The Lubicon Lake Indians of Northern Alberta, about 500 people
of Native ancestry, have inhabited their traditional lands for
many generations. Since 1940, when the Federal Government of
Canada approved a reserve for them, oil and gas development,
and most recently, massive pulp mill establishments, have
encroached on their traditional lands, their culture, and their
very existence as a unique and viable Native society. While the
Lubicons are fighting for their unextinguished aboriginal
rights and against the destruction of their traditional
lifestyle in various courts and at the negotiating tables,
increased 'resource' development and exploitation of the
environment around them has continued to this very day.

Whereas 10 years ago the Lubicon Nation was a self-sufficient,
tight-knit and remote community, today's situation is very
different indeed. The continuous onslaught of government-
sponsored oil and gas exploration has left this once self-
sufficient people in shambles. Within 5 years the Lubicons have
lost their traditional way of life. The animals they relied on
previously have been scared away and self-sufficiency has
turned into 95% welfare, alcohol abuse and despair. An outbreak
of tuberculosis on a scale reminiscent of third world
countries, occurred in late 1987.  The drastic and sudden
change of diet from moose (a high protein food), to 'white'
welfare-food like bologna, continuous stress of experiencing
the extensive destruction of their environment, and of their
existence, has brought about devastating effects to these
people.  Their way of life, so dependent on wildlife, free-
flowing streams, and gathering of herbs, has been taken from
them in the name of 'progress' and the almighty dollar. The
government of Canada, who's responsibility it is to settle
outstanding land claims, has even ignored United Nations Human
Rights Committee recommendations to halt all further activities
which could harm the Lubicon people.

The Lubicon People had hoped for a settlement of this issue by
January 1989, but negotiations have ended in failure.  The
Government of Canada 'offered' a take it or leave it deal in
which the question of Band memberships, compensation and future
development were approached in such a way that the community
would once again rely on handouts and become wards of the
government.  Although our efforts over the years have resulted
in much more awareness of this and other related issues, it is
direct public pressure in the form of letters etc. to the
Federal Government which will convince it that this small group
of Indians is not alone in the struggle for Aboriginal Rights
vs.  'resource' exploitation and the resulting genocide (both
cultural and physical) of Indigenous Peoples around the world.

While the governments delay and 'offer' meaningless proposals,
the Lubicons wait in vain for a future their children and
grandchildren can look forward to.



For more information contact web:car by e-mail or write to

Aboriginal Rights Support Group, Committee Against Racism
P.O. Box 3085, Station B,  Calgary, Alberta   T2M 4L6
Tel: (403) 282-6845