An upcoming demonstration on the Sydenham River will protest provincial legislation that is allowing a dormant landfill to reopen near Dresden.
Members of Walpole Island First Nation are holding a canoe relay on July 13 as part of “Paddle for Nibi,” a grassroots movement that opposes Ontario’s Bill 5, the “Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act,” and the reopening of a landfill near Dresden by Mississauga-based company, York1 Waste Solutions.
According to organizers, the provincial legislation and landfill project at 29831 Irish School Rd. violate foundational treaties by stripping environmental oversight without Indigenous consent or proper consultation. Organizers called the province’s new law “an environmental and human rights crisis.”
The canoe event will begin with a sunrise ceremony and continue with a three-kilometre, relay-style canoe journey between Molly’s Creek and Wallaceburg. Community members from Walpole Island and Chatham-Kent will paddle together in unity in teams of two.
Those wishing to participate can register their team or volunteer for the event by contacting Chloe White-Deleary at chloewhitedeleary@gmail.com.
