NAN GRAND CHIEF DENOUNCES PROVINCE'S POSITIVE SPIN ON BILL 191

THUNDER BAY, ON, Sept. 14 /CNW/ - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy has officially called foul on the province of Ontario. In recent weeks, leading up to this Thursday's third reading of Bill 191 - The Far North Act in the Provincial Legislature, Ontario has repeatedly attempted to put a positive spin on the Bill attempting to misguide general public understanding of the First Nation perspective on the proposed legislation.

"First Nations, Tribal Councils, and Nishnawbe Aski Nation have repeatedly presented our concerns on Bill 191to the provincial government. To date these recommendations are not reflected in the current amendments," said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy.

In numerous meetings leading up to an August 13, 2010 Emergency Chiefs Assembly in Thunder Bay, NAN leadership consistently stated their position and continuously provided recommendations for changes on the Bill. Despite their best efforts to meet in the middle on various issues, these requests were rejected by the province and the Bill remains on track to be implemented.

On August 31, 2010, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, at the direction of the 49 Chiefs in Assembly, launched an Anti-Bill 191 Campaign to counter the positive spin the province has attempted to place on the issue. NAN Chiefs and their respective membership, totalling more than 45,000 Nishnawbe peoples on and off-reserve unanimously reject Bill 191 - The Far North Act. Though First Nation communities within NAN are conducting land-use-planning activities, this in no way constitutes support of the proposed provincial Bill.

"Community driven land-use-planning is essential in order to determine what areas need to be protected and what areas could be developed. These plans must be properly resourced on a timely basis in order to create opportunities for all future economic activity; more funding is required to ensure proper-planning for an area that spans two-thirds of Ontario. More importantly, First Nations must have final say on land use in their territories" said Beardy.

Beginning tomorrow, Wednesday September 15, 2010 NAN along with supporters including both northern Ontario municipalities and industry will gather in Queen's Park to further state their collective opposition of Bill 191 the Far North Act and demand it's immediate dismissal.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation is a political territorial organization representing 49 First Nation communities in James Bay Treaty 9 and Ontario portions of Treaty 5 - an area covering two thirds of the province of Ontario.

For further information: Deanna Therriault, Director of Communications, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, [phone] or [phone] mobile, or by email [email protected]