The Bkejwanong Youth Council…

The Bkejwanong Youth Council, are again, writing in strong opposition to York1's
proposed landfill project in Dresden, ON.
We acknowledge that Dresden is situated within Treaty 2, the traditional
territory of the Councilof Three Fires, specifically Bkejwanong Unceded
Territory (Walpole lsland First Nation). As Anishinaabek, we are bound by our
original instructions to uphold our inherent and treaty rights, safeguarding the
land, water, and all ecosystems. This responsibility is especially critical when
facing potential environmental harm that threatens our present and future
generations, as this landfill project does.
The Bkejwanong Youth Council supports the communities of Chatham and
Lambton Kent, joining Dresden and Dresden C.A.R.E.D in their efforts to inform
surrounding First Nation communities about this critical issue. lt's important to
note that Bkejwanong Unceded Territory-Walpole lsland First Nation-was not
consulted by York1 or the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks
regarding this landfill proposal as it indicates in the Treaty. Additionally, cutting
the Environmental Assessment without being is of great frustration. The
potential runoff, drainage, waste and contamination will inevitably flow into
Molly's Creek, which feeds directly into the Sydenham River and then into the
St. Clair River, creating a domino effect of devastating consequences.
This landfill poses significant threats to Bkejwanong Territory, including water,
aquatic species, animals and airborne contamination, leading to many potential
irreversible issues. This would disrupt our natural ways of life, impacting
hunting, fishing, and farming practices as well as effecting the only major
watershed in the Carolinian Life Zone which is home to many species at risk.
This also includes the Salamander Mussels whose only home in all of Canada is
the Sydenham River. As First Nations youth and natural caretakers of this land,
we emphasize that this project undermines our inherent rights and violates the
principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
(UNDRIP). We must act to protect the next seven generations!
We, the youth of Bkejwanong, are very concerned with the future that is being
decided for us without our input or awareness. We strongly insist that the
environmental assessment be a mandatory prerequisite to considering this
project. We hope that you hear our voices and recognize our firm concerns.

Bkejwanong Youth Council