Nishnawbe Aski Nation commemorates Treaty 9 Centennial

[Commemorating Treaty 9]

NAN to conclude centennial commemoration of James Bay Treaty 9

THUNDER BAY, ON, Aug. 4, 2006

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) together with Ginoogaming First Nation and Matawa First Nations will conclude the two year commemoration of James Bay Treaty 9 next week in Ginoogaming First Nation.

DATE: Wednesday August 9, 2006

LOCATION: Pow Wow Grounds

Ginoogaming First Nation (Longlac, ON)
Local, regional and national Aboriginal leaders, including the Chiefs of
Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse as well as provincial and federal government officials, including NDP Leader Jack Layton, are expected to attend this final commemorative event.

Some of the highlights of this Main Commemoration 2006 include a
traditional swearing in ceremony of newly elected NAN Executive Council (Grand Chief and three Deputy Grand Chiefs), presentation of a Treaty Report Card, treaty statement signing, and viewing of the original Treaty document.

The various commemorative events hosted by 15 of NAN's 49 First Nation communities throughout 2005 and 2006 have focused on reflecting on the past 100 years, while looking toward the future and building relationships between NAN leadership and the provincial and federal governments as well as community members and grassroots initiatives to improve the quality of life in NAN communities.

Financial support for commemorative events was provided by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor). Corporate sponsors include Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund, Ontario Power Generation, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, RBC Financial Group, Hydro One, Bowater, Old Post Resort and Village, Wasaya Airways LP, and City of Timmins and Economic Development Corporation.

Ginoogaming was the last community to sign James Bay Treaty 9 in 1906. Commemorative events began in Mishkeegogamang First Nation July 12 2005 at the location where the treaty was originally signed in 1905.

James Bay Treaty 9 covers two-thirds of Ontario and is home to
approximately 45,000 First Nations people on-reserve.

For further information: Jenna Young, NAN Director of Communications at
(807) 625-4952 or (807) 628-3953 (mobile)


NAN, City of Timmins, and Timmins Public Library co-host James Bay Treaty 9 display

TIMMINS, ON, July 31, 2006

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) together with the City of Timmins and Timmins Public Library launched a week long display of the original James Bay Treaty 9 document during a news conference at the library this morning.

"The City of Timmins is pleased our library has been chosen as the site
for the display of the original James Bay Treaty 9 document," said City of
Timmins Mayor Victor Power. "First Nations people were in this area long
before there was a City of Timmins and long before there was a discovery of gold. It is important then, that we recognize their contributions over the
years and the culture and traditions that are being represented here."

The 100 year old document is on display in Timmins until August 8th to
coincide with NAN's centennial commemoration events.

Throughout summers of 2005 and 2006, fifteen treaty signatory communities of NAN's 49 First Nations have hosted commemorative events recognizing the historic anniversary of signing James Bay Treaty 9.

"Our people have embraced the opportunity to invite people into our
community to see first-hand our strong tradition and culture and the need to move forward in terms of creating meaningful partnerships to improve the quality of life not only in Mattagami but across NAN territory," said
Mattagami First Nation Chief Willis McKay, one of the 1906 signatory
communities of James Bay Treaty 9.

The various commemorative events hosted in communities across NAN
territory have provided an opportunity to reflect on the past 100 years, while looking toward the future and building relationships between NAN leadership and the provincial and federal governments as well as community members and grassroots initiatives to improve the quality of life for the people of Nishnawbe Aski.

"The centennial of Treaty 9 has given the people of Nishnawbe Aski the
opportunity not only to reflect on the past, but to develop a clear focus of
how we want to move forward as a nation," said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy.

"This anniversary is considered a benchmark in our history - it's time for
both treaty partners, Canada and Ontario, to revisit the original spirit and
intent of the treaty and commit to working together with the people of
Nishnawbe Aski to implement and fulfill the obligations agreed to in 1905 and 1906."

The original treaty document will also be on display during the 2006 Main Commemoration in Ginoogaming First Nation August 9, 2006 where local, regional, and national dignitaries, provincial and federal government
officials, and Aboriginal leaders are expected to attend.

James Bay Treaty 9 covers two-thirds of Ontario and is home to
approximately 45,000 First Nations people on-reserve.

For further information: Kristy Hankila, Communications Assistant,
Nishnawbe Aski Nation, (807) 625 4902, (807) 472-9604 (mobile)


- - - - - - -
Summer of 2006 Celebrations . . .
http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/ ... =6990#6990
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Nishnawbe Aski Nation commemorates Treaty 9 Centennial . . .
(View Photos of this year's celebrations in NAN communities
http://treatyninecommemoration.on.ca/in ... to_gallery? )

"James Bay Treaty No. 9 Centennial Commemoration: A Vision for the Next 100 Years. Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the signing of the James Bay Treaty No.9 between His Majesty King Edward VII and the Nishnawbe Aski First Nations."

Treaty commemoration paddlers to arrive Parliament Hill
(Visit the NAN Treaty 9 Commemoration web site for more details
http://treatyninecommemoration.on.ca )

On Thursday September 15, 2005 Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan
Beardy, along with Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine,
Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse, NAN Chiefs and representatives from the provincial and federal governments, will welcome James Bay Treaty No. 9 Centennial Commemoration paddlers to Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario. (Aboriginal Experiences: Turtle Island Native Village Victoria Island, Ottawa River Ottawa, Ontario)

As part of the centennial commemoration of James Bay Treaty No. 9,
Missanabie Cree Chief Glenn Nolan and a group of nine paddlers have retraced the canoe route of British Commissioners who signed treaty with fifteen of NAN's 49 First Nation communities 100 years ago. The group, which has been paddling since June 21, 2005, has participated in all commemorative events hosted by NAN communities this past summer.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation is a political organization representing 49 First
Nation communities across Northern Ontario. James Bay Treaty No. 9 territory covers two-thirds of Ontario, spanning North of the 51st parallel to the coasts of Hudson's and James bays, east to Quebec's border and west to Manitoba's border.

For further information: Jenna Young, Communications Officer,
Nishnawbe Aski Nation, (807) 625-4952, (807) 628-3953 mobile

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BACKGROUND

NAN's Treaty 9 commemoration . . .
http://treatyninecommemoration.on.ca

Previous reports on this subject . . .
http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/ ... php?t=1267

http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/ ... php?p=1992

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The following is the text from the original James Bay Treaty No.9 as signed by the Chiefs and the representatives of the Queen.

ARTICLES OF A TREATY made and concluded at the several dates mentioned therein, in the year of Our Lord one thousand and nine hundred and five, between His Most Gracious Majesty the King of Great Britain and Ireland, by His Commissioners, Duncan Campbell Scott, of Ottawa, Ontario, Esquire, and Samuel Stewart, of Ottawa, Ontario, Esquire; and Daniel George MacMartin, of Perth, Ontario, Esquire, representing the province of Ontario, of the one part; and the Ojibeway, Cree and other Indians, inhabitants of the territory within the limits hereinafter defined and described, by their chiefs, and headmen hereunto subscribed, of the other part: --

Whereas, the Indians inhabiting the territory hereinafter defined have been convened to meet a commission representing His Majesty's government of the Dominion of Canada at certain places in the said territory in this present year of 1905, to deliberate upon certain matters of interest to His Most Gracious Majesty, of the one part, and the said Indians of the other.

And, whereas, the said Indians have been notified and informed by His Majesty's said commission that it is His desire to open for settlement, immigration, trade, travel, mining, lumbering, and such other purposes as to His Majesty may seem meet, a tract of country, bounded and described as hereinafter mentioned, and to obtain the consent thereto of His Indian subjects inhabiting the said tract, and to make a treaty and arrange with them, so that there may be peace and good-will between them and His Majesty's other subjects, and that His Indian people may know and be assured of what allowances they are to count upon and receive from His Majesty's bounty and benevolence.

And whereas, the Indians of the said tract, duly convened in council at the respective points named hereunder, and being requested by His Majesty's commissioners to name certain chiefs and headmen who should be authorized on their behalf to conduct such negotiations and sign any treaty to be found thereon, and to become responsible to His Majesty for the faithful performance by their respective bands of such obligations as shall be assumed by them, the said Indians have therefore acknowledged for that purpose the several chiefs and headmen who have subscribed hereto.

And whereas, the said commissioners have proceeded to negotiate a treaty with the Ojibeway, Cree and other Indians, inhabiting the district hereinafter defined and described, and the same has been agreed upon, and concluded by the respective bands at the dates mentioned hereunder, the said Indians do hereby cede, release, surrender and yield up to the government of the Dominion of Canada, for His Majesty the King and His successors for ever, all their rights titles and privileges whatsoever, to the lands included within the following limits, that is to say: That portion or tract of land lying and being in the province of Ontario, bounded on the south by the height of land and the northern boundaries of the territory ceded by the Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850, and the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850, and bounded on the east and north by the boundaries of the said province of Ontario as defined by law, and on the west by a part of the eastern boundary of the territory ceded by the Northwest Angle Treaty No. 3; the said land containing an area of ninety thousand square miles, more or less.

And also, the said Indian rights, titles and privileges whatsoever to all other lands wherever situated in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, the District of Keewatin, or in any other portion of the Dominion of Canada.

To have and to hold the same to His Majesty the King and His successors for ever.

And His Majesty the King hereby agrees with the said Indians that they shall have the right to pursue their usual vocations of hunting, trapping and fishing throughout the tract surrendered as heretofore described, subject to such regulations as may from time to time be made by the government of the country, acting under the authority of His Majesty, and saving and excepting such tracts as may be required or taken up from time to time for settlement, mining, lumbering, trading or other purposes.

And His Majesty the King hereby agrees and undertakes to lay aside reserves for each band, the same not to exceed in all one square mile for each family of five, or in that proportion for larger and smaller families; and the location of the said reserves having been arranged between His Majesty's commissioners and the chiefs and headmen, as described in the schedule of reserves hereto attached, the boundaries thereof to be hereafter surveyed and defined, the said reserves when confirmed shall be held and administered by His Majesty for the benefit of the Indians free of all claims, liens, or trusts by Ontario.

Provided, however, that His Majesty reserves the right to deal with any settlers within the bounds of any lands reserved for any band as He may see fit; and also that the aforesaid reserves of land, or any interest therein, may be sold or otherwise disposed of by His Majesty's government for the use and benefit of the said Indians entitled thereto, with their consent first had and obtained; but in no wise shall the said Indians, or any of them, be entitled to sell or otherwise alienate any of the lands allotted to them as reserves.

It is further agreed between His said Majesty and His Indian subjects that such portions of the reserves and lands above indicated as may at any time be required for public works, buildings, railways, or roads of whatsoever nature may be appropriated for that purpose by His Majesty's government of the Dominion of Canada, due compensation being made to the Indians for the value of improvements thereon, and an equivalent in land, money or other consideration for the area of the reserve so appropriated.

And with a view to show the satisfaction of His Majesty with the behaviour and good conduct of His Indians, and in extinguishment of all their past claims, He hereby, through His commissioners, agrees to make each Indian a present of eight dollars in cash.

His Majesty also agrees that next year, and annually afterwards for ever, He will cause to be paid to the said Indians in cash, at suitable places and dates, of which the said Indians shall be duly notified, four dollars, the same, unless there be some exceptional reason, to be paid only to the heads of families for those belonging thereto.

Further, His Majesty agrees that each chief, after signing the treaty, shall receive a suitable flag and a copy of this treaty to be for the use of his band.

Further, His Majesty agrees to pay such salaries of teachers to instruct the children of said Indians, and also to provide such school buildings and educational equipment as may seem advisable to His Majesty's government of Canada.

And the undersigned Ojibeway, Cree and other chiefs and headmen, on their own behalf and on behalf of all the Indians whom they represent, do hereby solemnly promise and engage to strictly observe this treaty, and also to conduct and behave themselves as good and loyal subjects of His Majesty the King.

They promise and engage that they will, in all respects, obey and abide by the law; that they will maintain peace between each other and between themselves and other tribes of Indians, and between themselves and others of His Majesty's subjects, whether Indians, half-breeds or whites, this year inhabiting and hereafter to inhabit any part of the said ceded territory; and that they will not molest the person or property of any inhabitant of such ceded tract, or of any other district or country, or interfere with or trouble any person passing or travelling through the said tract, or any part thereof, and that they will assist the officers of His Majesty in bringing to justice and punishment any Indian offending against the stipulations of this treaty, or infringing the law in force in the country so ceded.

And it is further understood that this treaty is made and entered into subject to an agreement dated the third day of July, nineteen hundred and five, between the Dominion of Canada and Province of Ontario, which is hereto attached.

In witness whereof, His Majesty's said commissioners and the said chiefs and headmen have hereunto set their hands at the places and times set forth in the year herein first above written.

Signed at Osnaburg on the twelfth day of July, 1905, by His Majesty's commissioners and the chiefs and headmen in the presence of the undersigned witnesses, after having been first interpreted and explained.

Witnesses: THOMAS CLOUSTON RAE, C.T.,
Hudsons Bay Co.
ALEX. GEORGE MEINDL, M.D.
JABEZ WILLIAMS, Commis,
H. B. Co. DUNCAN CAMPBELL SCOTT.
SAMUEL STEWART.
DANIEL GEORGE MACMARTIN.
MISSABAY,
his x mark
THOMAS his x mark MISSABAY.
GEORGE his x mark WAHWAASHKUNG.
KWIASH,
his x mark.
NAHOKEESIC,
his x mark
OOMBASH,
his x mark
DAVID his x mark SKUNK.
JOHN his x mark SKUNK
THOMAS his x mark PANACHEESE.


Signed at Fort Hope on the nineteenth day of July, 1905, by His Majesty's commissioners and the chiefs and headmen in the presence of the undersigned witnesses, after having been first interpreted and explained.

Witnesses:

F.X. FARARD, O.M.I.
THOMAS CLOUSTON RAE.
ALEX. GEORGE MEINDL. M.D.
CHAS. H.M. GORDON,H. B. Co. YESNO,
his x mark
DANIEL GEORGE MACMARTIN
SAMUEL STEWART.
DUNCAN CAMPBELL SCOTT.
GEORGE his x mark NAMAY.
WENANGASIE his x mark DRAKE.
GEORGE his x mark QUISEES.
KATCHANG,
his x mark
MOONIAS,
his x mark
JOE his x mark GOODWIN.
ABRAHAM his x mark ATLOOKAN.
HARRY his x mark OOSKINEEGISH.
NOAH his x mark NESHINAPAIS
JOHN A. his x mark ASHPANAQUESHKUN.
JACOB his x mark RABBIT.


Signed at Marten Falls on the twenty-fifth day of July, 1905, by His Majesty's commissioners and the chief and headmen in the presence of the undersigned witnesses, after having been first interpreted and explained.

Witnesses:

THOMAS CLOUSTON RAE, C.T.,
H. B. Co.
ALEX GEORGE MEINDL, M.D.
SAMUEL ISERHOFF. DUNCAN CAMPBELL SCOTT.
SAMUEL STEWART.
DANIEL GEORGE MACMARTIN.
WILLIAM his x mark WHITEHEAD.
WILLIAM his x mark COASTER.
DAVID his x mark KNAPAYSWET.
OSTAMAS his x mark LONG TOM.
WILLIAM his x mark WEENJACK


Signed at Fort Albany on the third day of August, 1905, by His Majesty's commissioners and the chiefs and headmen in the presence of the undersigned witnesses, after having been first interpreted and explained.

Witnesses:

THOMAS CLOUSTON RAE,
C.T. H. B. Co.
G.W. COCKRAM.
A.W. PATTERSON.
ALEX. GEORGE MEINDL, M.D.
JOSEPH PATTERSON.
MINNIE COCKRAM. DUNCAN CAMPBELL SCOTT.
SAMUEL STEWART.
DANIEL GEORGE MACMARTIN.
CHARLIE his x mark STEPHEN.
PATRICK his x mark STEPHEN.
DAVID GEO. his x mark WYNNE.
ANDREW his x markWESLEY.
JACOB his x mark TAHTAIL.
JOHN his x markWESLEY.
XAVIER his x mark BIRD.
PETER his x mark SACKANEY
WM. his x mark GOODWIN.
SAML. his x mark SCOTT.


Signed at Moose Factory on the ninth day of August, 1905, by His Majesty's commissioners and the chiefs and headmen in the presence of the undersigned witnesses, after having been first interpreted and explained.

Witnesses:

GEORGE MOOSONEE.
THOMAS CLOUSTON RAE, C.T.
JOHN GEORGE MOWAT,
H. B. Co.
THOMAS BIRD HOLLAND, B.A.
JAMES PARKINSON. DUNCAN CAMPBELL SCOTT.
SAMUEL STEWART.
DANIEL GEORGE MACMARTIN.
SIMON his x mark SMALLBOY.
GEORGE his x mark TAPPAISE.
HENRY SAILOR, Signed in Cree syllabic
JOHN NAKOGEE, Signed in Cree syllabic
JOHN DICK, Signed in Cree syllabic
SIMON QUATCHEWAN, Signed in Cree syllabic
JOHN JEFFRIES, Signed in Cree syllabic
FRED MARK, Signed in Cree syllabic
HENRY UTAPPE,
his x mark
SIMON CHEENA,


his x mark

Signed at New Post on the twenty-first day of August, 1905, by His Majesty's commissioners and the chiefs and headmen in the presence of the undersigned witnesses, after having been first interpreted and explained.

Witnesses:

THOMAS CLOUSTON RAE, C.T., H. B. Co.
SYDNEY BLENKARNE BARRETT,
H. B. Co.
JOSEPH LOUIS VANASSE. DUNCAN CAMPBELL SCOTT.
SAMUEL STEWART.
DANIEL GEORGE MACMARTIN.
ANGUS his x mark WEENUSK.
JOHN his x mark LUKE.
WILLIAM his x mark GULL.


Signed at Abitibi on the seventh day of June, 1906, by His Majesty's commissioners and the chiefs and headmen in the presence of the undersigned witnesses, after having been first interpreted and explained.

Witnesses:

GEORGE DREVER.
ALEX. GEORGE MEINDL, M.D.
PELHAM EDGAR.
DUNCAN CAMPBELL SCOTT.
SAMUEL STEWART.
LOUIS his x mark MCDOUGALL.
ANDREW his x mark MCDOUGALL.
OLD his x mark CHEESE.
MICHEL his x mark PENATOUCHE.
LOUI MACDOUGALL.
ANTOINE PENATOUCHE.


Signed at Matachewan on the twentieth day of June, 1906, by His Majesty's commissioners and the chiefs and headmen in the presence of the undersigned witnesses, after having been first interpreted and explained.

Witnesses:

PELHAM EDGAR.
GEORGE NOMTEITH.
ALEX. GEORGE MEINDL, M.D.
DUNCAN CAMPBELL SCOTT.
SAMUEL STEWART.
DANIEL GEORGE MACMARTIN.
MICHEL his x mark. BATISE.
ROUND his x mark EYES
THOMAS his x mark FOX.
JIMMY his x mark PIERCE.


Signed at Mattagami on the seventh day of July, 1906, by His Majesty's commissioners and the chiefs and headmen in the presence of the undersigned witnesses, after having been first interpreted and explained.

Witnesses:

JOS. MILLER.
PELHAM EDGAR.
A.M.C. BANTING
KENNETH ROSS. DUNCAN CAMPBELL SCOTT.
SAMUEL STEWART.
DANIEL GEORGE MACMARTIN.
ANDREW his x markLUKE.
JOSEPH SHEMEKET Signed in syllabic characters.
THOMAS CHICKEN Signed in syllabic characters.
JAMES NEVUE Signed in syllabic characters.


Signed at Flying Post on the sixteenth day of July, 1906, by His Majesty's commissioners and the chiefs and headmen in the presence of the undersigned witnesses, after having been first interpreted and explained.

Witnesses:

A.J. MCLEOD.
PELHAM EDGAR.
ALEX. GEORGE MEINDL, M.D.
JOSEPH LOUIS VANASSE. DUNCAN CAMPBELL SCOTT. SAMUEL STEWART.
DANIEL GEORGE MACMARTIN.
ALBERT BLACK ICE Signed in syllabic characters.
JOHN ISSAC Signed in syllabic characters.
WILLIAM FROG Signed in syllabic characters.
THOMAS FROG Signed in syllabic characters.


Signed at New Brunswick House on the twenty-fifth day of July, 1906, by His Majesty's commissioners and the chiefs and headmen in the presence of the undersigned witnesses, after having been first interpreted and explained.

Witnesses:

GEORGE MONSONEE.
JAMES G. CHRISTIE.
GRACE MCTAVISH.
CLAUDE D. OWENS
PELHAM EDGAR.
EDMUND MORRIS. DUNCAN CAMPBELL SCOTT.
SAMUEL STEWART.
DANIEL GEORGE MACMARTIN.
ALEX. PEEKETAY Signed in syllabic characters.
POOTOOSH, his x mark.
PETER MITIGONABIE, his x mark
TOM NESHWABUN Signed in syllabic characters.
JACOB WINDABAIE Signed in syllabic characters.


Signed at Long Lake on the ninth day of August, 1906, by His Majesty's commissioners and the chiefs and headmen in the presence of the undersigned witnesses, after having been first interpreted and explained.

Witnesses:

H.A. TREMAYNE.
ISABELLA TREMAYNE.
P. GODCHERE.
PELHAM EDGAR. DUNCAN CAMPBELL SCOTT.
SAMUEL STEWART.
DANIEL GEORGE MACMARTIN.
KWAKIGIGICKWEANG Signed in syllabic characters. KENESWABE Signed in syllabic characters.
MATAWAGAN Signed insyllabic characters
ODAGAMEA Signed in syllabic characters.

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[Treaty Celebration]

James Bay Treaty No. 9 Centennial Commemoration:
A Vision for the Next 100 Years
http://treatyninecommemoration.on.ca/index.php/history

Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the signing of the James Bay Treaty No.9 between His Majesty King Edward VII and the Nishnawbe Aski First Nations.

Please Join Us Summer 2006!

During the final year of centennial events commemorating the James Bay Treaty No. 9, the Chiefs of Nishnawbe Aski Nation invite you to participate in events hosted by signatory communities, while reflecting on the profound effect the treaty has had on the development of the province of Ontario and Canada as a whole.

Throughout summer 2006 the following eight Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities will commemorate on their respective signing dates:

* Wahgoshig (Abitibi) - June 7, 2006
* Matachewan - June 20, 2006
* Mattagami - July 7, 2006
* Flying Post - July 16, 2006
* Ojibeways of Chapleau - July 21, 2006
* Chapleau Cree - July 22, 2006
* Brunswick House - July 25, 2006
* Ginoogaming - August 9, 2006

Please join us during presentations from First Nation leaders and the provincial and federal governments, traditional ceremonies and feasts, public tours and entertainment as we conclude our commemoration of this historic event!

Take an Interactive Map Tour of Treaty 9 . . .
http://treatyninecommemoration.on.ca/virtualmap.swf

[Commemoration Denounced!]

Treaty no. 9 of 1906: Commemoration denounced by the Chief of the Abitibiwinni Nation

"Waiting 100 years is enough! The Abitibiwinnik have lost patience..."
- Chief Harry McDougall

PIKOGAN, QC, June 7, 2006

A commemorative ceremony is taking place today in the municipality of Gallichan in relation to the signing of Treaty no. 9 of 1906 between the federal government and the Abitibi First Nations of Ontario and Quebec. For Chief Harry McDougall of the Abitibiwinni Nation, this is an opportunity to expose a treaty that has deprived his people from their "inherent right to self-determination".

"Can we really believe that after only a few hours of discussion by a
handful of people who were not even speaking the same language, with a trading post clerk acting as interpreter and nobody knowing for sure if he fluently spoke the languages used (...) that after a few hours or maybe minutes of discussion between these individuals, a whole people had understood that putting an "X" on a piece of paper meant the end of our way of life and customs, and this, forever?", vigorously denounced Chief McDougall, referring to an exhaustive anthropological study conducted by anthropologist Jacques Frenette, Ph.D.

It is mainly based on the lack of respect for the customs and traditions
of the Lake Abitibi First Nations in Ontario and more specifically in Quebec
that Chief Harry McDougall questions the true intentions of the federal
government of the time.

"(...) they had the people sign the document, after which it was realised
that the signatories had no authority to do so. The day after the treaty was
signed, they managed to have the community people appoint the signatories as their official representatives.", says Chief McDougall. He is of the opinion that the federal government did not act in good faith during the negotiations leading to the signing of Treaty no. 9, which was signed 100 years ago.

The Abitibiwinni Chief asks the federal government to remedy the
injustices committed by the federal Crown when the agreement of June 22nd 1908 was signed. Also, the Abitibiwinni and Wahgoshig Nations jointly claim lands and compensations retroactive to June 1906.

He also asks that the federal government hear their claims and accept to
negotiate in good faith. "This is what a nation-to-nation treaty should be",
Chief McDougall concludes.

The Abitibiwinni First Nation represents its members from the community
of Pikogan which is located 5 kilometers at the north of the town of Amos,
Quebec.

For further information: Chief Harry McDougall, (819) 732-6591; Source:
Abitibiwinni First Nation Council
http://www.pikogan.com/

[James Bay Treaty Nine]

NAN, City of Timmins, and Timmins Public Library to host James Bay Treaty 9 Display

THUNDER BAY, ON, July 27, 2006

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) together with the City of Timmins and Timmins Public Library will host a news conference to launch a week long display of the original James Bay Treaty 9 document July 31st through August 4th.

DATE:
Monday July 31, 2006


TIME:
11:00 a.m.


LOCATION:
Timmins Public Library
320 Second Avenue
Timmins, ON

The display is part of Nishnawbe Aski Nation's two year centennial
commemoration of James Bay Treaty 9 which concludes August 9, 2006 in
Ginnogaming First Nation.

The original treaty document will also be on display during the 2006 Main Commemoration in Ginoogaming.

Commemorative events hosted by 15 of NAN's 49 First Nation communities who signed treaty in 1905 and 1906 throughout the past two summers have provided an opportunity to reflect on the past 100 years, while looking toward the future and building relationships between NAN leadership and the provincial and federal governments. Other opportunities include involvement by community members and grassroots initiatives to improve the quality of life in NAN communities.

James Bay Treaty 9 covers two-thirds of Ontario and is home to
approximately 45,000 First Nations people on-reserve.

For further information: Kristy Hankila, Communications Assistant -
Nishnawbe Aski Nation, at (807) 625-4902, or (807) 476-9604 (mobile)