We need to let go of policies and practices that put us at war with the wild
To the Expositor:
A Silent Manitoulin
“Mother earth is our pharmacy, our kitchen, our university.” Willie Pine (Traditoinal ecological knowledge keeper)
I read with interest your story on the Northeast Town approving glyphosate spraying during one of the communities recent council meetings.
Do we not know or understand that sustainable living on this planet cannot involve the use of chemicals like glyphosate, deemed to have caused death to insects and perhaps humans?
I understand that NEMI endorsed a motion to allow spraying on municipal property by trained applicators and that the chemical should only be used when other reasonable options exist.
Is this issue not the “Silent Spring” of Manitoulin Island.
Indeed it appears that when Dr. Mitchell left council chambers she also left her notes, indicating she will not be silenced.
Bravo to Dr. Mitchell and Zak Nicholls for their grassroots campaign to rid Manitoulin of this widely used herbicide.
Where are the objections from the First Nation communities on the Island, who from what I understand of Indigenous peoples’, assert themselves to be stewards of the land?
Does Indigenous land stewardship refer to the ethical and practical approach of Indigenous Peoples to manage and care for the land, often guided by traditional knowledge, values, and spiritual connections?
First Nations across the province are not consulted about the use of glyphosate on their territories, therefore a disrespect to those people’s is occurring.
There is a need to let go of policies and practices that put us at war with the wild.
Thank you,
Sue Nielsen
Cobalt