URGENT
URGENT URGENT
A CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT GRANDFATHER WILLIAM
COMMANDA'S VISION FOR THE SACRED SITE AT ASINABKA/VICTORIA ISLAND, OTTAWA,
CANADA
NOVEMBER 27, 2006
Many of us from across
the globe have been involved in the development of Grandfather (Elder, Doctor) William Commanda's vision for
Asinabka/Victoria Island over the years.
It is a vision for the
healing of indigenous peoples, the healing of relationships with all others,
and the healing of our collective relationship with Mother Earth.
It holds a dream for a
future where 1) the sacred Chaudičre Rapids can run freely again and can
symbolize reconciliation with Water; 2) where the concrete clad Chaudičre
Island can become a city park in the heart of the country, with both forested
wild space and a historic interpretive centre; 3) where the First Peoples of
this land can regain their strength and heritage in a centre dedicated to their
development; 4) where they can then share their values and culture with all
others in the spirit of peace-building in an international conference centre;
and 5) where feet can once again pound their prayers and reverence on the
sacred island of fire, and the communal spirit of pow wows of old ignite and
inspire.
The human,
environmental, cultural and economic fruits of this vision benefit Mother
Earth, humanity, Aboriginal Peoples and the citizens of the National Capital
Region.
IN LIGHT OF PLANNED
EXPANDED DEVELOPMENT OF THE SACRED CHAUDIČRE SITE, WE WISH TO RAISE AWARENESS
AND CONSOLIDATE SUPPORT FOR GRANDFATHER'S VISION.
Attached please find
Grandfather Commanda's correspondence to the Ontario Ministry of the
Environment on this file.
You are likely aware of
his passionate concern for Mother Earth.
This is the foundation of his spirituality. We hope you will join the efforts of this
extraordinary 93 year old indigenous elder and venerable statesman emeritus,
and help develop a new blueprint for the capital city, one which will honour
and celebrate it most spectacular natural treasure.
Send your message of
support for Grandfather's vision and his request for an Individual
Environmental Assessment of Domtar Inc.'s Project to the individuals primarily
involved in this file: Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Premier McGuinty at
dmcguinty.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org,and Lieutenant Governor James Bartleman.
Their email addresses are: james.omara@ontario.ca, dmcguinty.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org, and ltgov@gov.on.ca
And copy Dr. Commanda at
romolatrebilcock@sympatico.ca for our records.
Please distribute this
message widely and encourage the participation of others. We hope you will understand the urgency of
this matter and the need for your involvement and action as soon as
possible. Grandfather believes this
vision is the legacy we must leave all our children.
Thank you for your
interest and support!
www.circleofallnations.com
Attachment # 1
231 Pitobig Mikan
Maniwaki,
Quebec, J9E 3B1
819-449-2668
15 November, 2006
Mr.
Craig Wood, B.Sc
Project
Manager, Environment
GENIVAR
89
Don Quichotte Boulevard, Suite 9
Ile-Perrot,
Quebec J7V 6X2
Dear
Mr. Wood:
Re: Domtar Inc.’s Project to
Redevelop the Hydroelectric Potential of the Existing Chaudičre Island
Site in Ottawa
I
have recently learned about Domtar Inc.’s Project to Redevelop the
Hydroelectric Potential of the Existing Chaudičre Island Site in Ottawa, and I
am writing to express my grave concerns.
I
am a 93 year old Algonquin of the Ottawa River Valley and I consider this area
unsurrendered Algonquin Territory.
For
many years I have been working with Algonquin, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
peoples to develop an inclusive vision for what has been acknowledged as the
sacred spiritual meeting grounds of my ancestors since 1613.
The
following are the core elements of this vision, shared over the past several
years with the National Capital Commission, the City of Ottawa, federal
government ministers and provincial ministers, and available to the general
public on the Healing Page of my website (www.circleofallnations.com):
This is a vision for Asinabka, the Place of Glare Rock.
It is a vision for the healing of the indigenous peoples, the healing
for the relationship with all others and the healing of our relationship with
Mother Earth. It is a vision for a place
where all the world can find its home.
We believe it is a vision that incorporates a hope
for Mother Earth and her children from all over the world in one tiny spot on
the globe. It foresees a future where
the sacred Chaudičre Rapids can run freely again and can symbolize
reconciliation with the waters; where the concrete clad Chaudičre Island can
become a forested wild space in the heart of the country and can serve as a
messenger to the rest of the world that we can look for ways to offset urban
concrete and unbalanced heating of the earth, as well as a historic
interpretive centre; where the indigenous peoples can regain their strength and
heritage in an indigenous centre on Victoria Island dedicated to their
development; where they can then share their world, their culture, their food
and dance with all others in the spirit of peace-building in an international
conference centre; and where feet can once again pound their prayers and reverence
on the sacred island of fire and the spirit of the pow wows of old ignite and
inspire.
The
human, environmental, cultural and economic fruits of this vision benefit
Mother Earth, humanity and the citizens of this area, and I welcome the opportunity
to discuss this with you.
I
request an urgent meeting with you before the end of the prescribed review
period of November 20, 2006.
I
suggest also that Domtar Inc. voluntarily extends the review period beyond the
November 20, 2006 deadline, to preclude the need to request that the Ontario
Ministry of the Environment elevates the Project to either an Environmental
Review or Individual Environmental Assessment.
Thank
you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Algonquin
Elder (Dr) William Commanda
Circle
of All Nations
506
Stratas Court
Kanata,
Ontario
K2L
3K7
613-599-8385
cc Eric Advokaat, Senior Program Officer,
Canadian Environmental Assessment
Agency –
eric.advokaat@ceaa-acee.gc.ca
Francois Jette, eng., Director, Energy
and Chemical Recovery, Domtar Inc. –
francois.jette@domtar.com
Attachment #2
William
Commanda
231
Pitobig Mikan
Maniwaki,
Quebec,
J9E 3B1
819-449-2668
20
November, 2006
Mr. James O’Mara
Director of
Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch
Ministry of the
Environment, Ontario
2 St. Clair Avenue
West, Floor 12 A
Toronto, Ontario
M4V 1L5
Dear
Mr. O’Mara:
Re: Domtar Inc.’s Project to
Redevelop the Hydroelectric Potential of the Existing Chaudičre Island
Site in Ottawa
I
have had an opportunity to undertake a cursory review of:
1.
The
Environmental Screening Report for Domtar Inc.’s Project to Redevelop the
Hydroelectric Potential of the Existing Chaudičre Island Site in Ottawa as
prepared by Genivar and
2.
The Ontario
Ministry of The Environment’s Guide to Environmental Assessment Requirements
for Electricity Projects.
As
stated in my correspondence of November 15, 2006 (attached) on the above
captioned topic, I have only recently become aware of this proposal. In its response to me of November 17, 2006,
Domtar Inc. informs that it is not prepared to extend the public
consultation/review period beyond the November 20 deadline as I had
suggested.
Since
I do not believe Algonquin Peoples both
on and off reserve, Aboriginal Peoples, and others have been adequately
afforded an opportunity to be briefed about and to respond to this
“self-assessed” project proposal in such a prime location within the capital
city, and especially one that lies within the heart of the unsurrendered land
of the Algonquins of the Ottawa River Valley, since it appears unaware of other
proposals and visions for this historically significant sacred site, I am writing to request that the project be
elevated to an Individual Environmental Assessment.
Certainly
I, who am generally acknowledged as senior elder of what is acknowledged in
Ottawa as being unsurrendered Algonquin Territory by federal deparments and
others, and who has been in direct communication with the government
departments that Domtar has consulted with in preparing its Report (National
Capital Commission, Public Works and Government Services Canada, and Department
of Indian Affairs and Northern Development - who have been apprised over the
course of several years of my vision for development the area), certainly I have not been contacted regarding this
Proposal.
On
the following pages you will find the key items in the Guide to EA Requirements
for Electricity Projects and in the Genivar Report upon which I base my
concerns.
I have not had an opportunity to review the
technical assessment and the sections pertaining to fish, wildlife and plant
material with any great depth, but having experienced the devastation to plant
and animal life since the unchecked, unbalanced and unprecedented growth in
industrialization and technological development over the course of my life
time, and in particular over the past sixty years, and the escalation of the
scale of irrecoverable damage with accompanying impact on health and
environment over the past decade, I have grave concerns here too, and I believe
these areas demand extensive examination.
Finally,
the significance of the archaeological legacy of the area is not adequately
examined. Amongst the earliest places
inhabited in the continent, if not the earliest, I believe every fragment of
information about our indigenous and human history in this central area is of
crucial importance.
In
light of these concerns, I request that the
project be elevated to an Individual Environmental Assessment.
Thank
you for your attention to this serious matter.
Sincerely,
Elder
(Dr) William Commanda
Traditional
Algonquin Elder, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg
Honorary
Chair, Ottawa River Designation Committee
Honorary
Elder, 2004 Boreal Forest Rendezvous
2004
Recipient of the Bill Mason Conservation Award
506
Stratas Court
Kanata,
Ontario
K2L
3K7
613-599-8385
(I
identify credentials which confirm my deep involvement in issues related to
this proposal; for more information about my work, please view my website.)
cc
Mr.
Craig Wood, B.Sc
Project
Manager, Environment
GENIVAR
89
Don Quichotte Boulevard, Suite 9
Ile-Perrot,
Quebec J7V 6X2
Please
note that I shall be submitting this correspondence to other parties as well.
Attachment #3
BACKGROUNDER:
SECTION A.
Key Items in the Guide to EA Requirements and the
Genivar Report
The following are the
primary concepts that constitute the substance of my petition, ensuing from the
Guide to EA Requirements for Electricity Projects, and from portions of the
Genivar Report. I reiterate them here,
to provide a focus for the points I wish to raise in this request for
elevation.
- A primary
requirement of the Environmental Screening Process (A.6.2.1) is Public
Consultation, including to notify potentially interested and affected
stakeholders. Further, the Guide notes that “Failure to carry out adequate
public consultation to address public issues of concerns may result in
requests to elevate the project”; and that “the proponent is required to
maintain a record and mailing list of all participants in the consultation
process, a record of public concerns and issues, and a record of how any
concerns and issues have been addressed.”
- Further, “
proponents should give particular consideration to the concerns of First
Nations and other Aboriginal communities located in the vicinity of, or
having a potential interest in, the project. First Nations and other Aboriginal
communities are to be identified, notified and involved in an appropriate
manner”. (A.6.2.3)
- Section A.6.2.4
notes that the proponent is required to notify affected government
agencies and other potentially interested parties, even if thy have not previously
expressed an interest.
- Section B.2.2
states that “Negative environmental effects may include, but are not
limited to, the harmful alteration, disruption, destruction, of loss of
natural features, flora or fauna and their habitat, ecological functions,
natural resources, air of water quality, and cultural or heritage
resources. Negative environmental
effects may also include the displacement, impairment, conflict of
interference with existing land uses, approved land use plans, businesses
or economic enterprises, recreational uses or activities, cultural
pursuits, social conditions or economic structure”.
- Genivar’s Report
notes that Public Works and Government Services Canada is the owner of lands on Chaudičre Island
that are leased to Domtar Inc. in perpetuity. (1.5) It also notes that, as per the
National Capital Act, Federal Land Use Approval is required from the
National Capital Commission when any person proposes to erect, alter,
extend or demolish a building or other work on public lands in the
National Capital Region. (1.6)
- Genivar’s Report
notes that there is no heritage designation for the Chaudičre Island site,
though these buildings are among the oldest in the area (2.12).
It also states that “the fact that there are no sites registered on
the Chaudičre Island in no way precludes the presence of any
archaeological resources being there” (2.12). Further, “several archaeological sites
dating from the late 18th to the early 19th
centuries and from the Amerindian pre-historic period have been identified
in the vicinity of the proposed project on both the Quebec and Ontario
sides of the Ottawa River (2.13).
- First Nations
(2.14): The Report acknowledges the need to consult with First Nations and
other Aboriginal peoples.
- Archaeology and Heritage
(4.11): In this self evaluation
report, Domtar diminishes the significance of the archaeological legacy of
the area. Amongst the earliest
places inhabited in the continent, if not the earliest, every fragment of
information about our indigenous and human history in this central area is
of crucial importance.
SECTION B.
Rationale for Request for
Elevation to an Individual Environmental Assessment.
Flowing from the Guide to EA
Requirements for Electricity Projects, and Genivar’s Report, I offer the
following rationale for my request.
1.
The Ottawa
River Valley has been inhabited for over 10,000 years. As with the Hopewell culture of the Ohio, so
too here are found platform pipes, here dated back to 1450 B. P. The Pipe lies at the heart of our spiritual
practices.
2.
From Time Immemorial, Asinabka has been a
special spiritual meeting place, a special island of fire, for indigenous
peoples, The Mamiwinini, my nomad ancestors, gathered at particular places
across this continent that they knew so well.
The special meeting places were on the waterways that served as their
highways, and the islands that served as their half-way houses. The four elements marked these special places
– the thunder of the water, the rocks, the earth, and the wind marked these as
place of power, places of passion. The
Chaudičre Falls were especially significant – they took the shape of the bowl
of a pipe, in this place of glare rock, Asinabka,
and the rising vapours were a
reflection of the fire and smoke of prayers rising to the Great Mystery on the
wings of the wind. This was even more
blessed and expressive of the intimate union with Mother Earth and the Great
Mystery than waterfalls that flow vertically.
The Mamiwinini consecrated the
place with prayer and tobacco and pipe ceremony, and this was noted in one of
the earliest paintings of the area.
- With the arrival
of the earliest explorers, we have documented evidence that the Chaudičre
Rapids and the neighbouring islands served as a special site for sacred
pipe and tobacco ceremony. In
Champlain’s Journal Records of 1613, he noted the following:
- “On 4 June 1613, Champlain came across a wide deep basin where
“the water whirls around to such an extent, and in the middle sends up
such big swirls, that the Indians call it Asticou, which means
‘boiler’ (Biggar 268).[1]
He dubbed this feature the “Sault de la Chaudičre”, a name which still
applies to the famous rapids between the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau.
Champlain also described the traditional ceremony which he witnessed at
the falls on his return journey a week later, as performed by the
Algonquin canoe party which was accompanying him back to Quebec:
i.
Having carried their
canoes to the foot of the fall, they assemble in one place, where one of them
takes up a collection with a wooden plate into which each puts a piece of
tobacco. After the collection, the plate is set down in the middle of the group
and all dance about it, singing after their fashion. Then one of the chiefs
makes a speech, pointing out for years they have been accustomed to make such
an offering, and that thereby they receive protection from their enemies; that
otherwise misfortune would happen to them, as the devil persuades them [...]
When he has finished, the orator takes the plate and throws the tobacco into
the middle of the boiling water, and all together utter a loud whoop.
- The painting
depicting this observation consecrates the spiritual energy of the mighty
cauldron falls and rocks and the inhabitants visually. It also underlines the other historic
fact about this special place: it was a very significant meeting place on
Turtle Island, the continent of North America – a place of council fire:
if one looks at the three figures depicted in the painting under a
magnifying glass, one notes that each of the costumes identifies a
different tribe. It underlines the
underlying premise of indigenous spirituality – that “We are all connected”. Archaeological
information establishes this area as the centre of ancient convergence:
for trade, spiritual and cultural exchange.
- With the arrival
of Philomen Wright in 1800, the sacred heartland of my ancestors of the
Ottawa River Watershed, was quickly desecrated and transformed as it
became used as a place of “assembly, a market, an inn, a forge, a manufacturer,
a distillery, a furnace and an mine”.
It became a collecting spot for the lumber industry, the
elimination of the pine trees, and the physical landscape was transformed
by lumber slides, dams, and land displacement. A site of industrial and technological
development, the advances have not been without tremendous cost – it is
only now we begin to realize how fertilizers destroy our watersheds, how
carbide conceived on Victoria Island has left its destructive mark across
the globe in Bopal.
Mother Nature reacted to the transformations immediately; after the first damming of the Chaudičre came the devastating cholera epidemic; with the endless tree cutting, came many, many destructive fires, one destroying the Parliament Buildings.
- Things are no
different today: this very year, communities along the Ottawa River have
had to face several environmental and health dangers at the waters’ edge.
- This area, which
my ancestors called Asinabka –
Place of Glare Rock – has evolved from its ancient roots as a place of
council fire to be the capital city of a multicultural country where the
world seeks to make its home. We
are just beginning to realize what a challenge now faces us all. We see this in global environmental
crisis, and in strife, warfare, racism, health crisis and troubling youth
issues. Many realize the future
looks very bleak for our children.
8.
I am now 93
years old. This is the land of my
ancestors, and I believe I know it in a way that the newer people who see it as
a commodity never can. The blood and
bones of my ancestors are in this earth; that is why indigenous peoples believe
that we do not own the land; rather, the land owns us. The land speaks to us in a language others do
not hear.
9.
The sacred
site, Asinabka, has drawn Aboriginal
peoples back over the past four decades, and we have begun again to honour the
place with tobacco and pipe and sweat lodge ceremony; we have reclaimed our
right to bring ceremony and gatherings back to this land. Many indivduals and groups, both Algonquin
and Non Algonquin, have held meetings and sacred ceremonies on the island,
retrenching the indigenous spirit in its soil. For the past decade, I have
hosted countless sacred ceremonies at this place. The site has also become a place for sharing
elements of Aboriginal cultural heritage and tradition with national an
international guests. Now, other groups
who wish to use the area (canoe clubs, etc.) are directed by the National
Capital Commission to seek permission from me or other Aboriginal stakeholders.
10.
I have also
developed a vision for a healing and peace building centre at Victoria Island:
- The following are
the core elements of this vision, shared over the past several years with
the National Capital Commission, the City of Ottawa, federal government
ministers and provincial ministers, and available to the general public on
the Healing Page of my website (www.circleofallnations.com):
- This is a vision
for Asinabka, the Place of
Glare Rock. It is a vision for the
healing of the indigenous peoples, the healing for the relationship with
all others and the healing of our relationship with Mother Earth. It is a vision for a place where all
the world can find its home.
- We believe it is
a vision that incorporates a hope for Mother Earth and her children from
all over the world in one tiny spot on the globe. It foresees a future where the sacred
Chaudičre Rapids can run freely again and can symbolize reconciliation
with the waters; where the concrete clad Chaudičre Island can become a
forested wild space in the heart of the country and can serve as a
messenger to the rest of the world that we can look for ways to offset
urban concrete and unbalanced heating of the earth, as well as a historic
interpretive centre; where the indigenous peoples can regain their
strength and heritage in an indigenous centre on Victoria Island
dedicated to their development; where they can then share their world,
their culture, their food and dance with all others in the spirit of
peace-building in an international conference centre; and where feet can
once again pound their prayers and reverence on the sacred island of fire
and the spirit of the pow wows of old ignite and inspire.
12.
I have shared
this vision with the former Governor General, and Prime Ministers, Heritage
Canada, National Capital Commission, Public Works and Government Services
Canada, Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Cities of Ottawa
and Gatineau, amongst others.
13.
I am
disappointed that the National Capital Commission, Public Works and Government
Services Canada and the Department of Indian and Northern Development in
particular have not apprised you of this interest in the Sacred Site.
14.
Thousands of
people, nationally and internationally, have expressed support for this vision.
15.
Many people
are seeking a new blueprint for the future, one that includes the ideas I
posit.
16.
With specific
reference to the sacred Chaudičre Falls, in 1972, Clyde Kennedy, a historian
with an incredible knowledge and love for the Ottawa River Valley, and Robert
Legget, who reverence of the Ottawa Waterway: Gateway to a Continent is
expressed in his book of the same words, amongst others, voiced the dream of
restoring the Chaudičre Rapids to its former glory.
17.
Likewise, Ms
Jean Pigot, former Chairperson of the National Capital Commission, also
envisioned the potential power of an undammed Chaudičre within this capital
city.
18.
Much more
recently, in an article in the Ottawa Citizen dated November 8, 2006, Urban
Planner Professor David Gordon, at a World Town Planning Day Symposium says “I think it would be cool to take the
dam off the Chaudičre and bring the falls back.”
19.
I think there
are many others who would like to explore this option.
20.
I also wear
another hat. Over recent years, I have
worked to support efforts to designate the Ottawa River a Heritage River. I now
serve as Honorary Chair. Because the
river has been so ravaged over the past two hundred years, it cannot achieve
this status on the basis of pristine quality; It is assessed on its cultural
and recreational relevance. Recently we learned that while Ontario is
proceeding with the heritage nomination effort, Quebec has withdrawn from the
process. This is the heritage river of
my ancestors, and it is inconceivable to me how this can be done, when the
world is beginning to realize how desperately we need to protect this precious
life sustaining element, water. I and others have written in protest. Now, its cultural history, both prehistoric
and historic, is being minimized. We are
barely beginning to understand the implications of the industrial and
technological transformations to the environment over the past centuries, and
even this summer, we see the impacts on the newly reclaimed Petrie Island east
of the Chaudičre. It is wrong that such a significant invasive action as is
proposed by Domtar Inc. be initiated at this time when a Management Plan is to
be developed to overlook such development as part of the Heritage Rivers
Program.
21.
This approach
to disjointed environmental management and stewardship is also reflected in
Table 1 (1.11) under Environmental Assessment in the Genivar Report, when we
are told “The Province of Ontario requires an Environmental Screening
Assessment and project approval is dependent on this review. Quebec has no jurisdiction on a project in
Ontario.” Yet Domtar Inc. proposes to
harness what it calls “its” share of Ontario Ottawa River water to create hydro
electric power to be transmitted to Quebec.
There is no analysis of the financial viability, transactions involved
and gains anticipated.
22.
The Genivar
Report identifies Domtar Inc. as the second largest producer of uncoated
freesheet paper in North America and the third largest in the world. For countless years I have bemoaned the
ceaseless logging and clear cutting through out my ancestral territory across
North America, and the devastation of the Boreal Forest (I served as Honorary
Elder for the Boreal Rendezvous, a national effort to raise awareness on this
environmental crisis; while
environmentalists would recommend 50 percent of the forests be protected, in
Quebec, only 2 percent is afforded any protection.) Over recent years, we have seen the resultant
devastation of massive tree cutting in floods, fires, soil erosion, air
pollution across the continent; and these ramifications of nature cross
provincial and national boundaries.
23.
Dams dot the
areas of tree cutting throughout Quebec.
My wife’s family was displaced from their home when the Baskatong
Reservoir was built, and our lives have been impacted by this “advance” in
civilization ever since. I recently observed a massive new dam at Pointe
Fortune. What other plans for expanding
or developing dams exist? Should these
not be examined in unison and the cumulative impact examined? For the past decade, we have not been able to
drink the water in my community in Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg. Now the entire country is becoming dependent
on bottled water. This precious natural
element, essential for all life, has been commodified beyond comprehension.
24.
We need to
take a step back and examine our impacts on the natural world more
comprehensively. Surely in this age of
global environmental crisis and battle for resources this is apparent to all?
25.
We need to
move toward a new definition of economics.
As my friend Anne Pennington has suggested, developing Pierre Trudeau’s
thoughts on economics further, we need to think of Net Planetary Human Benefit.
26.
Ideas such as
I have expressed warrant much greater exploration and sharing. It is of crucial importance for us to explore
new relationships with Mother Earth and each other, and I and many others
believe we must start at this sacred site of my ancestors.
27.
We also
believe our future and the future of our children depends on this.
28.
Again, I
reiterate that I and others have a different vision for the National Capital
city, and the ancient sacred site of my ancestors: a vision that embraces reconnection with
nature and respect for the laws of nature at a microscopic symbolic level with
potential to impact the world, and a vision for peace building for a Circle of
All Nations.
Consequently,
I request that the project be elevated
to an Individual Environmental Assessment.
Elder
(Dr) William Commanda
Founder:
Circle of All Nations
Algonquin
Elder, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg
Honorary
Chair, Ottawa River Designation Committee
Honorary
Elder, 2004 Boreal Forest Rendezvous
2004
Recipient of the Bill Mason Conservation Award
506
Stratas Court
Kanata,
Ontario
K2L
3K7
613-599-8385