A water sample from the Attiwapiskat Cree Nation reserve in Ontario. As of October 1, 2009, there are 119 reserves in Canada under a drinking water advisory. This is one of many stories that are downplayed or otherwise ignored by the government. Hopefully APTN can help to change that.The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) is looking for ideas and suggestions on what stories they should cover for their recently-announced week on the environment, scheduled to air in March.
The Executive Producer of APTN’s new investigative unit, Paul Barnsley, made the request in an email last week, saying they want to produce one four-minute piece for APTN National News each day of the week (on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) and put together a one-hour special on Firday for their new public affairs talk show, APTN InFocus with Cheryl McKenzie. “For that show,” says Barnsley, “we intend to go after some very high profile guests and do a panel discussion on environment issues generally as well as some long form, pre-produced pieces by our investigative unit staff.”
With any luck, one of the guests will include the rather infamous “physician-turned-whistleblower” Dr. John O’Connor.
In any case, if you have any stories you’d like to see APTN covered, or guests that you want to see on the Friday show, you can get in touch with Paul Barnsley at pbarnsley@aptn.ca or send an email to infocus@aptn.ca or investigates@aptn.ca. You can also phone in your suggestions by calling APTN’s toll-free 24-hour phone line, 1-866-796-0269.
A Few Suggestions
If you can’t think of any stories, here’s a few of my own (which I choose specifically because they are downplayed by the government, and, to some extent,ignored by activists, public interest groups and the media.
1. Alarming levels of arsenic found in rivers near Goldcorp mine – A research team from the Pastoral Commission for Peace and Ecology (COPAE) confirmed earlier this year that the Marlin mine in San Miguel Ixtahuacan, Guatemala, owned by the Canadian company Goldcorp, is poisoning local water supplies. Scores of people from the community, even newborn babies, have suffered from skin rashes, hair loss and many other health problems ever since the mine opened. Goldcorp, one of many Canadian companies that the CPP Investment Board has bought in to, claims that the health problems are a result of “bad hygiene,” a “lack of water” and “fleas”.
2. There are more than 4,000 toxic sites on First Nations reserves in Canada. Individually listed in the Treasury Board of Canada’s Federal Contaminated Sites Inventory, these sites contain a wide range of toxic substances, including: Mercury, Uranium and Lead, Dioxins and Furans, “Biological Warfare Agents” and Petroleum, among many, many others. Less than 20 of these sites appear to be scheduled for clean-up. The govenrment has not performed any investigations on the effect these sites are having on the health of First Nations people.
3. It is generally known that diabetes prevalence among first Nations people is approximately four times the rate of the general Canadian population. It is not known, at least by the general public, that the cause of diabetes is proving to be the result of exposure to dioxin, PCB’s and other Persistant Organic Pollutants (POP’s). (see point 8, Public Health Report Quietly Released in Canada)
4. The Canadian government continues to ignore the Attiwapiskat Cree Nation, who is suffering from a failed sewage system and toxic contamination as a result of government negligence. (See reports: October: Despite state of emergency, Attawapiskat ‘abandoned’ by Ottawa, April: Attawapiskat state of emergency ignored by Government, Petition: Calling on Chuck strahl to live in Attawapiskat for one month
5. As of October 1, 2009, there are 119 indigenous communities in Canada under a Drinking Water Advisory. The number has been gradually on the rise. As of July 25th, 2008, there were 102 communities under an Advisory. As of May 17, 2009, the number was 112. By and large, the government does not provide alternative water sources. Nor does it readily make public the reason for the advisories.
John Ahniwanika Schertow is an indigenous rights activist of Mohawk (Kanienkehaka) and mixed-European descent. For the past 8 years, he has served as the e... 
How about the road from Poznan http://fwe.cwis.org/?s=poznan to Copenhagen?
The goldcorp example I think is critically important, as it shows not only the economic exploitation but also the casual racism of the mining companies, which needs to be called out.
How about an update on how the communities are faring whose land was flooded by Hydro Quebec? Beside the negative cultural effects, there are environmental and toxicological effects which I have not heard much about in a long time.
Erik, Orion Grassroots Network
what about four corners power plant region on the navajo rez….deemed accurately as a ‘national sacrifice area’. Or the numerous uranium tailings on the navajo rez
Thanks all for sharing your ideas. I’m going to email Barnsley sometime next week and I’ll be sure to pass them on. Respectfully, A.
You should cover aidesep in Peru, the indigenous in Peru fight to win and are an example to the rest of us on the planet on how to organise politically and win the battle, go and film them not just in solidarity but with a view to spreading the word about effective strategy!
In Australia there’s some interesting work on the need to incorporate Indigenous viewspoints and knowledges in decisions about the ‘management’ of water resources. The new book is called Murray River Country: An ecological dialogue with traditional owners.
You can hear author Jess Weir interviewed here:
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/latenightlive/stories/2009/2699908.htm
and here
http://www.thewire.org.au/daydetail.aspx?SearchDay=2009-10-01&Move=Previous
As the title of the broadcast APTN which is based in Canada it would seem logical that the most dire need for attention is Attawapiskat, the most toxic reserve in Canada.. let’s start at home first.. then branch out ..
Here is an interesting story a First Nation known as Moose Cree located in Moose Factory near James Bay,are planning to put a winter road on the last clean river in our traditional territory,this river has no development on it, now the protector of the land want to destroy this river. It is causing alot tension amoung First Nation members within our community,be nice too hear both side,
What about the history of the nuclear industry and how domestic land claims can be used as a means to abrogate and derogate the rights and identities of Indigenous Peoples. The Algonquin situation, inclusive of the Kichesipirini record and contemporary assertions, demonstrates how Canada’s unresolved colonial history continues to protect the interests of foreign entities at the expense of all local peoples and contributes to a wide network of international collusions which fail to integrate actual principles of international law. The Kichesipirini situation demonstrates how the Canada state uses its position to divide and manipulate Indigenous Peoples, enticing some to actually act as “Cat’s Paws” against their own nation and uses public monies to facilitate processes that support the onging delegation of liability regarding contaminated sites and human exposure to environmental degradation.
Brazil features innumerous topics.
To mention just a few Infrastructural projects impacting indigenous peoples:
the transposition of the Rio São Francisco river: impacts 31 diferent indigenous peoples (besides being a totally outdates kind of project, intended to serve large irrigation and industrial projects)
The construction of huge hydrelectric dams in the Amazon-region: the Jirau in de Rio Madeira (already in construction), impacting various indigenous peoples, including uncontacted peoples. And the infamous Belo Monte project, which will create the second largest hydrelectric in the world, for which more earth needs to be excavated than in the construction of the Panama canal. And over 20.000 people will forcefully be relocated..
these are all faraonic projects, that go totally against the modern points of view of producing clean, green and socially resonsable energy, with respect to indigenous peoples and there rights. Brazil is NOT respecting ILO Convention 169, or the UN Declaration of indigenous rights (both of which this country is signatory party) in any of these projects. Not it´s proper Constitution, for that matter.
For more info: please get in touch with me via cooperante@cimi.org.br
Paul
PRESS RELEASE – PLEASE SHARE VERY WIDELY!
“APTN BRINGS VIEWERS “PERSPECTIVES ON THE ENVIRONMENT”
March 1, 2010 – APTN National News will premiere Perspectives on the Environment, a week dedicated to environmental issues affecting communities across Canada. The stories, which will be featured during APTN National News March 8 to March 11 at 6:00 pm ET on APTN East/MT on APTN West/CT on APTN North/ET on APTN HD, and will culminate in an hour-long special season finale edition of APTN InFocus March 12, will focus on the major issues in every region of Canada: North, South/Central, East and West.
“APTN National News is devoted to bringing viewers the stories affecting our communities,” said Sky Bridges, Director of Marketing. “People are exposed to media coverage on environmental issues daily; Perspectives on the Environment will make specific issues and realities known and truly reveal how these problems are affecting the well-being, spirit, and future of not only Aboriginal Peoples but all Peoples.”
APTN Environmental Week Outline:
North – Peel Watershed – airdate Monday March 8th:
The Yukon’s Peel Watershed is rich in minerals and other resources, but many of the people who use the Peel Watershed say it’s worth protecting from development. APTN’s Dez Loreen will look at the resources that make the land so valuable, the traditions that make the region so rich, and the debate over how best to deal with it all.
East – Boat Harbour, Nova Scotia – airdate March 9th:
The Pictou Landing First Nation has been fighting for more than 40 years to get the Nova Scotia government and industry to clean up the harbour. The waters, which at one time featured pristine beaches, are now making people sick. Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter’s new NDP government says it’s committed to solving the Boat Harbour problem. APTN’s James Hopkin talks to the people in the Mi’kmaq community and to the 10th provincial minister to deal with the file.
South/Central – Mercury Pollution airdate March 10th:
The people of the Grassy Narrows First Nation in Ontario are battling the severe health effects of mercury exposure. The emissions that polluted the watershed where they live began decades ago and the federal government says the problem has been fixed, but young people in the community are still showing the horrific symptoms of mercury poisoning. APTN’s Melissa Ridgen visited the community to find answers.
West – Deep Water Port for Super Tankers airdate March 11th:
Plans are in development for a pipeline to carry oil from the Alberta tar sands to Kitimat, British Columbia, where a deep water port will provide transport to supertankers which will carry oil to US and Pacific Rim markets. The ships will navigate near Hartley Bay First Nation, one of the country’s most environmentally conscious communities. With the nearby waters being well-known for their danger, the people of Hartley Bay fear a massively destructive oil spill. APTN’s Noemi LoPinto travels to the community to find out what happens next.
APTN InFocus One-Hour Season Finale airdate March 12th:
· On Friday, March 12th APTN National News will be pre-empted for a special one-hour edition (and season finale) of APTN InFocus. This special edition will feature a panel of experts who will discuss the four Perspectives on the Environment stories that aired during the week on APTN National News.
They will also examine the poor water quality in many Indigenous communities, 119 of which are under a Drinking Water Advisory.
The panel of experts will include:
Dr. John O’Connor, the physician who blew the whistle on unusually high incidence of cancer clusters near the Alberta oil patch (Fort McMurray).
Merrell-Ann S. Phare, Executive Director and Legal Counsel, Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources.
Ramsay Hart, Canada Program Coordinator, Mining Watch Canada, to deal with environmental aspects of mining
Dr. Shirley Thompson, University of Manitoba, Assistant Professor, Natural Resources Institute, will talk about the actual biological effects of industrial pollution on the human body.
APTN National News is part of an exciting programming schedule that promotes and celebrates Canadian content across all genres. Providing news that not only informs, but inspires, APTN National News brings viewers a more in-depth look at the issues facing Aboriginal communities in Canada and around the world.
About APTN:
September 1, 2009 marked the 10-year anniversary of the launch of the first national Aboriginal television network in the world with programming by, for and about Aboriginal Peoples to share with all Canadians and viewers around the world. APTN is available in approximately 10 million Canadian households and commercial establishments with cable, direct-to-home satellite (DTH), telco-delivered and fixed wireless television service providers. The network launched its high definition channel APTNHD in the spring of 2008. APTN does not receive government funding for operations but generates revenue through subscriber fees, advertising sales and strategic partnerships. APTN broadcasts programming with 56% offered in English, 16% in French and 28% in Aboriginal languages. For program schedule or for more information, please contact APTN at (204) 947-9331 or toll-free at 1-888-278-8862, or visit the website at http://www.aptn.ca.
APTN PROPOSE « PERSPECTIVES ON THE ENVIRONMENT »
APTN National News présente en première « Perspectives on the Environment », une semaine consacrée aux problèmes environnementaux qui frappent des collectivités de tout le Canada. Les reportages seront diffusés entre les 8 et 11 mars pendant le bulletin APTN National News de 18 h, HE, sur APTN Est / HR, sur APTN Ouest / HC sur APTN Nord / HE, sur APTN HD, et ils mèneront le 12 mars à un spécial d’une heure qui marquera la fin de la saison d’APTN InFocus. Il y sera question des principaux enjeux de chacune des régions du pays, soit le Nord, le Centre-Sud, l’Est et l’Ouest.
« APTN National News s’emploie à présenter aux téléspectateurs des sujets qui touchent nos collectivités », a déclaré Sky Bridges, directeur du marketing. « Les gens sont exposés à une couverture médiatique quotidienne des questions environnementales; « Perspectives on the Environment » fera connaître des problèmes et des réalités précis, et dévoilera comment ces problèmes nuisent au bien-être, à l’esprit et à l’avenir non seulement des peuples autochtones, mais aussi de tous les peuples. »
Grandes lignes de la Semaine de l’environnement d’APTN :
Nord – Bassin versant de la Peel – diffusé le lundi 8 mars :
Le bassin versant de la Peel, au Yukon, est riche en minéraux et en autres ressources. Toutefois, bon nombre de ses utilisateurs affirment qu’il vaut la peine de le préserver du développement. Dez Loreen, de l’équipe d’APTN, étudiera les ressources qui rendent la terre aussi précieuse, les traditions qui enrichissent autant la région, et le débat au sujet de la meilleure façon de régler la situation.
Est – Boat Harbour, Nouvelle?Écosse – diffusé le 9 mars :
La Première Nation de Pictou Landing se bat depuis plus de 40 ans pour obtenir du gouvernement de la Nouvelle?Écosse et du secteur privé qu’ils nettoient le port. Les eaux, dont les plages étaient autrefois en parfaite condition, sont aujourd’hui porteuses de maladies. Le premier ministre de la Nouvelle?Écosse, Darrell Dexter, qui est à la tête du nouveau gouvernement démocrate, dit qu’il entend régler le problème de Boat Harbour. James Hopkin, de l’équipe d’APTN, s’entretient avec les membres de la collectivité mi’kmaq et avec le 10e ministre provincial saisi du dossier.
Centre-Sud – Pollution au mercure – diffusé le 10 mars :
Les membres de la Première Nation de Grassy Narrows, en Ontario, luttent pour contrer les graves effets sur la santé de l’exposition au mercure. Les émissions ont commencé à polluer leur bassin versant il y a des décennies, et le gouvernement fédéral soutient que le problème a été réglé. Pourtant, les jeunes de la collectivité continuent d’afficher les horribles symptômes de l’empoisonnement au mercure. Melissa Ridgen, de l’équipe d’APTN, se rend dans la collectivité pour trouver des réponses.
Ouest – Port en eau profonde pour gros navires-citernes – diffusé le 11 mars :
Des projets en cours d’élaboration visent la construction d’un pipeline qui acheminera le pétrole depuis les sables bitumineux de l’Alberta jusqu’à Kitimat, en Colombie?Britannique, où un port en eau profonde permettra le transport du pétrole par gros navires-citernes vers les marchés des États-Unis et de la côte du Pacifique. Les navires passeront près de la Première Nation de Hartley Bay, une des collectivités les plus sensibilisées à l’environnement au pays. Puisque la dangerosité des eaux environnantes est bien connue, les gens de Hartley Bay craignent un déversement de pétrole très destructeur. Noemi LoPinto, de l’équipe d’APTN, visite la collectivité pour connaître la suite des choses.
Spécial d’une heure – Dernière de la saison d’APTN InFocus – diffusé le 12 mars :
· Le vendredi 12 mars, APTN National News cédera la place à une émission spéciale d’une heure (dernière de la saison) d’APTN InFocus. Cette émission spéciale fera appel à un groupe d’experts qui discutera des quatre reportages diffusés au cours de la semaine pendant le bulletin APTN National News, sous le thème « Perspectives on the Environment ». En outre, il se penchera sur la mauvaise qualité de l’eau au sein de nombreuses collectivités autochtones, dont 119 doivent observer un avis d’ébullition de l’eau.
Le groupe d’experts sera formé de :
John O’Connor, le médecin qui a dénoncé le nombre anormalement élevé de grappes de cas de cancer près des champs de pétrole de l’Alberta (Fort McMurray).
Merrell-Ann S. Phare, directrice générale et conseillère juridique, Centre autochtone de ressources environnementales.
Ramsay Hart, coordonnateur du programme Canada, Mines Alerte Canada, traitera des aspects environnementaux de l’exploitation minière.
Shirley Thompson, professeure adjointe au Natural Resources Institute de l’Université du Manitoba, parlera des effets biologiques actuels de la pollution industrielle sur le corps humain.
APTN National News s’inscrit dans une grille de programmation emballante qui privilégie et célèbre un contenu canadien de tous genres. En leur transmettant des nouvelles qui informent et inspirent, APTN National News amène les téléspectateurs à poser un regard plus approfondi sur les difficultés auxquelles les collectivités autochtones du Canada et du reste du monde sont confrontées.
À propos d’APTN
Le 1er septembre 2009 a marqué le 10e anniversaire de l’entrée en ondes d’APTN, le premier réseau national de télévision autochtone au monde. Conçues par et pour les Autochtones et au sujet de ces derniers, ses émissions s’adressent à tous les Canadiens et aux téléspectateurs du monde entier. APTN est capté dans quelque 10 millions de foyers et d’établissements commerciaux au Canada, grâce à la télévision par câble, à la diffusion directe, à la téléphonie et à la technologie sans fil. Le Réseau a inauguré son canal à haute définition APTN HD au printemps 2008. Les revenus d’APTN, qui ne reçoit aucun financement d’exploitation du gouvernement, proviennent des frais d’adhésion, de la vente de publicité et de partenariats stratégiques. Sa programmation est diffusée à 56 % en anglais, à 16 % en français et à 28 % dans des langues autochtones. Pour obtenir l’horaire de programmation ou des renseignements supplémentaires, veuillez communiquer avec APTN au 204-947-9331 ou, sans frais, au 1-888-278-8862, ou encore visitez le http://www.aptn.ca.
Paul Barnsley
Executive Producer – Investigative News
Aboriginal Peoples Television Network
339 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2C3
P: 204.947.9331 ext. 327
F: 204.946.0767
C: 204.223.5614
Toll Free: 1.888.278.8862
pbarnsley@aptn.ca
http://www.aptn.ca
Canada’s 4th National Broadcaster
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