Open letter to Premier Darrell Pasloski:
Here is what I would like to say to you about the Peel River watershed.
You know and have heard people talk about why they want this area protected. I personally have written to your government many times as have many others in my community and from across the Yukon.
We have all told you about how our ancestors have lived throughout the Peel: where they hunted and fished, their campsites, their gravesites, and the many trails out there that they walked on.
Now you have opened it up.
You are going to destroy our history. You are going to pollute the pure water, and make people sick who live downstream. Those people in Fort McPherson live on the Peel River, and they depend on that water to be clean.
I feel that you should protect 100 per cent of the Peel River watershed, but you have only protected tiny bits and pieces. This leaves our legacy open to destruction and goes against what the people have said to you and your government over and over again.
The Peel is too important to allow this, and you should know that as the leader of this territory, it is your job to listen to the people and do what is right.
Before you were premier you were a pharmacist. You used to help people and answer their questions. Now you ignore the people you used to talk to, including me. Instead of helping people you are turning your back on us.
In closing, you should really go back to being a pharmacist. There you can go back to helping people, and listening to them, instead of ignoring them through your politicians and bureaucrats.
Jimmy Johnny
Mayo