Chiefs offer counter-proposal to Bill 191 hearings

Chiefs from Attawapiskat, Moose Cree, Sandy Lake, Slate Falls and Webequie along with Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy have offered a counter-proposal to Ontario’s decision to hold hearings on Bill 191, the Far North Act, in their communities the week of June 14.
The chiefs were unanimously supported by a resolution passed by NAN Chiefs-in-Assembly at the annual Keewaywin Conference June 10.
“We had informed Ontario’s MPPs in advance that the dates they decided on would not work and Ontario was advised of such, it’s frustrating,” Stan Beardy said. “We are looking forward to those hearings, however our communities were not properly accommodated. If Ontario is expecting a new relationship with us, then there has to be mutual respect per our Treaty understanding.”
Bill 191 has passed a Second Reading and is going for further revision before a Third Reading, which is scheduled this fall, despite the objections of NAN First Nations.
“I hope they (Ontario) see that our message is about cooperation, not rejection. That’s why we’ve said for us to get together with them in July or August and work together to get this right…short notice like this isn’t acceptable,” Sandy Lake chief Adam Fiddler said.