Response to Ontario Bill 191 the Far North Act

Resolution No. 2009-08-08

Response to Ontario Bill 191: The Far North Act

WHEREAS the First Nations of Mushkegowuk have always maintained their inherent right to govern themselves, their territories and their resources; and

WHERES the Mushkegowuk First Nations in Assembly passed Resolution 2008-11-13 regarding Territorial Mapping and Land Use Planning wherein they agreed to the mapping and planning of the entire Mushkegowuk territories; and

WHEREAS the Ontario Government passed First Reading of Bill 191: The Far North Act, and

WHEREAS Bill 191 would directly impact the Mushkegowuk and their governance of their territories by dividing the Mushkegowuk territories; by allowing the continuation of staking and exploration activities without First Nation consent; by consolidating power over planning under the Ministry of Natural Resources; by the creation of an arbitrary goal of creating protected areas; and by making firm provisions for adequate funding of the process;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Mushkegowuk First Nations will not accept Bill 191 until such time as there has been adequate consultation and dialogue over the Act including the addressing of the above concerns; and

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the office of the Grand Chief shall lead a coordinated response to Bill 191 and ensure that the concerns of the Mushkegowuk are presented to the Ministers of the Crown in Ontario.

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