Protests fall on deaf ears as Bill 191 becomes law

The Far North Act has officially been passed into law in Ontario, but Aboriginal leaders believe it will only lead to uncertainty and unrest.

The Far North Act, which had been called Bill 191, went to its third and final reading in Ontario’s legislature on Sept. 23. The bill was passed following a vote of 46-26.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin issued a statement upon the bill’s passing.
“It is a disappointing day for all of us who spent tireless hours opposing Bill 191 as our opposition was obviously ignored,” Metatawabin said.

“As we have stated time and time again, NAN First Nations and tribal councils do not and will not recognize this legislation on our homelands. We will continue to uphold our Aboriginal and treaty rights and jurisdiction over our land. The real fight is just beginning.”

NAN is a political territorial organization which represents 49 First Nation communities. Its area covers about two-thirds of Ontario.

Though Ontario government officials have said Aboriginal people were properly consulted prior to the bill being introduced, Metatawabin argues such is not the case.
“First Nations in the Far North have voiced their concerns over and over again regarding this bill, and yet the Premier of Ontario remains unmoved,” he said. “If there is conflict, it will be up to the province to answer as to why. This government has been given ample opportunity to work with us, but chooses otherwise.”

NAN and Ontario officials began discussions over land-use planning and mining, including changes to Ontario’s Mining Act, back in April 2007. The battle over Bill 191, however, had been brewing for more than a year.

Provincial officials announced their intention to permanently protect 225,000 square kilometres of boreal forest in NAN territory through Bill 191, which was introduced in the legislature in early June 2009. Metatawabin insists NAN will not recognize the Far North Act, even though it has now officially been passed.

“We will not compromise our rights as treaty people,” he said. “The law can be passed by the province of Ontario, but this does not promise industry free access to our lands.”

That could translate into some ugly incidents in the future.

“This is not what we want, but given the province of Ontario and the premier’s refusal to honour their commitments to the people of NAN, we have no other choice,” Metatawabin said.

NAN officials had previously agreed that they would oppose the bill by any and all means necessary.

One week before the bill was passed, NAN officials had organized a two-day protest at the Ontario legislature.
At the time NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy voiced his displeasure with Bill 191.

“The voices of First Nations people in northern Ontario continue to fall on deaf ears,” he said. “The premier of Ontario has failed to honor his promise to NAN First Nations that Bill 191 would not become legislation without our support.”

Like Metatawabin, Beardy also felt there would be unrest if the bill was passed by Ontario’s politicians. “We will never give up our rights,” Beardy said. “We have put the province on notice that if this bill passes, there will be conflict and no certainty for developments of any kind in the north.”