Chronology of Events - Lands for Life

• 1996, Ontario Government, through the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM) announces its "North of 51" initiative to address resource development and related infrastructure needs in remote areas north of the 51st parallel;
• Upon invitation from Deputy Minister Don Obonsawin, MNDM, NAN Executives undertake a series of exploratory meetings with the Ministry to discuss the initiative;
• February, 1997 - NAN Chiefs' Resolution 97/19 on "Resource Development opportunities in the NAN Territory" mandates the Executive to enter into discussions on a 'protocol agreement respecting resource development issues;
• February 1997 - Ontario announces Lands for Life, a public consultation process on land-use planning for Ontario Crown lands within the Area of Undertaking
• On-going meetings between NAN and NAN Economic Development Council/ Lands and Resources Steering Committee; NAN and MNDM;
• NAN Chiefs' Resolution 97/70 nominates two former Grand Chiefs for appointment by Ontario on the Boreal East and West round Tables on Lands for Life
• November 6, 1997 - Grand Chief Fox and other Chiefs of Ontario, PPC members meet with Premier Mike Harris to discuss First Nation issues impacted by Ontario's policies and legislation, including lands and resources issues in the NAN Territory;
• November 19, 1997 - NAN Chiefs' Resolution 97/98 on "NAN-Ontario Lands and Resources Process" refines mandate to Executive regarding the negotiation of the 'Protocol Agreement' with Ontario;
• December 1997 - Cabinet approval of "North of 51" initiative;
• January-February 1998 - Ongoing discussions between NAN and MNDM re: Protocol Agreement; Discussions cease after Draft # 8, February 4, 1998;
• February 1998 - Ontario backs away from "NAN First Nation access to resources" and "governance issues";
• NAN Negotiators begin alternative option to develop a series of drafts of an "Interim Agreement on Economic Development" between NAN and Ontario;
• March-May, 1998 - Mounting concerns are expressed by NAN First Nations and Tribal Council representatives on this new direction in terms of mandate and potential detrimental impacts on Aboriginal, Treaty and Inherent Rights;
• At special caucus meetings and consultations with NAN Chiefs and Tribal Council Representatives, the NAN Executive takes decisions to put on hold all discussions and negotiations with Ontario;
• July 3, 1998 - Special Executive Council Meeting with Tribal Chairs takes place in Thunder Bay to discuss and jointly plan the agenda for the Special NAN Chiefs Conference on Lands and Resources;
• July 7-9, 1998 - Special NAN Chiefs Conference on Lands and Resources, Airlane Hotel, Thunder Bay, Ontario; NAN Chiefs approve a Strategic Action Plan on Lands and Resources including a draft resolution tabled for the Keewaywin Conference, August 11-13, 1998;
• July 10, 1998 - Grand Chief Fox and four NAN Chiefs hold press conference announcing the withdrawal of the two NAN members appointed by Ontario on the "Lands for Life", Boreal East and West Round Tables; Confirmation letters are sent to Premier Mike Harris and MNR Minister John Snobelen requesting a meeting with NAN by July 21, 1998;
• On July 21, 1998 a press conference was held in Toronto, Ontario. at Queens Park Press Gallery. Grand Chiefs Charles Fox, Grand Chief Vern Roote, Grand Chief Frances Kavanaugh, Grand Chief Doug Maracle and Regional Chief Tom Bressette were all in attendance to denounce the Lands for Life process.
• Conference call with Minister John Snobelen, Grand Chief Charles Fox along with other Chiefs on August 7, 1998. There was again no committment to deal with Lands and Resources issues on a government to government basis.
• There has been no further dialogue or development since.