Grand Chief Constant Awashish has taken note of the concerns expressed by the Commission of Inquiry which, in his report released Friday, estimate that enhancements are required before the project can be approved
.
That came to reassure us a little about the fact that we had not been heard as we had planned to be during the BAPE hearings.
, he said in an interview with Radio-Canada Friday evening.
His nation, which considers that the deposit is on its ancestral lands, is still waiting to be consulted on the subject.
She was scheduled to be heard by the commission in February, but the scheduled hearings were suspended due to the health problems of one of the participants. Then the pandemic struck. A videoconference hearing was held on March 3, but the Atikamekw did not participate.
An additional consultation
In its report, the BAPE suggests organizing additional consultations with representatives of the Atikamekw community of Manawan, located approximately 72 kilometers northwest of Saint-Michel-des-Saints.
The Ministry of the Environment has already made a commitment to this end, and the holding of two preparatory meetings gives hope to Mr. Awashish the advent ofa proper consultation exercise, which will respect all government obligations
.
On the merits, the Atikamekw do not oppose the mining project, which aims to produce 100,000 tonnes of graphite per year for a little over 25 years. Constant Awashish even sees it as an opportunity to improve the quality of life of the members of his nation.
We are still in a very precarious socio-economic situation; we have an incredible unemployment rate; we have a demographic boom that goes well beyond the general demography of Canadians
, he emphasizes. We cannot always be in this situation!
We are trying to find ways that will allow us to create a future for our children; create a future for our institutions; and find ways to have income that are self-sufficient.
That said, it has to be done according to the rules of the art
and with the best respect for the environment
, says Awashish. We will not jeopardize what remains of our territories to endanger future generations.
In addition to the additional consultations that should be held by the Minister of the Environment, the Atikamekw are therefore trying to reach an agreement with the promoter Nouveau Monde Graphite which would allow members of the community to benefit from the project.
Negotiations, however, have stalled for the moment. The mining company is not behaving adequately for us
, said Mr. Awashsih, without committing himself further.
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