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THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO (April 10, 2006) - First Nations
in Ontario will now receive increased benefits from trapping activities
in their traditional territories following agreements signed with the
Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario.
Today, the Anishinabek Nation, Grand Council Treaty No. 3 and Nishnawbe
Aski Nation announced the signing of trapping harmonization agreements
with the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada.
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor
for Métis and Non-Status Indians, the Honourable Jim Prentice, said the
agreement "presents an excellent opportunity to work together through
co-operative dialogue to strengthen relationships, and to build a better
future for First Nations people."
Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief John Beaucage described the agreement
as "key to maintaining good working relationships with our partners in
order to uphold mutual values of conservation as joint stewards of Mother
Earth."
Grand Council Treaty No. 3 Ogichidaa Arnold Gardner said, "This step
towards a renewed relationship based on the laws of Canada and the inherent
laws of the Anishinaabe will promote better relations for the next generations
of our diverse cultures."
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy called the agreement "the
starting point in managing our renewable resources, creating a partnership
with both levels of government so that we can continue to resolve conflicting
policies and laws affecting the lives of the people in our territory."
"These agreements are good examples of how Ontario is promoting more
effective relationships between First Nations, Canada and Ontario, and
reflect our government's commitment to strong, prosperous Aboriginal communities,"
said Ontario Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for
Aboriginal Affairs, the Honourable David Ramsay.
The trapping harmonization agreements will allow these First Nations
organizations to:
issue trapping licences to members;
address the current royalties system from the sale of furs;
provide training to individuals who want to qualify for first-time
trapping licences; and
administer trap-line allocations in traditional territories.
Negotiations with the Government of Ontario dealing with the management
and administration of trapping within traditional territories have been
under way since 1993 (in the case of Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Grand Council
Treaty #3) and 1998 (in the case of the Anishinabek Nation). More information
about the history of the negotiations can be found in the attached Backgrounder,
"Ontario Trapping Harmonization Agreements."
The Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada provided funding
for negotiations and implementation of the trapping harmonization agreements,
as well as technical support and information.
For further information, please contact:
Tony Prudori
Acting Senior Information Officer
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(807) 624-1535
Steve Payne
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Communications Services Branch
(416)-314-2103
Maurice Switzer
Director of Communications
Union of Ontario Indians
(705) 497-9127, Ext.2272
Adolphus Cameron
Grand Council Treaty #3
(807) 548-4214
Jenna Young
Director of Communications
Nishnawbe Aski Nation
(807) 625-4952
Backgrounder
- Ontario Trapping Harmonization Agreements
