TEK Elders Resolution No. 2014-01
August 19, 2014
Request for a Moratorium on Aerial Spraying by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)
Whereas, the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) Elders Group of the north shore of Lake
Huron was created to bring like-minded individuals together to discuss the preservation, use
and evolution of TEK in our communities.
Whereas, the TEK Elders Group and supporting citizens acknowledge that residents of the
north shore of Lake Huron are dependent socially, economically and culturally on the health and
well-being of the forest, including the wildlife, plants, water and soil.
Whereas, the TEK Elders Group members have an Aboriginal and Treaty right to hunt, fish and
gather resources in their traditional territories.
Whereas, the TEK Elders Group and supporting citizens feel that herbicides and pesticides
such as “Round Up” (glyphoshate) and other similar chemicals used in the MNR aerial spraying
program have serious known impacts on humans, wildlife, water and plants.
Whereas, the TEK Elders Group feel that the chemicals used in the MNR aerial spraying
program are destroying traditional medicines, poisoning wildlife, water and soil and as a result
destroying a way of life (cultural practices) protected under Section 35 of the Canadian
Constitution.
Therefore, be it resolved that the TEK Elders Group and supporting citizens request a
moratorium on the use of glyphoshates in their aerial spraying program.
Be it resolved that the TEK Elders Group and supporting citizens request meaningful dialogue
and support from governments, academic institutions and professionals responsible for the use,
study and policy directives related to the use of herbicides and pesticides in forest management
planning and development.
And, be it resolved that the TEK Elders Group members shall distribute this resolution to other
north shore Band Councils, Municipalities and like-minded groups.
Resolution 2014-01 supported by all people in attendance at meeting held August 19, 2014 at
Willies Gas Bar, Mississauga First Nation, ON