The Matawa Tribal Council is asking the federal government to work hand in hand on economic development issues in Treaty 9 territory in Ontario’s north.
The council, representing nine First Nations, said it’s pushing for the creation of a Matawa/Canada Northern Development Table as it provides feedback on the upcoming federal budget.
That step would help “[forge] a new path forward for Indigenous-Crown relations” and “maximize the benefits of the development of the North,” the council said in a statement issued on Feb. 23.
Matawa’s written pre-budget submission was also shared with local MPs Marcus Powlowski and Patty Hajdu, also Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, it said.
The request to establish the table comes after Matawa objected to what it called its exclusion from a draft agreement between Canada and Ontario for the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada Regional Assessment for the Ring of Fire.
“The Matawa Chiefs Council have consistently stated the position that the development of the North including the Ring of Fire mineral deposit will require the participation of our people of the Matawa First Nations, the governments of Canada and Ontario, industry, and investors to maximize the potential multi-generational benefits that are anticipated," said CEO David Paul Achneepineskum.
That involvement will be crucial to provide investor certainty, Matawa added.
Matawa’s submission requested Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Marc Miller be designated the federal lead to work alongside member First Nations on the economic development issues in Treaty 9.
It also seeks ongoing funding to support Matawa’s involvement in the development table.
“Canada needs to fund First Nations to be actively involved not just when Canada is considering changes or adding new regulations,” the council stated. “As a Treaty partner — First Nations must be funded to ensure equitable decision-making processes in this new era of partnerships and regional development.”
— TBNewswatch
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