@ah-xray - Tumblr Blog

“CARFAC National believes that Nalcor’s Hydro electrical project must obtain the free, prior and informed consent of the Indigenous nations and communities in Labrador according the the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples”

The Canadian Artists Representation/ le Front des artistes canadiens (CARFAC National) announced today their full support of Inuk visual artist Billy Gauthier as well as Delilah Miriam Saunders and Jerry Kohlmeister who are hunger striking in protest of the flooding of Muskrat Falls. Mr. Gauthier’s hunger strike is now in its eleventh day. CARFAC National stands in solidarity with this fight to protect the land and wildlife of Labrador that are fundamental to the artistic and cultural practices of Innu, Nunatsiavut, and NunatuKavut artists and all peoples in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“CARFAC National believes that Nalcor’s Hydro electrical project must obtain the free, prior and informed consent of the Indigenous nations and communities in Labrador according the the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples”, Says, CARFAC National Vice President, Ingrid Mary Percy from Ottawa today. “Mr. Gauthier has asked that the artists of Canada join him, and the peoples of Labrador in supporting this action.”

CARFAC recognizes the unconditional and inherent relationship between the health and wellness of Indigenous people’s lands and their artistic and cultural works. We call upon the governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada to engage in meaningful nation to nation negotiations with the hunger strikers, their governments and their traditional leaders.