Fall 2001

Temagami Land Claim Report

Newsletter Issue No. 4

A newsletter on the Temagami First Nation and Teme-Augama Anishnabai Land Claim Negotiations

The Temagami Land Claim Report fall edition is the fourth in a series of news letters produced by the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat (ONAS), an office of the Government of Ontario. It is intended to inform individuals and organizations about the progress of land claim negotiations.

A Message from Ontario's Negotiator

I was very pleased to have met the many people who came out to the Open Houses held August 15^th and 16^th in Temagami and on Bear Island.

The Open Houses went well and gave me an opportunity to hear your concerns and ideas while giving you an opportunity to speak directly to the negotiators for Ontario, the Temagami Aboriginal Community and Canada. Many participants asked whether the parties were satisfied with the progress of negotiations and whether negotiators were confident that a settlement could be reached.

As Ontario's Chief Negotiator I am optimistic that we are moving towards a successful resolution. Although the details of the final agreement will not be fully developed until next spring, the parameters within which the parties are working to develop the final agreement were presented at the August Open Houses.

If you were not able to attend the event please consult our Web site for more information on the progress of the claim settlement process.

The outline for discussions was made available in three fact sheets prepared by representatives of the negotiating parties.

Through meetings with more than 60 stakeholder groups and individuals my team and I have learned much about the concerns of potentially affected parties.

A poster displaying a summary of these concerns was presented at the Open Houses and is set out in the "Two-way communication at the Open House" section of this page. If you have interests that you believe have not already been made known to the Ontario negotiating team, I strongly encourage you to make your concerns known to me as soon as possible. Please contact me to receive a copy of the fact sheets referred to above.

Contact Information:

DOUG CARR, Director of Negotiations
Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat
Phone: 416-326-4771
Fax: 416-326-4017
Email: Doug.Carr@osaa.gov.on.ca

A Message from the Chiefs

The Open Houses held on August 15th and 16th were successful. Aimed at promoting dialogue between the parties involved in these negotiations and the general public affected by the claim, it was an excellent opportunity for all involved.

Chief Raymond Katt of the Temagami First Nation and Chief Doug McKenzie of the Teme Augama Anishnabai were both in attendance over the two days, and fielded many questions and comments from participants.

Chief Doug McKenzie stated, "We are pleased with the attendance at these Open Houses—we had many residents of Daki Menan come to ask questions. Overall, people seemed pleased that both the Teme Augama Anishnabai and the Temagami First Nation are working together towards a final settlement—at this point we are very optimistic that the process will lead to a settlement that everyone can support."

Chief Raymond Katt added, "Canada was a new factor in these Open Houses, and we certainly welcome their participation. It is now clear to everyone that these negotiations are progressing as planned, and everyone involved is working together towards a common solution. We want a good life and prosperity in balance with Daki Menan."

The next set of Open Houses are slated for Summer 2002 in centers throughout Daki Menan, and are expected to be the public's most comprehensive source of information on the final settlement.

Contact Information:

CHIEF RAYMOND KATT and CHIEF DOUG MCKENZIE
Daki Menan Negotiation office
Phone: (705) 237-8627 or (705) 237-8943
Toll free in Ontario: 1-888-737-9884
Fax: (705) 237-8959
Email: dakimen@onlink.net

A Message from the Federal Negotiator

Since becoming involved in the Temagami negotiation process in January 2001, I am pleased with the cooperative manner in which the parties have worked together to gather information and identify issues. I am optimistic that continued dialogue will produce a final agreement which will yield significant positive results for the Temagami First Nation and the entire Temagami region. Although Canada's participation in these negotiations is limited to addressing potential reserve creation issues, the relationships we are building with the Temagami First Nation and the neighbouring communities will benefit all parties in the future.

Contact Information:

Linda MacWilliams, Manager, Land Negotiations
Ontario Regional Office, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Phone: 416-973-6923

Two-way communication at the Open House

At the Open Houses the Temagami First Nation (TFN) and the Teme Augama Anishnabai (TAA), Ontario and Canada jointly presented information detailing the negotiating process and its progress. Information was also presented explaining each of the parties' respective approaches to the resolution of the claim.

Over the past year, members of the Ontario and Aboriginal Community negotiating teams have been gathering information and meeting with interested parties to establish the parameters of a possible claim settlement. At the Open Houses the Ontario team reported on the input we had received through presentation of materials such as the "what we've heard" poster (pictured below) that summarized concerns that were brought to our attention.

Participants at the Open Houses were very concerned about protecting environmental values on Lake Temagami.

Through our stakeholder committees the Ontario negotiating team had already heard that protection of the "Skyline Reserve" is a crucial element and will work to protect this interest in the drafting of the Framework Agreement. We also heard from participants that any mainland Aboriginal community should be located so as to minimize impacts on Lake Temagami. The Aboriginal community and the federal government are dedicated to maintaining environmental standards on the reserve land and the federal government has indicated a willingness to meet or exceed Ontario's environmental standards.

Participants also sought assurances that future economic development in the area would be compatible with the interest of preserving the present character of the lake. The leadership of TFN/TAA is mindful of promoting a vision that is in harmony with existing planning regimes and have publicly declared they do not want their claim area overwhelmed by development. The Aboriginal community and the Municipality of Temagami continue to develop a relationship of cooperation and mutual respect on this and many related matters.

Participants asked about some specific concerns that they hold. For instance some wanted to know if they could continue to use forestry roads and public access points if they are included in the settlement lands. Details such as these will be raised for discussion when the location, size and possible uses of the settlement lands are discussed this fall.

There are three phases taking place over a 30 month period. Phase 1 (12 months) is information gathering / issues identification. Phase 2 (6 months) is developing options to address issues. Phase 3 (12 months) is seeking consensus through negotiation. The conclusion of the negotiation process will be a final settlement of the land Claim. The negotiation process will be informed by Aboriginal Community and Public consultation. At the time of this land Claim Report, the negotiations were at Phase 3.

Ontario Consultations: What we have heard

Protect private property;
Maintain access to existing uses of Crown lands;
Use money to compensate, not land;
Non-Aboriginal people also have ties to the land;
Maintain Lake Temagami's excellent water quality;
No change to island-only development pattern on Lake Temagami;
Locate mainland Aboriginal community so as to minimize impacts on Lake Temagami;
Economic development initiatives should contribute to the economic well being of both communities;
How will the Traditional Family Lands work?
Settlement must resolve claim permanently;
Settle it

Negotiation Update

Following a year of extensive consultation, information gathering and issue identification, the negotiating parties have begun a series of meetings to develop options that will form the main elements of a final agreement. Areas of discussion for negotiation meetings this fall include: lands for the Aboriginal community; land use and resource management in the 4,000 square mile area of the Aboriginal claim; economic development; and, financial compensation.

Discussion of the issue of lands for the Aboriginal community will focus on determining location of a community site as well as the use and tenure for the balance of the 112 square mile settlement lands. Possible mainland community sites are to be evaluated according to suitability for community and economic development as well as the site's suitability for the Aboriginal community. The negotiating parties will also develop a process for selecting and managing Traditional Family Lands. (The Traditional Family Lands are lands totaling up to three square miles to be divided amongst the First Nation's 14 traditional families and used for purposes reflecting traditional uses and values). In developing options, negotiators will be examining the needs of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities, the potential effects of a settlement agreement on existing uses and users and potential environmental impacts.

The parties will discuss development of land use and resource management practices that will enhance the participation of all parties in matters such as land use planning, environmental protection, forest management and mineral development. Discussions will focus on how to use existing processes to the fullest extent possible. Improvement to existing processes or even new options to facilitate consultation and coordination between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities will be explored as necessary.

Economic development discussions will explore ideas such as partnerships and access to Crown resources, the allocation of development lots and delivery of government programs. Options for establishing funds to support education and training, business development, and community infrastructure will be explored. The potential effects on the local economy of measures included in the settlement agreement will be considered in evaluating options.

The parties will also discuss financial compensation to the Aboriginal community as an element of the settlement. In accordance with the Framework Agreement the compensation will be generally consistent with the amount previously agreed to in the 1993 Agreement-In-Principle ($15 million in 1993). Measures to ensure accountability for the settlement funds will also be discussed.

Meetings of the Municipal Advisory Group, Public Advisory Committee and the Lake Workshop will continue through the fall and winter. These groups provide input to the negotiating table regarding possible options and models. Other Open Houses will be held next year for the general public. The negotiators are also prepared to meet with other groups and individual stakeholders as required.

For Additional Information, Questions, and Concerns

Temagami Land Claim page on ONAS Web site: www.nativeaffairs.jus.gov.on.ca

Temagami Information Line 1-888-456-3430
For Fact Sheets on the Agreement or, or if you do not wish to receive further information on this matter call 1-888-456-3430

Write: Ontario Negotiating Team
c/o Doug Carr, Chief Negotiator
720 Bay Street, 4^th Floor
Toronto, ON M5G 2K1
Email: doug.carr@osaa.gov.on.ca

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