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Nipissing First Nation (ICC) 9-08
First Nations in Ontario are embarking on a new process to build their economies by negotiating a new forestry deal with the Government of Ontario.
Recently the Anishinabek Nation announced the establishment of Forestry Framework Agreement negotiations with the Ministry of Natural Resources that will enable their 42 member First Nations to have better access to forest allocations as well as stronger involvement in forest management planning, opportunities for economic development and capacity building.
“Our goal is to be a more active participant in the resource-based
economy by solidifying our involvement in forest industry,” said Grand
Council Chief John Beaucage. “These forestry negotiations mark a
significant milestone for our Anishinabek Forestry Commission and the
development of a sustainable, First Nations economy.”
The concept of a Forestry Framework Agreement was the brainchild of
the recently established Anishinabek Forestry Commission, which was
mandated to provide recommendations to the Grand Council Chief and the
42 First Nation Chiefs of the Anishinabek Nation on all matters related
to forestry policy, forest management and economic matters related to
the industry. The Commission consists of First Nation representatives
from each of the four regions of the Anishinabek Nation territory.
“Through this negotiation process we will ensure that we protect
and implement our treaty right to the forest resources, ensure we
obtain benefit in the forest industry and ensure our policy proposals
and alternatives are implemented within Ontario’s forest management
regime,” said Chief Commissioner Wilfred King, who is chairperson of
the Anishinabek Forestry Commission.
Grand Council Chief Beaucage says the Anishinabek Nation is well
aware of the pressures being faced by the forest industry illustrated
by mill closures, job losses and dwindling profit margins. However, he
says that “First Nations are poised to enable a new way of doing
business in the forest industry through community-based forestry
operations.”
“There are still many challenges to overcome, namely the
sustainability of the forest sector,” said Beaucage. “These
negotiations will look at new ways of doing business. The big-business
monopolies of the past need to make way to enable small business and
community-based opportunities.”
An agreement on a forestry framework will be a significant
achievement considering the low-level of Anishinabek participation in
the Ontario forest sector currently. Historically, Ontario’s forest
policy has been reactionary to First Nations involvement, having to
abide by regulatory terms and conditions, Supreme Court decisions on
consultation and other factors. A new Forestry Framework Agreement will
commit the Government over the long term, to make policy change and
take a proactive approach which will strengthen and institutionalize
the role of Anishinabek communities in forest management.
Marci Becking
Communications Officer
Union of Ontario Indians
(705) 497-9127 ext. 2290
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