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Northern First Nation Prepares to Stop Operations in Kenogami Forest

Thunder Bay, ON: Chief Sam Kashkeesh announced today that his community of Aroland First Nation is ready to bring a stop to all operations in the Kenogami Forest if the Ministry of Natural Resources and industry continue to shut the First Nation out of discussions regarding the Kenogami Sustainable Forest License (SFL) transfer to Buchanen (Terrace Bay Pulp Inc.) and on going developments within the territory.

Despite continued lobbying and requests from the First Nation since the spring to be included in any forestry planning negotiations affecting the Kenogami territory, the people of Aroland First Nation have been excluded.

“I want to make the position for Aroland First Nation very clear to the public,” says Chief Kashkeesh. “Our First Nation does not want to be disruptive or put increased pressure on the forestry industry within our region. We do not oppose the sale of the Neenah Mill to Buchanan – our families also depend on the forestry industry for their employment and livelihood like other regional municipalities.”

“All we are asking is that we should have been included and consulted with in the awarding process of the Kenogami Forest license. We want to be consulted by the Ministry of Natural Resources. Our people also care about their future job security like all others and while we are being ignored, there are people from out of province now harvesting just one kilometer outside our community. This is not just a matter of respect, mutual prosperity and regional collaboration, but also an issue of legal duty and equality for Aboriginal people in forestry management. The non-cooperation from the government and industry is insulting and in very, very bad taste.”

“We do not want to resort to drastic measures to get the attention and communication we deserve, and we should not have to, continues Chief Kashkeesh. “The level of frustration amongst my people is increasing on a daily basis and as Chief; I am saddened that this government is willing to let these situations get to the boiling point.”

As of today, Aroland First Nation will prepare to take appropriate action within the Kenogami Forest until a process for consultation is forthcoming from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Aroland First Nation is road accessible and located 482 kilometers Northwest of Thunder Bay, Ontario, north of Geraldton, Ontario. The current population of Aroland First Nation is 507 members. Approximately 352 people live on reserve.

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Notes to Editor: Please see attached petition to cease and desist cutting in the Kenogami Forest.

For more information contact: Stephanie AshFiredog Communications: Tel: (807) 767-4443 or email: stephanie@firedogpr.com