Disrespectful legislation being imposed on First Nations

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April 13, 2011
NAN SAYS ONTARIO DOES NOT TAKE FIRST NATIONS CONCERNS SERIOUSLY IN THE INTRODUCTION OF BILL 151

THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy says the introduction of Bill 151 – Ontario’s Forest Tenure Modernization Act, largely fails First Nations and is yet another decision unilaterally made in a long string of disrespectful legislation being imposed on First Nations.

“It is very clear that Ontario does not take the concerns of First Nations seriously with regards to the forestry tenure reform process as, yet again, Ontario solicits input, then unilaterally makes decisions without consideration of those who are directly impacted,” said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy.

In November 2010, a meeting was held involving NAN, other First Nation leadership, and the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry (MNDMF) to discuss points of concern regarding Ontario’s forestry tenure review process.

MNDMF committed to recognizing and addressing three key areas of concern for First Nations:
a) To actively seek input from First Nations and further, recommendations would be developed;
b) To consider other forestry tenure models including community managed forests.
c) Recognition would be given to Aboriginal and Treaty rights, and the duty of the Crown to consult, in whatever legislation which is developed.

MNDMF reneged on commitments made to NAN in the introduction of Bill 151 as it does not contain information on working with First Nations, nor’ gives any recognition to Aboriginal and Treaty rights. In addition, the two new forest tenure models being pursued by MNDMF does not allow for community managed forests and does not allow for the consultation and accommodation of First Nations.

“The best approach is to implement a community forestry tenure system putting First Nations in charge of managing forests on their homelands,” said Beardy. “With the introduction of Bill 151, it is blatantly obvious that Ontario has no intentions of making good on its commitments therefore, it is nearly impossible to work towards a meaningful relationship.”

On Monday April 11, 2011, Beardy made his concerns known once again in a letter sent to MNDMF.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation is a political territorial organization representing 49 First Nation communities in James Bay Treaty No. 9 and Ontario portions of Treaty No. 5 – an area covering two thirds of the province of Ontario.
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For more information please contact Amy Harris, Director of Communications – Nishnawbe Aski Nation (807) 625-4906 or (807) 252-2806 mobile or by email aharris@nan.on.ca.

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Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

NAN CONTINUES OPPOSITION TO ONTARIO'S NEW FORESTRY MODERNIZATION ACT
by Randi-Lisa Quedent

5/19/2011

THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy says community forestry will play a vital role in the revitalization of Northwestern Ontario’s economy. He made the remarks today following this week’s decision by the Government of Ontario to push Bill 151 – Ontario’s Forest Tenure Modernization Act through Third Reading, a Bill which NAN has and will continue to adamantly and publically oppose.

“With Bill 151, the Province of Ontario is completely cutting-out the say of First Nations and Northerners in how they see the forests managed. Our region has taken so many economic hits, forestry included, we would have thought that Ontario would be looking at the best possible way to revitalize our Northern economy by putting more people back to work but instead are again taking the control away from people at the grass-roots level,” said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy. “Community-lead forestry would not only provide a say in how the forests are managed, but also widen the scope on economic opportunity, meaning more jobs. It would offer a more sustainable future for our First Nations.”

Bill 151 focuses on the establishment of Local Forest Management Corporations, which represent a new forest tenure model. A second forest tenure model, Enhanced Shareholder Sustainable Forestry License will be a focus of Ontario in the future. Both models do not take into account the concerns continually outlined by First Nations. Neither model allows for community-managed forests, nor does either allow for the consultation and accommodation of First Nations rights and interests and challenges the right of the free, prior and informed consent as clearly laid out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The Bill was rammed-through Third Reading this week undermining First Nations in their right to be adequately consulted and accommodated with their concerns on any matters affecting the lands and resources in their traditional homelands. Despite the Bill not containing language to promote community forestry, NAN will continue to advocate on behalf of First Nations for community forestry and continue to oppose Bill 151.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation is a political territorial organization representing 49 First Nation communities in James Bay Treaty No. 9 and Ontario portions of Treaty No. 5 – an area covering two thirds of the province of Ontario.