Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

GRASSY NARROWS, ONTARIO - "TRUCK!!!" yelled one of the Anishinabek warriors. As if on cue the others jumped from their seats at the fire along with CPTer Matt Schaff, me, a documentarian, and three community members from Grassy Narrows. We stood together on December 13 at this blockade on Segeise road because of our common desire to end the clear-cutting that has been taking place in the area.

The distant rumble of the diesel engine turned into a loud roar when the 18-wheeler loaded with lumber turned the corner. As the truck approached, one of the warriors stood in front of the vehicle blocking its path. Another handed the driver a flyer which read, in part:

"Pursuant to the hunting right guaranteed in Treaty #3, the Anishinabek of Grassy Narrows wish to inform the public that a hunt will commence [at] 8 am, Friday, December 13, 2002, and will terminate [at] 4 pm, Sunday, December 15, 2002. For safety purposes, traffic will be temporarily halted or turned back as of 8 pm, Thursday, December 12, 2002 within the affected area for the duration of the hunt. This action is a peaceful demonstration of our will to assert our rights within the area of contention...This notice applies to all logging trucks and machine operators...We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year."

By the end of the day flyers had been handed out to four logging trucks leaving the clear-cut area, several hunters driving by, and one Skidder. A maintenance truck was turned away from entering the area as well.

"For three days we intend to do what we have always done," said Joe Bill Forbister. "This land has fed us and will always feed us. Whether what we do is recognized by anyone else really doesn't matter."

Driving back to camp, Matt and I passed by a small clear-cut area. I remarked to Matt that it looked like a nuclear bomb had been dropped.

*Christopher Brown will be participating in CPT training this January.