Oski-Machiitawin

Letter of Political Agreement

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 Letter of Political Agreement (.pdf)

LETTER OF POLITICAL AGREEMENT
Between
First Nations of Treaties No 9 and No 5
and the
Government of Ontario

WHEREAS Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) and NAN First Nations and the Ontario Government agree to establish a political forum called the Northern Table;

WHEREAS the objective of the Northern Table is to create a new working relationship among Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), NAN First Nations and the Province of Ontario based on a commitment to positive and meaningful change;

WHEREAS the Northern Table is a key political forum to jointly address outstanding issues of priority to Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), NAN First Nations, and Ontario, with the goal of reconciliation of those matters;

WHEREAS the structure of the Northern Table including the roles and responsibilities of the parties for undertaking this work is set out in Appendix 1;

1. Therefore, the parties agree to the following: 
   1. The Ministry of Natural Resources commits to working on an Interim Measures process, with the objective of reaching an agreement within 120 days of the signing of this Letter of Political Agreement, to include:
      1. The development of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between NAN and MNR on the implementation and administration of the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act in NAN territory with respect to Aboriginal and Treaty Rights and economic development. NAN and Ontario will discuss the concerns expressed by NAN in previously proposed amendments to Bill 11 and the MOA will describe an implementation plan that reflects these discussions;
      2. The development of a notification protocol for MNR licences and permits so that communities are aware of plans for MNR authorized resource development activities and once established, consider processes for First Nations input into the issuing of MNR licences and permits in their traditional land use areas;
      3. The development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for undertaking a joint review of past land use planning activities and existing plans, and in addition, to discuss land use planning, including approaches for balancing of traditional and non-traditional activities, roles for implementation, and the goals of NAN First Nations and Ontario in both the Far North and southern parts of NAN.
   2. The Ministry of Northern Development and Mines agrees to discuss, address and develop processes and implementation strategies related to early stage exploration activities in NAN territory, including issues related to notification and consultation. MNDM has already begun to engage First Nation communities and leaders through the "Discussion Paper" on these issues and will continue to do so.
   3. The parties agree to work on initiatives to close the socio-economic gap between the Aboriginal peoples of NAN First Nations and other Ontario ditizens and develop proposals to enable the Aboriginal peoples of NAN First Nations to share fairly in the benefits of natural resource development, including:
      1. Endorsing the principle of and supporting industry's development of impact benefit agreements with First Nations;
      2. Resource revenue sharing;
      3. Training;
      4. Capacity building; and,
      5. Jobs.
2. The parties further commit to the following:
   1. Discussions on how NAN/NAN First Nation communities can have greater involvement in forest management, for example participation and decision-making in cooperative sustainable forest licences;
   2. Direct engagement with NAN First Nations on the matter of consultation and accommodation to achieve a better understanding of their respective views;
   3. To work together to provide economic benefits for First Nations for all activity in and around First Nations' traditional territory;
   4. To work together to identify and where possible, provide jobs, training and capacity opportunities for the people of NAN/NAN First Nations.
3. The Northern Table will commence immediately following the signing of this Letter of Political Agreement. The Joing Management Committee (referenced in Appendix 1) will appoint their Senior Officials Committee members within 20 calendar days of the signing of this Letter of Political Agreement to begin immediately with the work set out in section 1a above (i.e., establish technical committees on parks, land use planning and notification) and begin planning for sections 1b, 1c and 2.
4. Ontario undertakes to provide reasonable funding based on agreed upon work plans.
5. The Northern Table will be reviewed three years after the signing of this Letter of Political Agreement, and every two years subsequent to that. The reviews will evaluate the progress and effectiveness to date and, if necessary, recommend amendments.
6. Nothing in this Agreement will be construed so as to abrogate or derogate from the Treaty and any Aboriginal rights of the NAN First Nations or their members recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 or so as to abrogate or derogate from any rights of Ontario.
7. The Northern Table can be terminated within 30 days notice provided to the other party.