KENORA – The Council of Canadians are calling on CN Rail to lift its court injunction against Judy DaSilva of the Asubpeeschoseewagong (Grassy Narrows) First Nation. CN originally sought the injunction to prevent Ms. DaSilva and members of the Grassy Narrows Women’s Drum Group from conducting a ceremony on its main line in protest of potential accidents from the dozens of crude oil tank cars that pass by each week.
Council of Canadians in a media release state, “In recent weeks, derailments involving these tank cars have caused large fires and significant water pollution in Northern Ontario.
“Maintaining an injunction against Judy DaSilva is an intimidation tactic on the part of CN,” said Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians. “Attempting to silence dissent and the voices of those who want to protect our waters through court injunctions is unconscionable.”
On Wednesday, the Grassy Narrows Women’s Drum Group hosted an Anishinabe Water Ceremony next to the main CN Rail line in their community along with other supporters and legendary Anishinabe water protector, Josephine Mandamin. On Thursday, the CN injunction was extended with another court date set for May 14.
