The First Nations groups, which include Mushkegowuk Council, Wabun Tribal Council and Grand Council Treaty #3, will share 45% of government revenues from forestry stumpage, 40% of the annual mining tax and royalties from active mines when the agreements were signed, and 45% from future mines in the areas included in the agreements.
The resource revenue sharing will enable First Nations to share in the economic benefits of forestry and mining operations near their communities, stated a release from the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.
The First Nations will have full control to allocate the funds into key initiatives that support economic development, education, health, community and cultural priorities. Altogether, 39 communities will benefit. Mushkegowuk Grand Chief Jonathan Solomon said, “For far too long, we have seen resources extracted from our territory with no benefits except the IBA’s (Impact and Benefit Agreements) with the resource sector.”
Jason Gauthier is the lead negotiator on resource revenue sharing for Mushkegowuk and the chief of Missanabie Cree First nation. He said these agreements are a step in the right direction towards reconciliation.
“Our communities are continuing to take steps towards long term goals to achieve financial independence and sovereign wealth,” said Gauthier. “We as communities can be ambitious in achieving our goals while retaining our position as the stewards of the land and the First Peoples of Turtle Island.”
For the rest of this article: http://www.timminspress.com/2018/05/04/historic-revenue-sharing-agreements-signed-with-first-nations