ONTARIO BUILDING TRUST WITH ABORIGINAL PARTNERS

McGuinty Government Working With Shabot Obaadjiwan Algonquin First Nation
Through Consultations on Proposed Mining Exploration

The Ontario government, the Shabot Obaadjiwan Algonquin First Nation and Frontenac Ventures Corporation have developed a consultation plan to address mining exploration activities in northern Frontenac County.

The plan provides an opportunity for the parties to work together outside of the court system in an effort to resolve their differences regarding the company's proposed uranium exploration north of Kingston.

Today's agreement reaffirms the Ontario government's commitment to build stronger relationships with its Aboriginal partners, while continuing to endorse negotiation and consultation over litigation, both of which are key recommendation of Justice Linden's Ipperwash Inquiry Report.

The consultation plan is being supported by the Algonquins of Ontario, the land claim negotiation group representing 10 Algonquin communities in eastern Ontario, which includes the Shabot Obaadjiwan Algonquin community. The Snmikobi Algonquins, (Ardoch) that is also a participating member in the Algonquins of Ontario, will also be invited to take part in the consultation plan.

"When disputes arise, the proper way to deal with them is through dialogue and negotiation. That is the approach outlined in the Ipperwash Inquiry Report and that is the approach of the Ontario government," said Michael Bryant, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

"We are pleased Ontario has agreed to meet its legal duty to engage the Algonquin’s in meaningful consultations and accommodation on uranium explorations within our traditional territory. We appreciate the good will gesture of Frontenac Ventures to suspend drilling for a period of time while consultations are underway. We agree with the recommendations of Justice Linden from the Ipperwash Inquiry that reconciliation is best pursued through negotiations not litigation. We believe that these consultations will demonstrate to the satisfaction of all parties that this sensitive wetlands is best left for future generations in its natural state,” said Chief Doreen Davis of Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation.

QUICK FACTS

• The Shabot Obaadiiwan Algonquin First Nation is located at Sharbot Lake, Ontario.
  
• The Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation is one of 10 Algonquin communities working together as the Algonquins of Ontario in land claim negotiations with the governments of Ontario and Canada. The Algonquins of Ontario includes the Pikwakanagan First Nation (formerly the Golden Lake Algonquin First Nation), Antoine First Nation, Bonnechere First Nation, Bancroft/ Baptise Lake Community, Greater Golden Lake First Nation, Mattawa/North Bay First Nation, Ottawa Community, Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation, Snimikobi Algonquin (Ardoch) and Whitney and Area Community, representing both status and non-status Algonquin people.
  
• The consultation plan focuses on sharing information, analyzing and discussing the potential impacts of the proposed exploration project, and developing a cooperative mitigation/accommodation plan. The parties have agreed to focus on health, safety and environmental concerns as well as Algonquin Aboriginal values.