Chiefs Panel on Our Homelands

Resolution No. 2012-09-14

Chiefs Panel on Our Homelands

WHEREAS this Mamowihitowin of the Omushkegowuk included a Panel of Chiefs discussing: "Our Homelands: Is Consultation and Accommodation Enough?" which included the following key messages:

Consultation and Accommoddation can only be meaningful if they include the right of Mushkegowuk First Nations to give or withhold consent

We need our own constitution, laws, policies and structures

It is time we to take back control of our lands and resources

We must be aware of and utilize court decisions upholding our rights

We need to think and act as a government

Consultation and radification must happen with the Omushkegowuk citizens

We must develop land use plans and be prepared and be prepared to co-manage our lands

We need better ways of addressing compensation and other concerns than Impact and Benefits Agreements (IBAs)

Agreements must not only include employment and training but also address social issues, environmental monitoring and be built on our values, priorities and principles

There is a price to be paid by others wishing to utilize Omushkegowk resources

We need to stay ahead of development and companies and be prepared with our positions, policies and draft agreements

We need to develop strategies to ensure compliance with agreements

We need regional and First Nation protocols built in unity

We must stand united and not be divided

We must learn from each other and our past mistakes and look for best practices

We need to develop revenue sharing strategies to become self­sufficient at a regional and community level

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this Mamowihitowin of the Omushkegowuk directs the Office of the Grand Chief to take the thoughts of the Panel of Chiefs into consideration in the continuing efforts to re-establish and expand the Mushkegowuk Nation's control, protection and development of our homelands.

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