Stranded Baffinland mine workers pen open letter to protesters, say they support Inuit

CBC has obtained an open letter written by a "sizeable minority" of Mary River mine employees currently stranded in Nunavut by a protest, which says they recognize Inuit as "rightful custodians of the land."

About 700 staff from southern provinces have been stranded at the Nunavut mine site since a group of protesters staged a blockade last week, blocking roads and the airstrip. The protesters object to Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation's proposed expansion of the mine and fear the impacts it could have on the water and surrounding areas.

CBC has verified the letter's authenticity and agreed to the mine workers' anonymity. The letter has been edited for style:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/baffinland-protestors-open-letter-1.5910951