2018-Feb-16
Efforts Continue to Reach Wiiky Agreement
Since we last reported in the Fall issue of UPDATE, the Northern Georgian Bay Association and the GBA have continued in their efforts to finalize an agreement with
Wiikwemkoong First Nation that addresses our concerns and proposed solutions as they pertain to the Province of Ontario’s proposed settlement of the Wiikwemkoong Islands Boundary Land Claim.
Throughout this process the NGBA/GBA goal remains unchanged; namely, to support a settlement of the Islands Boundary Land Claim that is fair and equitable to all stakeholders, Wiiky and non-Wiiky alike. Furthermore, and with regard to the proposed side agreement between the Wiiky and NGBA/GBA, our goal is to reach an agreement that satisfactorily addressees NGBA/GBA concerns; an agreement that is based on the development of constructive dialogue, an enduring relationship, and mutual respect.
In the Fall issue of UPDATE we reported GBA’s dissatisfaction with the Province’s Draft Environmental Study Report (ESR) on the proposed settlement. NGBA and GBA met again with representatives of the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (MIRR) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) in November. We again voiced our objections to the Draft ESR and, subsequent to this meeting, advised the Government in writing that it is essential that:
≥ The Wiiky/NGBA/GBA agreement must be in place before the Province issues its Final ESR. (They advised that this would not be early in the New Year as previously indicated, but likely towards the end of March.)
≥ The Wiiky/NGBA/GBA agreement and its terms must be included or directly referenced in the eventual Wiiky- Province land claim settlement (and any later Federal
agreement with the Wiiky).
We advised the Province that enforceability of our agreement with the Wiiky depends on directly tying it to the Provincial settlement agreement and any subsequent
Federal agreements. Failure to meet the above points would be considered deal-breakers by NGBA and GBA, and would therefore necessitate consideration of a request for a Part II Order (aka a “bump up”) for a more stringent Class D Environmental Assessment.
Also in late November, NGBA and GBA representatives met with Ogimma (Chief) Duke Peltier to review the latest iteration of our draft Wiiky/NGBA/GBA agreement. Based on that meeting we made further, but seemingly minor, revisions to the agreement and forwarded it to Ogimma Peltier, who in turn provided it to his Council. At the time of writing, we are waiting to hear back from Ogimma Peltier. We are hopeful that this latest draft has met with approval and will be the final agreement.
There has been much talk of the need to preserve the pristine lands included in the proposed land claim settlement and the logic of an eco-wilderness park, perhaps co-managed by the Wiiky and the Province. The Wiiky are disinclined to commit to such a park until a settlement is in fact reached and they have conducted a feasibility study. The NGBA and GBA have urged the Province to provide the funds required to carry out such a study. Failure on the part of the Province to do so would, in our view, indicate a lack of commitment to a park concept and run counter to the Province’s long-standing intent for the area in question. Come the Summer issue of UPDATE we hope we will be in a position to report on progress and favourable outcomes.
As published GBA Update – Vol 28, No. 1, Spring 2018 – John McMullen, Past President, GBA
