A group of Inuit hunters faced nearly a week of low temperatures to block a remote iron ore mine in northern Canada, in protest against an expansion plan they say will damage local wildlife.
The blockade, which generated expressions of solidarity in other communities in Nunavut, also exposed growing tensions between large Inuit organizations with the power to approve development licenses – and residents of small communities where the impact of such projects is felt.
Since February 5, seven hunters have created an improvised snowmobile and sledge barrier to block the airstrip and service road at the Mary River ore mine, disrupting operations. Temperatures in the past few days have dropped to -30sC.
At issue are the controversial plans drawn up by the mine operator, Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation, to double production. To bring 12 million tons of iron ore to the market, the mine said it needs to build a railroad to a port near the Pond Inlet community.
But hunters resisted fears that the expansion could threaten caribou and narwhal populations – two main sources of food – if approved.
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“Baffinland is making money and we receive very little money and we know that money will not bring wildlife back,” said Tom Naqitarvik in an Inuktitut video posted on Facebook, CBC News reported.
As the stalemate enters its fifth day, 700 workers are trapped at the Mary River site and, according to the company, the airstrip block prevents food delivery.
“Baffinland staff had several meetings with the organizers, both at the blocks and at Pond Inlet, pleading with protesters to leave the airstrip and allow the runway to be maintained and flights to resume,” the company said in a statement. “So far, these discussions have not produced any progress.”
Baffinland says the mine’s expansion is critical for its operations in the region to remain profitable. She tried to ease concerns about the project, saying she is confident that wildlife will not be affected by increased ore shipments. The company also announced more than $ 2 billion in royalties paid to the Inuit over the mine’s 30-year life.
Under the framework of the 1993 Nunavut Agreement, which established a number of important Inuit rights on its land, Baffinland is required to negotiate a benefit agreement with the Inuit groups representing the territory’s residents.
But the protest also drew attention to the longstanding tensions between remote Inuit communities and these organizations, which some residents say have lost touch with the challenges of living in remote communities.
After years of feeling neglected and ignored by decision makers in the territorial capital of Iqaluit, northern communities are looking to form their own legally recognized association, said Jerry Natanine, mayor of Clyde River. This new group would have the power to negotiate royalty payments and have more say in projects that could affect their communities, he said.
“The decision comes from years of disappointment from Inuit organizations that don’t take care of our name,” he said. “We have been dreaming of the possibility of creating something that can help us to benefit from the development that is taking place and directing our own government.”
Many of the groups that oppose the project are not opposed to all mining in the region. “My brother and my cousins work at the mine. I don’t want them to lose their jobs, ”said Natanine. “But the mine does not take our ideas into account. We told them to change the location of the railway and we would accept it. We said to them, ‘Choose this path instead. But they just kicked us out. “
Despite the demands of those blocking a new royalty structure, Baffinland said he has no legal authority to negotiate with community groups.
Clyde River residents plan to bring supplies to the Mary River protesters in the coming days, a journey that could take three days on a snowmobile and requires travelers to traverse mountain valleys and dangerous stretches of ice.
“In the end, the expansion project was imposed on us. Even so, we have clearly and repeatedly told the mine that its plans were unacceptable. And they didn’t listen to any of our suggestions, ”said Natinine. “So now we are fighting for our culture and lifestyle.”