MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ANISHINABEK NATION SIGN AGREEMENTS

For Immediate Release
March 27, 2007

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ANISHINABEK NATION SIGN AGREEMENTS
BACKGROUNDER

The Anishinabek Nation, as represented by the Union of Ontario Indians (UOI), and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) have signed a memorandum of understanding that commits both parties to work together on the implementation of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement.

The parties have agreed to do the following:

• Hold an annual meeting of the Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief and Minister of Natural Resources focusing on:
  • matters relating to the implementation of this memorandum of understanding
  • matters relating to the implementation of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement
• Establish a Joint Great Lakes Charter Annex Agreement Implementation Committee
• Ensure UOI participation in Regional Tribal/First Nations meetings coordinated by the Regional Body overseeing the implementation of the agreement
• Recruit and hire a technical advisor for UOI to undertake policy and technical analysis and provide advice and feedback to its members on matters that relate to the implementation of the agreement
• Identify ways to strengthen the advisory and technical capacity of the Anishinabek Nation with respect to the implementation of the agreement or other water-related initiatives, including renewed participation on the advisory panel that currently meets and provides advice to MNR on the agreement
• Work to coordinate the involvement of the Chiefs of Ontario Office, the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians and other interested First Nations and political organizations.

Agreement was also reached on continuing the work of the Anishinabek/Ontario Resource Management Council, which was first established in 2000.  The council provides a forum for the discussion of resource management issues, and promotes alternative conflict resolution, coordinated approaches and collaboration on resource management issues.The agreement on the disposition of Eagle remains outlines a protocol for ensuring that First Nations can receive the bodies of deceased eagles.  The Eagle is of particular social, cultural and religious importance to Aboriginal people.The Anishinabek Nation and the Ministry of Natural Resources are committed to a relationship based on mutual respect, recognition, responsibility and cooperation.

For More Information

David MacDonald
Aboriginal Affairs Unit
Ministry of Natural Resources
705-755-1923

Bob Goulais
Anishinabek Nation
info@anishinabek.ca
705-497-9127  / 705-498-5250 (Cell)

General Enquiries

Natural Resources Information Centre
1-800-667-1940
TTY 1-866-686-6072 (Hearing Impaired)