Oil Spill in Lubicon Territory: When Pipelines Explode
A discussion on the implications for Little Buffalo and how Toronto can offer support.
With special guest Melina Laboucon-Massimo from the community of Little Buffalo, Lubicon Cree Territory, Alberta.
On April 29, 2011, the Plains All American pipeline burst and caused nearly 4.5 million liters of tar sands crude and diluent to spill uncontrollably out onto Lubicon traditional territory. The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) in Alberta failed to give adequate notice to the community of the spill or information on clean up efforts. In fact, during the first five days of the crisis, the ERCB sent the community just one fax report and failed to attend a community meeting, though were explicitly invited. Most of the community and Peace River region was unaware of the spill for days outside of rumours. However, children experienced nausea, burning eyes and headaches, forcing the school at Little Buffalo to be closed until May 10. Corporate negligence, coupled with government inaction, compounded by the racism of indifference has left the community reeling. They have been forced now to take matters into their own hands.
The spill has been exacerbated by wildfires burning uncontrolled in Alberta. The community of Little Buffalo, and now the oil spill site, is located near these dangerous, uncontrolled fires. On May 15th, the company suspended clean up efforts because of the fires. Come learn from a discussion on the implications for Little Buffalo and find out how Toronto can support.
Please join us May 23
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., event starts 7 p.m. sharp.
Toronto Free Galery
1277 Bloor St W (Bloor and Landsdowne)
Building is accessible.
Join Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131781800232091
For more information, please email Environmental Justice Toronto at [email protected] or the Indigenous Sovereignty and Solidarity Network at [email protected]
Event Supported by: Environmental Justice Toronto, Indigenous Sovereignty and Solidarity Network, UTERN and FES York University. Support rabble today!
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