Gravelle repeats commitment to First Nations

By Mike Aiken
Miner and News
Wed. March 3, 2010

Michael Gravelle, the provincial cabinet minister responsible for mining and forestry, reaffirmed his willingness to work with aboriginal leaders Tuesday.

"We recognize the very significant importance of building relationships with First Nation community and First Nation leaders," he said during a brief interview.

In an effort to help resolve ongoing disputes, Gravelle said he was willing to meet with Treaty 3 Grand Chief Diane Kelly in order to discuss ongoing issues with wood rights.

The minister added, though, that the negotiations with Grassy Narrows on the Whiskey Jack Forest were being handled by Natural Resources. On this subject, he didn't have any updates or insights as he left it in the hands of the new minister, Linda Jeffrey.

"It would not be more important for me to say we want to continue to work closely with them (First Nations)," Gravelle noted, as he acknowledged the importance of resolving these issues so that the regional economy can recover more quickly.

The minister also offered an update on the modernization of the Mining Act, saying there will be consultations this spring in the Dryden and Kenora area.

The significant parts of new regulations will be: a new dispute resolution mechanism for helping to resolve issues between industry, the government and First Nations, along with the protection for cultural sites and the permitting process for approving harvesting areas.

Gravelle said part of goal for the new bill and regulations was to reflect 21st Century values and positive climate for investors. He described the dispute resolution process as "unprecedented."

"We want to be sure we get it right," he added, noting he welcomed input from First Nations and industry. He didn't want to speculate on the possibility of adding a similar mechanism for forestry.

His comments come after Grand Council Treaty 3 chiefs met over the weekend to discuss their position on forestry. They again called for a return to the treaty relationship, saying "business as usual" wasn't good enough.

The renewed debate was sparked by news the American housing market may finally be recovering.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation leaders have also expressed their reservations about mining development, particularly around the promising Ring of Fire development in the James Bay lowlands.