Indigenous peoples at Copenhagen say NO to nuclear

Indigenous Peoples in Copenhagen: Ruling out the Nuclear Option — Neither Clean nor Green Nuclear Reaction 15 Dec 09 COPENHAGEN — Remembering the words of Chief Seattle, Indigenous Peoples and people of color at the UN Climate Summit in Copenhagen sent a message to the world to rule out nuclear energy, which is neither clean nor green. The statement, “The Legacy of Nuclear Energy, Nuclear and Chemical Weapons Upon US Indigenous and Communities of Color,” was released by communities of Indigenous Peoples and people of color, in partnership with the Peace Development Fund. Together, they form the Building Action for Sustainable Environments Initiative (BASE).

“We are citizens who represent some of the communities in the US who bear the legacy of 50 years of nuclear energy and weapons production.

We are indigenous nations, we are Latino citizens and farm-workers, and we are African American communities living near nuclear power and weapon production sites. “Reducing and eliminating the wasteful and dangerous means of producing nuclear energy and bringing renewable green energy production and jobs to our communities are the goals in which our communities have a major stake.”

While Indigenous Peoples from throughout the world rallied, marched and educated the world in Copenhagen this week, the Base communities gave voice to the legacy of death that uranium mining and the nuclear industry have brought to Indigenous Peoples and people of color.’

Nuclear News: Indigenous Peoples in Copenhagen: Ruling out the Nuclear Option — Neither Clean nor Green – Nuclear Reaction – A Greenpeace blog about nuclear power