Please signal boost this! I received a message on facebook from the organizer of this petition, Kaaren Dannenman, and she is working hard to secure signatures for this cause.

In the traditional territory of the NamekosipiiwAnishinaape people, we are struggling to defend our historic migratory canoe routes. Each year, our small community follows the water trails of our ancestors up and down the Trout Lake River. Our women, especially the young women, will share their tremendous knowledge and teachings about water as they undertake their work to save Big Falls. (Kaaren Dannenmann)

In 2005, the Ministry of Natural Resources, without consulting First Nations or any other people, contracted Hatch Energy to conduct a survey of Ontario rivers that would be suitable for hydroelectric development. When the survey was concluded, information was posted publicly and bids were solicited for hydro development, again, with no consultation with First Natins or any other people.

The Trout Lake River, with no consultation with the people whose traditional land this is, was one of the rivers selected for hydro development — three sites on the river were identified. Big Falls was the most convenient site because it is road and power line accessible. On June 13, 2007, MNR announced that is approved, without consulting the NamekosipiiwAnishinaapek, Horizon Hydro Inc.’s proposal to develop a 3.2-MW hydropower project at Big Falls.

The First Nation people of Trout Lake, the NamekosipiiwAnishinaapek, have opposed these plans from the first. This river has been their main annual migratory route and Big Falls is of huge cultural significance. Today, it is a center of camping, canoeing, traditional education, feasting, sweat lodge and other ceremonial activities. It is also an important recreational and economic site for other residents of the area.

http://www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/let-s-save-big-falls-petition