MATAWA CHIEFS’ COUNCIL SUPPORTS THE THREE TREATY NO. 9 FIRST NATIONS LAUNCH OF HISTORIC LAWSUIT AGAINST THE CROWN OF ONTARIO ON FORESTRY IMPACTS AND COMPENSATION
MEDIA RELEASE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2022 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MATAWA CHIEFS’ COUNCIL SUPPORTS THE THREE TREATY NO. 9 FIRST NATIONS LAUNCH OF HISTORIC LAWSUIT AGAINST THE CROWN OF ONTARIO ON FORESTRY IMPACTS AND COMPENSATION
[Thunder Bay, ON] – Following the media announcement by the Brunswick House, Chapleau Cree and Missinabie Cree First Nations earlier this week on the formal filing of their lawsuit against the Crown of Ontario to seek to stop the degradation of the boreal forest and the correction of historic impacts and revenue compensation for forestry and industrial activities on their traditional territories – the Matawa Chiefs Council issued the following statement of support:
“The Matawa Chiefs Council acknowledge and support the efforts and leadership of the plaintiff First Nations on this important and significant lawsuit that will result in a potential decision that will impact all First Nations across James Bay Treaty No. 9 (1905-06 and 1929-30). The land subject to Treaty covered within this lawsuit is where the three First Nations have witnessed the harvesting of the forest and other natural resources without acknowledging or honouring the interests and rights of our People. The resources extracted from James Bay Treaty No. 9 territory to date without our free, prior and informed consent has made significant economic contributions to the economy of Ontario and Canada – in both forestry and mining.
It is time that the land, resources and wealth contributions of James Bay Treaty No. 9 and our First Nations economic interests be acknowledged, recognized and equitably compensated. The Matawa Chiefs Council and member First Nations stand in solidarity with and support the Brunswick House, Chapleau Cree and Missinabie Cree First Nations in this important legal action.”
The Matawa Chiefs Council will continue monitoring this case and outcomes.
QUOTES
“We look forward to the outcome of this case and the financial benefits of the abundant forestry resources that should be shared with our communities. The impacts of forestry and industry in our traditional lands has been significant to the history of our people and communities. Ginoogaming First Nation shares the similar experience in the challenges faced by the plaintiff First Nations now being brought before the court, as we are on the same forestry frontline in our traditional lands and territories.
— Chief Sheri Taylor, Ginoogaming First Nation
“As partner First Nations in the Agoke Development Corporation that manages the Ogoki Forest—we are in support of Brunswick House, Chapleau Cree and Missinabie Cree First Nations in their legal challenge. As James Bay Treaty No. 9 signatories, it is about time that First Nations have a direct role and authority over forest management in our traditional territories and homelands. Right now, as it stands, we encounter human and financial capacity challenges as we try to engage with both economic development and forest management planning processes that are not our own.”
—Chief Bruce Achneepineskum, Marten Falls First Nation
—Chief Sol Atlookan, Eabametoong First Nation
—Chief Dorothy Towedo, Aroland First Nation
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For more information, please contact: Carol Audet, Matawa Communications Manager at: caudet@matawa.on.ca or 1-807-632-9663.