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.
