First Nation aims to avoid a crisis akin to Oka with Toronto's Green Lane
Landfill

MUNSEE-DELAWARE NATION, ON, July 14 /CNW/ - The accelerated use of the Green Lane Landfill, purchased by the City of Toronto in April 2007, is negatively impacting the health and wellness of the people living on the Munsee-Delaware Nation. The landfill, located near St. Thomas, is an immediate threat to the communities consumption of water which comes from several untreated ground water supply wells.

A huge part of the problem is that the Munsee-Delaware's have never been consulted directly on the effects and impacts the landfill has on their Nation, and Chief Patrick Waddilove wants Toronto to begin a meaningful negotiation process but the city has continually refused.

    
    "Our people and our land have to be protected from the negative outcomes
    that the landfill poses. We want to avoid any confrontation and give the
    City of Toronto the opportunity to hear and respond to our concerns. We
    have never been consulted as other communities have; no discussions, no
    negotiations and no agreements have been signed with our Nation. Our
    people must secure the health of our environment, and ensure our children
    are safe now and in the future," Chief Waddilove.
    

Backgrounder:

In April 2007, the City of Toronto purchased the Green Lane Landfill located near St. Thomas Ontario. There are three First Nations located in the area; Oneida Nation of the Thames, Chippewas of the Thames and Munsee-Delaware Nation. Both Oneida and the Chippewas have negotiated agreements with the city of Toronto; however, as the Munsee-Delaware Nation has never been consulted, no agreements have been presented or signed.

Munsee-Delaware Nation:

The Munsee-Delaware Nation is located about 25 kms south west of London, Ontario. It has a registered population of 547 people with approximately 170 people living on reserve. The Nation is vibrant and in a continual state of growth as economic development and new and historic community issues continue to evolve.

    
    Official Name:     Munsee-Delaware Nation 1
    Location:          24 km west of St. Thomas, Ontario on the west bank of
                       the Thames River.
    Area (hectares):   1054
    Registered Pop:    547
    

For further information: Chief Patrick Waddilove, Munsee-Delaware Nation, RR1 Muncey, ON, N0L 1Y0, Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Cell: [phone], Email: [email protected]