The Licenses and Permits discussion table is currently focused on a Traditional Knowledge (TK) Protocol. L & P held a session with NAN Elders on TK in March 2009. A Traditional Knowledge conference with the Elders was held in May 2009 in Fort Severn. The Elders will reconvene this summer to complete the Traditional Knowledge Protocol.
The L & P Table will also be conducting First Nation pilot projects for notification protocols with Windigo and Wabun First Nations.
In 2007 L &P tabled a Notification Protocol with Ontario. Ontario responded in late 2008. In 2009 L & P will hold further discussions on Ontario’s response to the Notification Protocol. The purpose of the Notification Protocol is to have a mechanism whereby First Nations will be informed of proposed activities on their lands. First Nation capacity building will also be discussed in order that communities will have the ability to respond to notifications of possible activities on traditional homelands. Capacity building will also be required so that First Nations can manage and issue licenses and permits if they wish to.
The L & P table will also be doing research to determine the scope of licenses and permits issued in NAN territory, which is expanded to include L & P issued by ministries other than MNR, including MTO, MOE, MNDM and will also develop a data base.
