Family provides mammoth donation to Peel legal case
A Yukon family has given the fund for those challenging the new Peel watershed plan a $5,300 boost.
A Yukon family has given the fund for those challenging the new Peel watershed plan a $5,300 boost.
The lawsuit was filed against the Yukon government Jan. 27 by the First Nation of Na Cho Nyak Dun, Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) Yukon chapter, and the Yukon Conservation Society.
Mike Martin and his three children – Jasper, Foreste and Kestrel – have made the big donation to support the case.
"When I had children, I made a vow to myself that I would always strive to do what is best for them,” Mike said Thursday afternoon.
"There is a direct correlation between the health of our environment and the health of my children … all of our children.
"I believe that many moral and social violations have been committed against the people of the Yukon which threaten the future health of my children.
"So, with the support of my family, I am doing what I can for what I believe very strongly in.”
He had to act, Mike added.
"If I sit back and do nothing for what I so strongly believe in, then I feel like I am committing an intergenerational injustice to my children ... all our children.”
Jasper is a fourth year Natural Science major at the University of Calgary.
"I feel like a donation to this campaign is necessary for anyone who can afford a few extra dollars,” he said.
"Obviously, people don't need to give as much as we did, but even if you can only give a few dollars, it will make a difference – as clichéd as it sounds, every little bit helps.
"I really feel this legal case is important, I'm studying environmental science in school right now, and I strongly believe that we need to buy some time for policy to catch up to science – we can't keep drawing exponentially on the environment in the way the current Yukon government business model suggests.”
Mike said he has repeatedly tried to contact Premier Darrell Pasloski to voice his concerns regarding the government's new Peel land use plan.
"I basically felt very deceived by our current government as to the way things went down with regards to the Peel watershed plan,” he said.
"I have called a few times and have gone to the government building twice now to schedule a time to meet with the premier to get his side of the story regarding the issue.
"I have been waiting nine days and I have received nothing from him, his assistant, or his secretary. Not even a message to say that he is too busy. I feel his silence speaks volumes of his character and intentions.”
The Star's calls to the cabinet offices this morning seeking comment on his concerns about the lack of access to the premier were not returned.
Gill Cracknell, CPAWS-Yukon's executive director, said she extends "heartfelt thanks” to the family on behalf of all the parties involved in the legal case.
"We find the Martin family's generous donation inspiring,” said Cracknell,.
"It reinforces for us how much the public is behind us in this action.”
Comments (12)
Up 8 Down 6
Max Mack on Feb 10, 2014 at 10:12 am
I think Martin's contribution is generous, especially given that he has children. Kudos to him.
However, "mammoth donation"?? Don't you think the headline is a little over-the-top?
Up 28 Down 23
Beverly on Feb 9, 2014 at 4:07 am
I agree with this letter... all parts of it. I have lived here for the majority of 52 years and I have never seen any government show such total disrespect for the democratic process or the land claim agreement that OUR government is a party too, and that says A LOT ABOUT THIS GOVERNMENT!
Up 26 Down 14
Think Parks on Feb 9, 2014 at 3:19 am
Where's the call for a big national park in the Peel? How come nobody wants one? Why does the Protect the Peel crowd hate parks so much? Too many rules, regs and fees with parks?
Up 33 Down 25
Stan on Feb 8, 2014 at 2:08 pm
If a FN wants to meet with Premier Darrell Pasloski his staff will setup a meeting 2 months later.
If a family or person wants to meet with Premier Darrell Pasloski they get totally ignored.
If a mining company or a mining symposuium wants to meet with or hear Premier Darrell Pasloski speak his staff will immediately say yes and the premier and his ministers and some staff will go. The taxpayer will pay for the travel, food drinks and a banquet.
If the Chinese government or a Chinese mining company wants to talk to the premier he will fly there and say the Yukon is open for business, you can mine almost everywhere here.
You see where I am going with this- Premier Darrell Pasloski misrepresnted his party's Peel stance during the election and his government is here for an industry and not the future of people like Mike Martin and his family.
Up 31 Down 24
Faroite on Feb 8, 2014 at 1:08 am
Inspiring indeed.
Where does one send their donations?
Up 32 Down 31
Jack Malone on Feb 7, 2014 at 2:43 pm
Okay - it is official now: the Pasloski government is now toast. If ordinary Yukoners are digging deep into their pockets to oppose their Peel position, it is clear that they miscalculated. I guess they thought that they could push their position through the opposition of Indians and tree-huggers and weather the storm for a bit - but guess what? Not just Indians and tree-huggers are upset with Pasloski and I doubt that Yukoners will forget when they cast ballots in the next election.
Up 30 Down 23
Phyllis on Feb 7, 2014 at 11:04 am
Mahsi Cho Mike and your children for your most generous donation and unselfishness. I agree with everything you said.
Up 30 Down 23
Dawson Peeler on Feb 7, 2014 at 10:43 am
So hopeful to see people step up, in the fight for government accountability & democracy for the people! Kudos to the Martin family for the inspiration. Protect the Peel!
Up 30 Down 22
yukongal on Feb 7, 2014 at 9:45 am
That's just a great story very happy to hear what the Martin Family has done! Stepping it up and helping to protect our homeland!
Up 26 Down 22
damien lankow on Feb 7, 2014 at 9:40 am
I would throw down for that cause
Up 45 Down 28
Patrick on Feb 7, 2014 at 9:16 am
Way to go Mike, a very worthwhile cause.
I wonder- if people and environmental groups had the foresight to have made donations to the Yukon Party, would our government have protected more of the Peel watershed?
Up 53 Down 25
June Jackson on Feb 7, 2014 at 9:12 am
Mr. Martin is walking the walk..good on ya'....