Statement Of KI Chief and Council:
The leadership of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug were imprisoned and
exiled from March 17, 2008 to May 28, 2008 for opposing further
exploitation of KI homelands. The leadership is compelled to counter
act the tactics and injustices applied by the governments. The
Governments of Canada and Ontario reneged and failed on their legal
obligation and duty to consult and accommodate KI membership affecting
their homelands. KI at this time will not permit further exploitation
of homelands, regardless of consequences imposed by the Governments,
until such time the Government has met its legal obligations including
fulfilling the expectations of KI membership affecting their homelands.
As custodians of our customary homelands, speaking with one spirit, one
mind, one heart and as one family, utilizing and implementing the
original teachings and laws given to Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug by
the Creator, we will make every effort to restore and maintain balance
and harmony to our natural environment.
We will be guided by the wisdom and vision of our ancestors who have
passed onto the spirit world We will also confer with elders, spiritual
leaders and community members to explore, understand and exercise the
Natural Law given to us by the Creator which guides our traditional way
of life in harmony with all creation upon the land and waters of our KI
environment.
KI Chief and Council is embarking in a new process which will
strengthen it's present organizational structure by revamping and
restructuring it's governance through the usage of contemporary and
traditional knowledge and wisdom to reflect the mandate and direction
provided by the membership of Kitchenuhmaykoosib. The following areas
have been identified and approved by KI Chief and Council:
1. KI Customary Lands Documentation Initiative:
Begin to identify and determine which land areas are suitable for
potential development, which areas are sacred, areas of cultural,
spiritual and historical significance, cultural and traditional land
use areas, migratory corridors and spawning beds, reviving the
customary names of certain areas and incorporate indigenous
environmental and management regimes in the identified areas.
2. Revamping Existing Local Government to Reflect Contemporary and
Traditional Governance:
Review existing mechanisms presently used for the implementation and
management of various service delivery programs and incorporate
contemporary and traditional management practices to strengthen and
enhance the local government
3. Strengthening Cultural and Spiritual Components:
Strengthen the spiritual and cultural base and component of the
community including our relationship with our customary lands and all
natural resources which make up our overall KI natural environment.
4. Strengthening and Enhancement of Aboriginal and
Treaty Rights:
Creation and establishment of an Aboriginal and Treaty Rights Office
with major emphasis on the fiduciary duty and obligation to consult and
accommodate based on the various Supreme Court of Canada decisions
related to proposed development within the customary homelands of
aboriginal people.
To utilize international instruments protecting KI Indigenous peoples
from further cultural genocide and to achieve self determination.
Contact Information:
Additional information or clarification can be obtained by contacting
Chief Donny Morris or Councillor Samuel Mckay at the Band Office 807
537 2263 during regular business hours or Jacob Ostaman and Bruce
Sakakeep at 807 537 2614.
