819-722-2441 819-722-2579 FAX www.forevergreen.ca/news.htm
For More Information Contact: |
|
Send mail to
admn@forevergreen.ca with
questions or comments about this web site.
|
