A fundraising concert in favour of the Algonquin occupation of the Robertsville mine was a sold out event at the Sharbot Lake Catholic Church last Wednesday.

The event was pulled together quickly by concert organiser, and MC Jenny Whiteley, who also performed a set alongside Joey Wright. Whiteley, an Elphin resident, said she wanted to provide an opportunity to support the action that the Algonquins are taking, and provide an opportunity for non-aboriginal residents to show their opposition to uranium exploration and mining in the region.

The event was kicked off by a drum performance, followed by a short address from Ardoch Algonquin Co-Chief Randy Cota. Cota received a standing ovation from the overflow crowd before he spoke, and he said the two Algonquin communities are committed to remaining on the site in spite of a law suit and potential court order.

“You all know what I do,” Cota said in reference to the fact that he is a member of the OPP, “but if you don’t stand up for what you believe in, you don’t have anything to stand up for.”