The office of Natural Resources Minister David Orazietti clarified a controversial statement he made during Question Period last week where he seemed to deny the provincial government was creating logging blocks inside the traditional territory of Grassy Narrows.

 

“Under the contingency plan there is no planned harvest blocks located within the Grassy Narrows self-identified traditional lands,” said David Orazietti in response to a question from Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell.

Although Campbell’s question was in regards to the new 10-year logging plan which is being finalized by the provincial government, Orazietti’s office explained the minister was talking about the current temporary forestry plan for the Whiskey Jack Forest which does not include logging sites inside Grassy Narrow’s territory.

“The current plan does not include the traditional territory of the Grassy Narrows. The proposed plan would include their territory. This is why we are committed to working with Grassy Narrows First Nation for a mutually beneficial, long-term management plan as we create a (forest management plan) for the whole Whisky Jack Forest,” said Orazietti’s press secretary, Andrew Donnachie, The confusion caused by the minister’s apparent denial angered the leadership of Grassy Narrows who sent out a press release calling the statement “false,” and demanding that he explain himself.

“It was never the government’s intention to offend Chief Fobister, and we are sincerely sorry for the confusion,” said Donnachie.

“We remain committed to respecting aboriginal and treaty rights and will continue to develop positive relationships with First Nations leading to meaningful involvement and participation in resource management activities and providing economic opportunities and have already received input from other First Nations communities in the area such as the Wabaseemoong, Whitefish Bay, Wabauskang, Dalles.”