KI acknowledges support from First Nation chiefs of Nishnawbe Aski Nation over land rights
Press release from KI leadership ... (see text below the follow image of the press release)
NEWS RELEASE
Ontario Government in Contempt of Supreme Law of the Land
March 12, 2008
On behalf of the Peoples of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Chief Donny Morris wishes to thank all the Chiefs of Nishnawbe Aski Nation for their support of KI. The Chiefs of NAN unanimously passed a resolution during their Annual Winter meeting in Thunder Bay last week demanding that the Government of Ontario revoke the Platinex drilling licenses.
The precedent for this resolution is the February 22nd decision by the Manitoba Government to suspend the exploration drilling permits for the Minago Nickel Project in the Customary Territory of the Norway Cree Nation in northern Manitoba. The Chief and Council of Norway House First Nation successfully challenged the issuance of these permits due to the absence of any constitutionally required consultation with the First Nation.
The NAN Chief’s Resolution 08/09, titled “Demand that the Government of Ontario Revoke the Platinex Drilling License”, supports the position of KI that Platinex’s drilling permits are null and void because, as in the case of the Minago Nickel Project, the permits were granted without meaningful consultation and accommodation as required by Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution Act, 1982. Section 35 requires the governments “to consult First Nations when they are contemplating conduct that may adversely impact Aboriginal or Treaty Rights”.
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug ask that Premier Dalton McGuinty and Minister Michael Gravelle, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines have the moral courage to revoke Platinex’s exploration and drilling permits.
KI Councilor Sam McKay questions, “Why aren’t McGuinty and all his Ministers being held in contempt of the Supreme Court Rulings? Are they above the law?”
Contact:
Chief Donny Morris
Councilor Sam McKay