Anishinabek Nation, ministry ink natural resources agreement

The Anishinabek Nation and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signalling their intent to continue to work together on issues of concern in natural resource management.

“The goal of our relationship and partnership is to improve communication, dialogue, and relations between the 39 Anishinabek Nation member First Nations and the MNR,” Linda Debassige, grand council chief of the Anishinabek Nation, said in a July 3 news release.

“Our shared goal is to preserve and protect land and resources for future generations, and promote opportunities for the social, political, economic, and cultural wellbeing of our communities and the Anishinabek Nation and MNR.”

Since 1999, the Anishinabek Nation and the MNR have come together under the Anishinabek Ontario Resource Management Council, where they discuss resource management issues, exchange information, facilitate a common understanding, and collaborate on the resolution of policy-level issues.

Under the renewed MOU, the council will meet annually through a Leadership Forum to discuss areas of concern and set priorities. They include:

• capacity building at the Anishinabek Ontario Resource Management Council;
• the Anishinabek Nation Moose Symposium;
• a conservation officer cross-cultural awareness gathering; and
• commercial fishing on the Great Lakes.

“My ministry values our long-standing relationship with the Anishinabek Nation as we share interests and priorities in managing natural resources in Ontario,” Graydon Smith, minister of Natural Resources, said in the release.

“I’m pleased to be renewing this letter of commitment and memorandum of understanding to continue building on these positive and productive working relationships.”

The Anishinabek Nation is a political advocate for 39 member First Nations across Ontario, representing approximately 65,000 citizens.