Grade Level 10 / Cycle 2

Write a summary of the issue (2 to 3 sentences):

We invaded native territory and claimed it ours. Is this right? Do we have a right to take land that is rightfully theirs?

B.I.R.T We shouldn't build Hydro Dams where people of First Nations live (Northern Quebec).

Write an outline in point form:

• Building the hydro dams where they live will destroy their hunting grounds because it disrupts the animals' migration and reproduction areas
• It will scare off many types of animals that the Indians need for their survival (salmon for food, animals like beavers for furs, etc)
• Polluting their water for cleaning and fishing (the water is polluted when they are built)

• The Quebec economy relies greatly on hydro-electricity
• We export electricity to other provinces
• There are no other places to build our dams
• If we don't build anymore dams we will have to raise our taxes to get money

• The Cree were on this territory first
• We would violate their human rights if we built the dams against their will
• The Cree will have to constantly move from place to place to get away from the dams
• We will destroy their burial sites if we make reservoirs

• More people will come into Quebec for jobs, this means more tax money
• When more people are settled in Quebec, we could lower taxes to encourage even MORE people to come in, then we could start future beneficial projects
• We could even hire some of the Cree to work at the plants
• People will lose their jobs if we cancel hydro plants.

• The Cree have rights like all human beings, we cannot invade their territory and tell them to leave their homes
• The natives have been reduced to only a small part of northern Canada, a land they rightfully claimed. They should not have to give up their precious territory for the sake of the Quebec economy.

• The dam would only occupy a small portion of the native owned land.
• The natives would still have place to live plus the hydro dam would attract more tourists to the area, therefore helping their economy.

Who is the author/creator? The World Commission on Dams

What is the title? James Bay Cree Nation and the Pimicikamak Cree Nation

What is the format (book, website, CD-ROM, magazine, etc.) ? Website

When was it created (year of publication or creation)? 1998

Where did I find it? http://www.dams.org/report/reaction/reaction_cree.htm
(if website, write the address)

Who is the author/creator? Harvey A. Feit

What is the title? Hunting and the Quest for Power: The James Bay Cree and Whitemen in the 20th Century

What is the format (book, website, CD-ROM, magazine, etc.) ? Website

When was it created (year of publication or creation)? 1995

Where did I find it? http://arcticcircle.uconn.edu/HistoryCulture/Cree/Feit1/feit2.html
(if website, write the address)

"They took our land, they took our home". --- (For)
"They destroyed our burial grounds". --- (For)
"We have to constantly move."--- (For)

Argument: For
Source
Author:
Title:

"Hudson Bay is the best location for hydro electricity". --- Worker (Against)

Argument: Against
Source
Author:
Title:

Quebec's unemployment rate continues to plunge every year, so not only would the dam help Quebec but also the native people since they would people to get jobs. The dam would attract more people to the northern part of Canada, which is scarcely populated.

Quebec would not be violation the rights of the natives if a majority of them agreed with the construction of the damn

"Why should Quebec's economy suffer because of the Natives?"

"Building a new dam might help Quebec's economy but why should we have to pay more taxes for the construction of the dam and for the compensation for the natives?"

Building the dam would destroy the native community, which has been a great part in Canada's history.

"How would you feel if someone destroyed one of your relatives sacred burial ground?"

"Everyone know that money can't buy happiness, so why should the natives be forced to start a new life all over again even if they are offered compensation?"