Media.Knet.Ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 18, 2003

(HORNEPAYNE, ON) In response to the stand First Nations are taking over failed relationships with the Ontario government on issues related to forestry (and other natural resources issues), Hornepayne First Nation, along with members of the Constance Lake First Nation have erected a blockade of their own and are at this time considering how long it will stand. Forestry operations have been blocked on Newman’s Road off Highway 631, 20 kilometers north of Hornepayne.

They do so to show their support and to raise awareness of the common issues shared by all First Nations impacted by forestry activities. Grassy Narrows First Nation, have been blocking a forest access road north of Kenora since December 3, 2002 and Aroland First Nation near Nakina who have been blocking highway 643 since February 12, 2003. At that time, Chief Sonny Gagnon of the Aroland First Nation called for "an unequivocal response from the Minister of Natural Resources and the Premier of Ontario on how they plan to address Grassy Narrows First Nation, and to deal with the subsequent blockade Aroland First Nation has erected." Hornepayne First Nation has now added their name to this list.

Again the First Nation regrets that the loggers and truckers have to bear the financial brunt of the Ontario government’s unwillingness to discuss the matter with First Nations, in a statement to the press Chief Laura Medeiros states, "Why do we have to fight for our lands and resources when our people once used to once roam this land freely? We are not opposed to resource development but stand fast in the position that it must be balanced by its impact to our rights."

Conflicts surrounding the content of Aboriginal and Treaty rights, as well as judicial determinations with respect to Treaties, have been greatly intensified since Aboriginal and Treaty rights were deemed Constitutionally protected in 1982. It seems that this controversy stems from the reality that control of natural resources inevitably engages the broader issue of Aboriginal rights to self-determination, which Chief Laura Medeiros states is "a topic Ontario is not ready to discuss, and the Canadian public may not be ready for." One clear example of this was the work undertaken by the Mushkegowuk Tribal Council and the New Democratic Party to present a motion in the House of Commons to discuss a process for revenue sharing with First Nations. This motion was quashed overwhelmingly by the Conservative government in a December 2002 sitting of parliament.

First Nations and other groups have undertaken other activities to show support for Grassy Narrows. On Monday February 24, 2003, 2^nd year Aboriginal Law and Advocacy Students from Negahneewin College of Indigenous Studies of Confederation College are planning a Day of Action at the Ryan Hall Cafeteria from 11:00 – 2:00 pm, and all are welcome to attend.

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