Friday, April 11, 2008

Art Auction to raise funds for Bob Lovelace and Paula Sherman

Dear Artist,

You may have followed the sad story of the aftermath of the peaceful demonstrations against uranium mining north of Sharbot Lake, which began last summer and eventually led to contempt of court convictions for several people. As part of a series of high profile fundraising initiatives planned for the next few months on behalf of the Kingston Initiative for the AAFN/Lovelace/Sherman NO URANIUM Legal Defence Fund, we are contacting local artists for an auction to be held on May 3rd at the IntuMotion Dance Studio at Queen and Barrie in downtown Kingston. The primary objective is to raise funds for the payment of fines incurred by two native leaders, Bob Lovelace and Paula Sherman, of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, who have been convicted of contempt of court for disobeying an order not to impede access to disputed land by Frontenac Ventures Corporation for drilling purposes. The occupation of the mining site resulted from the provincial government’s neglecting to consult with the local native band--as demanded by law--before issuing mining rights to Frontenac Ventures. The second, longer-term, objective of the event is to raise awareness of the environmental dangers of uranium mining and the unconstitutionality of Ontario’s Mining Act.

The Kingston Initiative is a broadly based community effort. Bob Lovelace is currently subject to a six month jail term as well as a $25,000 fine; Paula Sherman (co-chief of the AAAFN) is subject to a $10,000 fine. Their case is supported by Amnesty International, the Christian Peacemakers, the NDP and the Green Party, as well as by the local MP (Scott Reid) and MPP (Randy Hillier), both of whom represent the Progressive Conservative Party. The consensus is that the punishment meted out is unduly harsh and politically motivated. The defence is also challenging the constitutionality of the Mining Act.

We want to stress that this is a non-partisan issue, which involves a complex web of matters of natural justice and law which has been reduced to a simple and ruthless application of an unjust legal system.

We hope that you will join us in this effort that directly affects us all. Because of the nature of this event, we ask that any donations be unreserved, and we regret that we cannot issue tax receipts. Please email us to pick up your donated artwork at your earliest convenience. Smaller pieces will be more conducive for this venue. We look forward to hearing from you.

With best regards,

Sylvat Aziz
[email protected]
613 533 6000 x 75071

Sylvia Söderlind
[email protected]

Mitchell Shewell
[email protected]

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