The Indigenous leaders are raising concerns Canadian mining projects are destroying their environment and bringing violence to their communities
From the left, Fanny Kaekat, Zenaida Yasacama, Hortencia Zhagüi and Ivonne Ramos are photographed after an interview on Sept 30. The four Indigenous women from Ecuador were visiting Canada to raise awareness around Canadian mining abuses in Ecuador .A delegation of Indigenous women from Ecuador has come to Canada to urge federal officials to halt a free-trade agreement that is being negotiated with Ecuador and to raise their concerns over Canadian mining projects in their communities.
“These Canadian companies cause a lot of trouble for us because our organizations are there to defend the land and we will continue to defend the land,” she said. “If necessary, we will give our lives to defend our land because we want to preserve the land for future generations. We are here as protectors of the jungle, and we are here to reject the destruction of our environment.”
Mr. Godbout said broad engagement, including with Indigenous peoples, is a priority. He said Canadian officials look forward to meeting with the visiting delegation. He said Ottawa expects Canadian companies abroad to “abide by laws, respect human rights, and adopt best practices on responsible business conduct.”
“We feel very alone. But our voice here is to bring that message from our people to Canada so that Canadians know what the companies from their country are doing.”
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