To the Expositor:
We, the people need to be custodians of our wilderness, our heritage, our health and our livelihood. We do not need signs saying, “No Unauthorized Personnel or Vehicles,” or “No Trespassing” on our Sacred Island.
I am a proud descendant of the original Odawa (Ottawa) tribe on this beautiful and sacred Odawa Minis; a proud and fluent speaker of my language. I grew up in Doganing (South Bay) where I learned my cultural and traditional values taught by my elders.
Passionate Native people respect and live in harmony with nature, respect Mother Earth and believe that she should not be raped for money and power. Chiefs and councillors, and outside corporations need not become oppressors or bullies, cause divisions and disrupt our peaceful life. The event that occurred at the Little Current Legion open house, sponsored by Northland Power in the spring of 2011, instigated by a major participant who will be hosting several wind turbines on his properties, was unfortunate. The OPP from Orillia never intervened and as a Native, this was a very interesting observation.
Islands in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River are unique. Our Manitoulin Island is part of this and has a wealth of biological diversity and is part of one of the world’s most remarkable ecosystems. Recreational activities, sports and scenery draw people to our beautiful Island.
Will tourists come to see wind turbines displacing natural beauty? Will artists/photographers be painting/taking photographs of wind turbines as part of the landscape?
We have a right to ask; we have a right to be skeptical; why are there gag orders? We have a right to be concerned and we have a right to oppose plans. How wrong it is and how blind people are in the pursuit of money can be.
Dr. M.A. Persinger, professor, Departments of Biology and Psychology, Behavioural Neuroscience and Biomolecular Science Programs at Laurentian University, recommends a delay in construction and operation of wind turbines in our region.
Robert McMurty, a London area surgeon says, “people are suffering (Hypertension, sleeplessness and nosebleeds in children). I see their lack of energy and things they are feeling…can’t tolerate…is the steadfast denial of the complaints.” The residents in southern Ontario are now discovering that wind turbines are bad news.
“Massive wind turbine energy produces relentless fusillade of pulsating sound mechanical in pattern, audible to all and intolerable to many, particularly those sensitive to infrasound vibrations,” was stated by Ian Boone, PhD, Maryland, USA. This is powerful information and there are many, many findings that are harmful to humans and unborn babies that are too numerous to write.
As a community member of Wikwemikong, there appears to be a lack of transparency and accountability on the wind farm initiative by band council. Where are the detailed financial reports and any other pertinent information that band members and elders need or should know?
Since Wikwemikong is not part of the UCCMM, I am curious if their band members and elders have been provided detailed information on the monsters that have arrived in M’Chigeeng and those that may be arriving, heaven forbid. This curiousity also applies to the non-native residents of Manitoulin Island.
It is unacceptable to change the landscape all in the name of profit for very few. Politicians need to put people before profits.
Ambeh Zhloozick! (Wake up)
Rosemary Wakegijig
Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve
