Kitchenuhmaykoosib lnninuwug Wapekeka and Grassy Narrows Sign Mutual Co-operation Protocol
Grassy Narrows, Wapekeka, and Kl First Nations enter into Mutual Cooperation Protocol, pledge to stand together to protect the Lands and Waters of their Homelands
Kitchenuhmaykoosib lnninuwug – On January 22, 2020 the Chiefs of Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek (“ANA” or “Grassy Narrows”), Wapekeka First Nation, and Kitchenuhmaykoosib lnninuwug (“Kl”) marked a milestone in their relations by signing a Mutual Cooperation Protocol.
The two First Nations have agreed to work together in protecting their lands and waters from industrial extraction which threatens the health of their Homelands and their way of life.
The Nations stand strong and united, committed to protecting their lands and waters through the establishment of Indigenous Protected Areas over large parts of their Traditional Territories.
At the conclusion of the signing, Chief Donny Morris of Kl stated, “The partnership between Grassy Narrows, Kl, and Wapekeka is strong and cannot be broken. We will stand side by side, supporting each other as we protect our land and assert our inherent rights of self-government”.
Grassy Narrows Chief Turtle commented that “our Nations honour the will of our people who have chosen land protection and conservation, over industrial extraction. The people of Grassy Narrows, Kl, and Wapekeka move forward as partners in the struggle to protect our land.”
The Mutual Cooperation Protocol is an important next step for the First Nations that have long histories protecting their Territories. It builds on Grassy Narrows and Kl’s Land Declarations which assert their inherent right to self-determination and vision to protect their Homelands.
Grassy Narrows, Wapekeka, and Kl First Nations enter into Mutual Cooperation Protocol, pledge to stand together to protect the Lands and Waters of their Homelands.