6.1 (Spring 1982) Poisons and Peripheral People: Industrial Hazards

EDITOR'S NOTE - 6.1

With the publication of this issue, the Cultural Survival Newsletter will become the Cultural Survival Quarterly. The name change reflects the expansion of the format as well as our attempt to provide more in-depth analysis about situations critical to the survival of specific tribal societies or ethnic minorities throughout the world.

CS depends on our readers to provide us with articles, suggestions for articles, or criticism. Each Quarterly will focus on a general topic of global import as well as issues relevant to specific minorities.

Poisons and Peripheral People - Part III: Industrial and Mining Hazards in the Third World

During the last decade, the adoption of adequate - in some cases, quite minimal - pollution control laws and occupational health standards in the US has spurred the wholesale exodus of many hazardous industries abroad. Productions processes that are illegal in the US are not wanted here, but the products are.

The Possibilities of Uniting Indians and the Left for Social Change in Nicaragua

I agree with the need to support the Nicaraguan people against U.S. imperialism and against colonialism generally. I agree with the need to stand in solidarity with revolutionary process. The Sandinistas are trying, according to their definitions, to act in a principled fashion as regards the problems on the Atlantic Coast.

The AMAX - Molybdenum Tailings Controversy

The Kitsault molybdenum deposit, in northwest British Columbia, is located at the head of Alice Arm, a fjord that leads into the mouth of the Nass River. This river in turn feeds into the Portland Canal Fjord which flows into the Pacific. The Nishga Indians are dependent upon the Nass watershed and these coastal fjords for their livelihood.

THE AKAWAIO

The status of the Upper Mazaruni Hydro-electric project is still unknown. If completed, this project could lead to the relocation of some 4000 Indians in Guyana's Rupinuni region.

There are four reasons why the project is in question. The World Bank has commissioned an independent study of the hydro-electric potential of various sites in Guyana. The findings from this report will be available by July, 1982. Bank sources express doubt that the Upper Mazaruni site at Sand Landing will be ranked first. If it is, however, the World Bank would attempt to fund the project.

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