Tb News Source
Web Posted: 5/24/2008 8:18:17 AM
Thundar Bay Source
Although freedom could be short-lived, six members of the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation jailed for civil contempt in a dispute with a mining exploration company, were released Friday just before 6 p.m. on their own recognizance.
Chief Donny Morris and four fellow members of the band walked out of the local correctional centre about the same time that Cecilia Begg, being held at the District Jail on Algoma, emerged from the facility to a waiting group of supporters and family members.
The group's lawyer, Chris Reid filed a motion at the Ontario Court of Appeal Friday morning in Toronto asking for the immediate release of the KI-6 pending the hearing of their appeal, which is slated for next Wednesday in Toronto. The appeals court granted their release with support for it from the McGuinty government.
Lawyer Chris Reid said the members of the KI First Nation could be back in jail next week. The five men and one woman were released because Platinex Inc. promised not to bring an exploration crew onto disputed land before their next appearance before the Appeal Court on May 28 and in turn the KI members agreed not to go on the land before then.
MPP Michael Gravelle said ''I can tell you the Ontario government is very pleased that the leadership of the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation will be released pending their appeal, we feel this is a proper result.''
The KI group was arrested in March for breaching a court order that allowed Platinex to resume exploration on their traditional lands near Big Trout Lake with no interference by band members and sentenced to six months in jail.