Louttit ponders mining halt

On the heels of what he called a “very successful and informative” conference about Treaty 9, Mushkegowuk Council Grand Chief Stan Louttit said mining development may be temporarily stopped in the territory.
“We are preparing a legal strategy,” Louttit said after the conference ended Feb. 3. “We may move to a formal court injunction or a court challenge. We are examining all our options at this time.”
The James Bay Treaty – Treaty No. 9 Conference was in Fort Albany Feb. 1-3. It discussed legal and historical aspects of the treaty as well as what action should be taken to have Treaty 9 recognized by the crown.
The decision to examine a legal strategy is based on new information which recently came to light in a new book, Treaty No. 9: Making the Agreement to Share the Land in Far Northern Ontario in 1905. In the book, revelations are made by a third treaty commissioner in a diary.
“We are currently in the process of engaging our member First Nations regarding this issue and having discussions and presentations with government officials as well,” Louttit said.
The book, by John C. Long, includes the neglected account of a third commissioner – Daniel (George) MacMartin – and traces the treaty’s origins to the present day.
Louttit said this issue was discussed at length during the conference, which included about 300 delegates – youth, Elders and political officials including National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo.
“It was very important to us to have the youth involved because this issue will affect them significantly,” Louttit said. “They need to know the truth about the treaty. Not what was written down but what was orally discussed.
“The presence of the youth and children at our conference signifies the extreme importance of our treaty and brings significant meaning, inspiration and empowerment to the chiefs, Elders and all present.”
Fort Albany youth Tina Williams found it helpful to attend.
“We don’t know anything about Treaty 9,” she said. “We want something better for the future and we need to make things happen. Enough talking.”
Louttit is not suggesting renegotiating the treaty. He simply wants it to be honoured.
“Our Elders have said this all along and yet it remains a constant battle for our people today to exert their rights to hunt, trap and fish on the land in order to feed their families and communities. Our inherent rights must be respected.”
‘Youth will help move agenda’
During the conference, Cree lawyer and treaty expert Sharon Venne spoke about oral and written treaties and how the United Nations and international law recognize them.
“These treaties are recognized internationally and need to be implemented,” she said.
Kashechewan Chief Johnathon Solomon wants to see movement on this issue.
“We are tired of talking; it is time to take action on our treaty rights now,” he said.
Louttit said there is progress.
“We have many challenges before us,” he said. “But with the unity I have felt during the last three days and with the commitment of the conference delegates, especially the youth, I feel very strongly that we can make a difference in moving the treaty agenda forward. There will be challenges, yes, but we can make a difference.”