Nunavummiut Makitagunarningit re-states its role

Nunavummiut Makitagunarningit appreciates the attention that Nunatsiaq News has paid to uranium mining over the years.

However, we would like to correct three items in the editorial published Dec. 28 on Nunatsiaq Online and Jan. 1 in the printed version of Nunatsiaq News.

First, we do not act as a subsidiary of Mining Watch, we act completely independently from any other organization. Second, our goals are, as we have stated, to educate the public about uranium development in the Nunavut context so that Nunavummiut can make informed decisions.

Finally, we are not “anti-uranium” nor are we a “lobby group,” as we focus our attention on public access to information and ensuring the integrity of legal processes to protect Nunavummiut and allow them to participate fully.

It is true that we have concerns about the health, safety, economic, environmental and end-use aspects of uranium mining that we feel have never been publicly debated or seriously addressed in Nunavut.

That does not mean these concerns could not be addressed through a public inquiry where all Nunavummiut can participate and get accurate information on uranium, and that is our focus.

We note that Quebec recently decided to study uranium impacts in response to concern from the medical community. Until Nunavut follows this example we remain hopeful that all Nunavummiut can participate in debates on uranium development without being forced to take sides or suffering retribution.

The Board of Nunavummiut Makitagunarningit
Iqaluit

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