Chiefs join forces in forestry protest

Chiefs representing the 134 First Nations in Ontario will be joining forces to support Wahgoshig, New Post, and Grassy Narrows First Nations in their struggle for a balanced approach to forestry.
Delegates at the 26th-annual All Ontario Chiefs Assembly in Couchiching yesterday adopted a resolution that supports the ongoing protests of the three First Nations with respect to clear-cutting on their respective ancestral traditional lands.
The resolution will result in province-wide action against the desecration of sacred and sensitive areas. As well, the chiefs believe First Nations must derive economic benefits from resource development on their traditional lands.
“The support we receive today confirms our belief that all First Nations across Ontario are faced with issues similar to ours,” said Wahgoshig Chief Paul McKenzie.
“We are putting the province of Ontario and all companies, including Abitibi-Consolidated Inc., on notice that they must respect our request for a balanced forest, which includes protection of sacred and sensitive areas while providing everyone with economic benefits from the resources,” echoed New Post Chief RoseAnne Archibald.
“The resolution passed today reaffirms our view that the federal government has a fiduciary obligation to First Nations and, as such, should be assisting us in solving this problem,” added Grassy Narrows Chief William Fobister Sr.
Regional Chief Tom Bresette concurred “governments of all levels must honour their obligations to our First Nations and stop this continued intrusion into our traditional territories, without our consent and involvement.”
“The support shown today from the Chiefs in Assembly will be translated into province-wide protests in the near future,” he vowed.
New Post and Wahgoshig First Nation have been involved in blockades and protests since April 26 while Grassy Narrows has launched a lawsuit against the Ministry of Natural Resources and Abitibi-Consolidated Inc.
New Post is located 16 km southeast of Cochrane while Wahgoshig is 43 km east of Matheson. Grassy Narrows is located 77 km north of Kenora.