NAN granted intervener status in KI appeal

Tb News Source

Web Posted: 5/14/2008 7:52:51 PM

With the court date only weeks away for the KI-6 appeal, it was announced that Nishnawbe Aski Nation has been granted intervener status in the case.

The six band members have been in jail since March 27, after being sentenced to six months in prison for disobeying a court order and not allowing junior mining company Plantinex to resume exploration on KI territory.

NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy says it is very important that NAN has the opportunity to speak on the case and to be able to provide support for the incarcerated leaders, as KI is located on NAN territory. Beardy said in a written submission, he hopes to make it clear to the court what NAN's position is when it comes to land and resources, which is that every community has the right to make its own decision.

The Native Women's Association of Canada has also been granted intervener status, as one of the jailed leaders is a 60-year-old woman. The case is expected to be heard at the Ontario Court of Appeal in Toronto on May 28.