feel.Reminds me of Ed Broadbent or using my way back machine David
Lewis and the corporate welfare bums campaign.
July 15, 2008
ONTARIO REGIONAL CHIEF SUPPORTS PROGRESS TO ADDRESS FIRST NATION
INTERESTS AND THE CONSERVATION OF BOREAL FOREST
July 15, 2008 - Following Premier McGuinty's announcement yesterday to
protect the Northern Boreal region, Ontario Regional Chief Angus
Toulouse stated, "reconciliation and conservation are imperatives for
all peoples of Ontario. I am pleased to see the Premier taking steps in
this direction."
Regional Chief Toulouse commented that the Ipperwash Inquiry report
tabled in May of 2007 continues to point the way forward towards a new
relationship -one that is just, fair and recognizes First Nation rights
and jurisdiction. As Justice Linden said "we are all Treaty people" -
action is required to make this a reality. Such action includes
fulfilling the original understanding of mutual respect and harmony in
the best interests of both First Nations and the newcomers.
Regional Chief Toulouse added "I take the Premier's words to mean that
the evolution of development in this province has to change. This
change must bring to an end development driven solely by colonial
interests and capital gain."
We must all recognize that environmental preservation as well as
justice and recognition are imperatives that must be satisfied prior to
development. We can no longer tolerate the protection of Mother Earth
or the livelihood and well-being of our people taking a back-seat to
profit-margins on Bay Street."
We have much work to do together. The First Nation leadership in
Ontario is ready and able to take on this work. We look forward to
clarifying the challenge and the steps ahead together with the
Government of Ontario.
First Nations have advanced our clear position on the duty to consult
and accommodate as directed by the courts. First Nation leadership have
also set out an agenda to engage with the Government of Ontario on
Treaty implementation, land rights including resource revenue sharing
and revising the Ontario Mining Act, and First Nation jurisdiction and
capacity building through joint governance of the New Relationship
Fund. The Premier's announcement is a positive response to this agenda
and an indication that we can begin this work in a respectful and
action-oriented fashion.
Regional Chief Toulouse concluded stating that "I believe that the
stakes are high for everyone right now. We simply can't afford to keep
going down the same old path. The signs in the environment are clear
and so too are they in our communities. Our people are tired and
frustrated with the lack of progress and of being ignored. We've all
seen that conflict is real and very possible. Only through a broad
commitment including engaging First Nation governments at every step of
the way will we be able to see progress. A commitment to land-use
planning and the requirement of First Nation consent in this process is
a critical first step."
