I was reading a book recently and a passage caught my eye. The story was about two countries that were going to go to war over a piece of land.
One of the councillors asks the head honcho why people were going to this area. He said it was “because they are showing a brisk pioneering spirit and seeking wealth and additional wealth in a new land.”
Then he was asked about the other country’s people and he replied, “they are a bunch of unprincipled opportunists always ready to grab something for nothing.”
It sort of opened my eyes to biases over the same action and I had a good laugh. At the same time I recognized my own biases.
The major bias I have is that I believe that the Cree territory’s land shouldn’t be given over to development that will drown it or change it beyond recognition.
In terms of the forestry operations I think something could probably be worked out but clearcutting is not anything I can ever support.
Of course, large-scale hydro-development that drowns large areas of land and diverts rivers is something that I consider the work of the anti-Christ.
I don’t think I’m writing anything here that isn’t already apparent in my editorials. But what about the other side of the coin?
I know somewhere out there are other Cree opinions concerning development and I would welcome them to have a sort of debate within The Nation’s pages.
From the survey started last issue, one of the responses that came back said “yes” to the partnership with Hydro-Quebec and “yes” to both diversion schemes.
So I know you’re out there in the Cree territory and you are pro-development.
I offer you space in our pages to explain why you think It’s a good idea to consider going into partnership with Hydro-Quebec.
You may request that your name not be attached to the editorial, but we’ll need to know who you are.
You may contact me at The Nation by phoning (514) 272-3077 to discuss this further.
After all, fair is fair and we should strive to give space to all opinions.
At The Nation, we may not necessarily agree with them but we’ll print them.
I don’t think I’ll ever change my mind on the issues of allowing Hydro-Quebec and the Quebec government to come into the Cree territory as partners to develop hydro-electric projects and “enhance” nature as we know it, but at least one person does.
The survey deadline is July 31.
Cree Nation Survey
1. Should Crees be partners with Hydro-Quebec?
Yes_____
No_____
Need more information_____
2. Do you want Hydro-Quebec’s Rupert River Diversion?
Yes_____
No_____
Need more information_____
3. Do you want the Hydro-Quebec’s Great Whale River Diversion?
Yes_____
No_____
Need more information_____
4. Should we have a Special General Assembly to address this issue?
Yes_____
No_____
Need more information_____
Fax answers to: (514) 278-9914, email to: will@beesumcommunications.com or mail it (see page 4 for address).
