Involve First Nations early to avoid disputes, leaders say – by Rick Garrick (Wawatay News – May 9, 2012)

 http://www.wawataynews.ca/

National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo is calling for First Nations to be involved from the outset in resource development.
 
“Currently, First Nations are often the last to know about major resource development,” Atleo said during his April 23 economics of reconciliation speech at the Canadian Club of Toronto. “This relegates our communities to few options and usually results in confrontation. So we end up with protests and legal battles that frustrate opportunity for everyone and deepen tensions today and in the future.”
 
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Chief Donny Morris said the government has to let his community know when resource development is being discussed for their traditional territory.
 
“We need to be in the driver’s seat,” Morris said. “This is our territory and when two companies are being bought out by the government, obviously there is something there. The government is acknowledging our veto to say no, but it is taking them too long to come to the forefront, where they basically buy out these companies.”
 
The provincial government bought out God’s Lake Resource’s mining claims for $3.5 million on March 29 and Platinex’s mining claims for $5 million in 2008.
 
Although the province also excluded 23,000 square kilometres of land in KI’s traditional territory from mining development in early March, Morris is concerned that more junior mining companies will move into his area once their mining claims in the Ring of Fire mineral exploration area are bought out for production by larger mining companies.
 
“That’s why we have to secure our lakes, rivers, our policies, our consultations,” Morris said. “We need to secure ourselves in those areas to meet the wave that will be coming up this way.”
 
Morris wants to see neighbouring municipalities working with First Nation communities in a coalition to keep more of the benefits of the mining process in the north.
 
“Imagine what kind of boom that would set off,” Morris said. “We (would) have finally our non-native partners recognizing our treaty rights. It would solve a lot of economic issues.”
 
Morris said there is “room enough” for everyone in northwestern Ontario to make a living and get rich.
 
“But that respect of your treaty partner has to be at the forefront,” Morris said. “If the chiefs and mayors got together, it would shift the political aspect of this region.”
 
Atleo also wants First Nations to be involved as full partners in discussions about exploration, ownership, participation and production and long-term sustainability of environments, communities and futures.
 
“Recent federal announcements about streamlining the regulatory process have created further fear and concern for many First Nations,” Atleo said during his economics or reconciliation speech. “Our rights have never been properly addressed in the existing processes. While we can all agree about efficiency, we must see a clear and explicit commitment for our rights and interests to be addressed, as required by the federal constitutional duty.”