First Nation organizations working with Ontario to protect traditional lands and resources
NAN press release ...
NAN encouraged by requirement for consultation and accommodation for new mining development
THUNDER BAY, ON, July 14 /CNW/ - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy is encouraged that new mining development in the Far North Boreal region will require early consultation and accommodation with local Aboriginal communities under the Government of Ontario's Far North Planning initiative announced today.
"This is good news for the people of Nishnawbe Aski, as it will require that First Nations be fully involved in resource development in our traditional territory," said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy. "Not only will this provide clarity for First Nations, Ontario and industry as we pursue new economic opportunities, but it will also support any First Nations who may not be ready for resource development in their territory."
NAN has worked diligently through Oski-Machiitawin (formerly "Northern
Table") to accelerate bilateral discussions with the Government of Ontario regarding lands and resources. NAN recognizes that local land use planning is a requirement in mapping resource development in each of the First Nation territories. NAN needs to identify those areas to be protected and areas for potential resource development.
"As First Nations people we are not against resource development, but we want to be consulted and we want to have meaningful input into the decision-making process," said Beardy. "It is critical that any development of natural resources in the Far North must respect Aboriginal and treaty rights while supporting an environmentally sustainable economic future for our people."
The Northern Table, a bilateral partnership between NAN Chiefs and the Government of Ontario, was established November 2007 with the intent to jointly develop a results-based process to address and resolve current challenges in the areas of consultation and accommodation, resource development, mining, parks, and licensing permits within NAN territory.
"Our lands hold great potential for economic opportunities and the chance to create better lives for our people," said Beardy. "By being active participants in resource development we can ensure that our homelands, our communities, and our Aboriginal and treaty rights are respected.
Ontario's Far North is the homeland of thousands of Nishnawbe Aski Nation people and many First Nations, encompassing 43 percent of the province's land base and includes the largest intact forest in Canada and the third largest wetland in the world. In addition to being the homelands of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation people, this vast boreal landscape plays an essential role in mitigating the effects of global climate change because of its capacity to absorb and store greenhouse gases in trees, soil and peat.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation is a political territorial organization representing 49 First Nation communities in James Bay Treaty 9 and Ontario portions of Treaty 5 - an area covering two thirds of the province of Ontario.
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/For further information: Michael Heintzman, Media Relations Officer, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, (807) 625-4906 or (807) 621-2790 mobile/
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Anishinabek Nation press release ...
Union of Ontario Indians demand consultation with First Nations
Quebec City - First Nations within the Anishinabek Nation welcome the Government of Ontario's plan to protect Ontario's north and to open up economic opportunities to First Nations. However, we are greatly concerned that it will be done in isolation of important treaty relationships with Ontario First Peoples."
"We welcome any changes to the Ontario Mining Act, but change has to be done in partnership with First Nations," says Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief John Beaucage. "We want economic sustainability for all First Nations and for all people in Ontario."
Last week, Grand Council Chief Beaucage met with the Northern Development and Mines Minister Gravelle and discussed the development of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) where government and First Nations would agree on a process to jointly draft legislative changes, agree upon a development of a joint consultation strategy, and enable and engagement process with First Nations on a treaty-by-treaty basis.
"This would be the start to a comprehensive treaty-based discussion," says Beaucage. "This is a rights-based matter and it is important for Government to work with our First Nations on a treaty-by-treaty basis."
"Our goal is to ensure these changes enhance the treaty relationships, clarify the rules and environment for sustainable development," added Beaucage.
The Grand Council Chief also welcomes a province-wide resource benefit sharing agreement similar to the $3 billion over 25 years Ontario Gaming and Lottery Commission agreement ratified in February. However, there is also a need to develop a resource benefit framework based on the treaties.
"We cannot continue to be lumped into one homogenous group, even as First Nations. Our people have unique relationships when it comes to treaties. The government has unique obligations when it comes to implementing the treaties. First Nations also have unique needs and goals when it comes to resource development," said Grand Council Chief Beaucage. "We strongly encourage the government to come to the table and work with us on a new, modern treaty implementation framework."
The Anishinabek Nation incorporated the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 42 member First Nations across Ontario. The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.
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Ont. premier pledges to preserve giant swath of northern boreal forest
July 14, 2008 - The Canadian Press
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty says forestry and mining activities will be prohibited in a 225,000-square-kilometre area of the province's northern boreal forest.
McGuinty says the government will work with First Nations and other residents to develop a plan to prohibit commercial activities in about half of the province's boreal forest.
And mining and forestry companies will have to consult early with First Nations before starting any new projects in the other half of Ontario's boreal forest.
McGuinty says Ontario will also develop a system to ensure resource revenues are shared with First Nations in the far north so they can, in his words, "get a piece of the action."
Mining generated about $11 billion in Ontario in 2007, and McGuinty promises the government will put some cash in the bank for First Nations this fall to get the revenue sharing started.
Last year, 1,500 scientists from 50 countries called on Canadian governments — federal, provincial and territorial — to protect the 5.6 million square kilometres of boreal forest in Canada.
The scientists say the forest is the largest carbon storehouse in the world, holding about 186 billion tonnes.
That's the equivalent of 27 years of global carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels.