Human rights campaigners are calling on Canadian authorities to halt construction of a huge hydroelectric dam in western Canada over concerns that the mega-project tramples on the rights of indigenous peoples in the area. Related: Canada begins inquiry into decades of violence against indigenous womenThe land is part of the traditional territories of indigenous peoples in the region, said Craig Benjamin of Amnesty International Canada. The project is also expected to generate some 10,000 construction jobs and another 33,000 direct and indirect jobs. Earlier this year, as clear-cutting began in the area, part of the construction was held up by a protest camp set up by indigenous activists. “This is home,” said Helen Knott, one of the half a dozen protesters who occupied the site.

Source: The Guardian August 09, 2016 21:56 UTC