RE:informed consent of First Nations
jamesbay wrote:
informed consent of First Nations
There is no mention of new legislation from the Liberals — it seems they will just add money and hope for the best. As one seasoned observer put it, the impact would be like “pouring water on hot coals,” with no lasting effect.
On the Truth & Reconciliation Commission recommendations, Trudeau has taken a huge leap into the dark. Many of those in the report are based on acceptance of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. While the Conservatives signed the declaration, they emphasized that its adoption did not change Canadian laws.
That proviso appears to have been abandoned. Now any mining or resource company looking to develop a project will require the free, prior and informed consent of First Nations — giving them a veto over government regulatory decisions.
That's not true for Quebec. Chief Matthew Coon Come was quoted as saying, ""For the Crees, the Indian Act doesn't apply. He's critical of both First Nations and southern politicians who cling to the past...I think the First Nations are also guilty of always saying, 'our treaties are sacred.' That's great. But the Cree survived because we adapted." MTX will be drilling in James Bay, Quebec, in JV with WEMEX (Wemindji First Nation Exploration Co.) for diamonds. I fully understand the 1905's Treaty 9 for James Bay Ontario respecting harvesting rights - fishing and trapping. But truly, nowadays, who still fish and hunt in order to put food on the table to feed a family? U2 is in a remote area where it is not accessible to anyone. You can't fish and hunt there, 60 kms. from civilization. ATTA should negotiate some equity position in any mining venture, but not to bar mining development.