July 15, 2008 - Following Premier McGuinty's announcement yesterday to protect the Northern Boreal region, Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse stated, "reconciliation and conservation are imperatives for all peoples of Ontario. I am pleased to see the Premier taking steps in this direction."

Regional Chief Toulouse commented that the Ipperwash Inquiry report tabled in May of 2007 continues to point the way forward towards a new relationship -one that is just, fair and recognizes First Nation rights and jurisdiction. As Justice Linden said "we are all Treaty people" - action is required to make this a reality. Such action includes fulfilling the original understanding of mutual respect and harmony in the best interests of both First Nations and the newcomers.

Regional Chief Toulouse added "I take the Premier's words to mean that the evolution of development in this province has to change. This change must bring to an end development driven solely by colonial interests and capital gain."

We must all recognize that environmental preservation as well as justice and recognition are imperatives that must be satisfied prior to development. We can no longer tolerate the protection of Mother Earth or the livelihood and well-being of our people taking a back-seat to profit-margins on Bay Street."

We have much work to do together. The First Nation leadership in Ontario is ready and able to take on this work. We look forward to clarifying the challenge and the steps ahead together with the Government of Ontario.

First Nations have advanced our clear position on the duty to consult and accommodate as directed by the courts. First Nation leadership have also set out an agenda to engage with the Government of Ontario on Treaty implementation, land rights including resource revenue sharing and revising the Ontario Mining Act, and First Nation jurisdiction and capacity building through joint governance of the New Relationship Fund. The Premier's announcement is a positive response to this agenda and an indication that we can begin this work in a respectful and action-oriented fashion.

Regional Chief Toulouse concluded stating that "I believe that the stakes are high for everyone right now. We simply can't afford to keep going down the same old path. The signs in the environment are clear and so too are they in our communities. Our people are tired and frustrated with the lack of progress and of being ignored. We've all seen that conflict is real and very possible. Only through a broad commitment including engaging First Nation governments at every step of the way will we be able to see progress. A commitment to land-use planning and the requirement of First Nation consent in this process is a critical first step."

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For more information please contact:

Pam Hunter (416) 597-1266 or
Policy Advisor (613) 203-3233