ONTARIO REGIONAL CHIEF SUPPORTS NISHNAWBE-ASKI NATION IN THEIR OPPOSITION TO
PROVINCIAL BILL 191

TORONTO, Sept. 16 /CNW/ - On September 15th and 16th, the First Nations of the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation and their supporters will rally at the Queen's Park legislature to demonstrate their opposition to Ontario Bill 191 "An Act with respect to land use planning and protection in the Far North".

Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse joined the rally on September 16th to show his support and solidarity with the First Nations of the far north in their efforts to protect their homelands. "Bill 191 proposes to set aside 225,000 square kilometres of far north as a protected area. The Ontario government made this decision without agreement from the affected First Nations," stated the Regional Chief. Chief Toulouse indicates that the First Nations of the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation have Treaties with the Crown that must be respected in accordance with the Canadian Constitution and Supreme Court of Canada decisions that clearly set out obligations for governments with respect to the duty to consult and accommodate First Nations when a particular action may impact First Nation Aboriginal and Treaty rights.

Regional Chief Toulouse emphasized that many First Nations in this province struggle with high unemployment, substandard housing and infrastructure, and little economic activity. By attempting to eliminate a significant portion of the traditional territory of many First Nations by a forced designation of protected land through Bill C-191, it will threaten the ability of affected First Nations to pursue economic and resource development activities on such lands in the future should they wish to do so.

Chief Toulouse encouraged the Ontario government to consider all options to end the impasse that the parties find themselves in. Chief Toulouse stated the government needs to understand that First Nations assert jurisdiction within their own territories, and that they want the government to recognize First Nation autonomy with respect to land use planning within their traditional territories. "I believe this can be worked out with good faith dialogue and a willingness on the part of government to ensure that the First Nations feel that their perspectives are taken into account and that their Treaty rights are being recognized and respected," said Chief Toulouse.

For further information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Officer, Ph: 416-580-9320, Email: [email protected]