Algonquins of Ontario officially open Consultation Office in Pembroke
PEMBROKE, ON,
In front of local officials, representatives from all levels of government and other guests, the two Ministers jointly cut a ribbon to mark the official opening of the 5,262 square foot office that has been established to co-ordinate a wide variety of consultation activities with government departments, ministries or agencies.
The Ontario Algonquins, representing people of Algonquin descent living in an area covering 9 million acres within the watersheds of the
"This office opens the door for productive dialogue on economic development opportunities and other matters of importance to both Ontario and the Algonquins," said Ontario Minister Duguid. "We look forward to working with the Algonquins of Ontario and other interested parties to develop a settlement of the Algonquin land claim that will benefit the entire region."
"Our government is pleased to support this new consultation office," said federal Minister Strahl. "This office will provide a separate venue, away from the negotiation table, to address development issues within the claim area. This will allow our negotiating teams to focus on resolving the claim. We look forward to continuing to work together towards an agreement that will provide economic certainty for the Algonquin people and their neighbours throughout eastern Ontario."
"On behalf of the Algonquins of Ontario, we thank both the governments of
While the negotiations continue to settle the outstanding land claim, the Algonquins have entered into an agreement with the Governments of
The new office will allow governments, including
- Working with the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry to establish new protocols for mining exploration and development activities on land where aboriginal rights have been asserted; - Engaging in consultations with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and other stakeholders in response to the report "Lightening the Ecological Footprint of Logging in Algonquin Provincial Park"; and - Continuing discussions with regards to redeveloping the Rockcliffe and Lansdowne Park Sites in Ottawa. About the Algonquins of Ontario -------------------------------
The Algonquins of Ontario include the Algonquins of the Pikwakànagàn First Nation and nine other Algonquin communities in the
For further information: On behalf of the Algonquins of Ontario: Robert Potts, Principal Negotiator, (416) 593-3952; J. Patrick Howe, (416) 929-0512 (office), (416) 554-5485 (cell); On behalf of the Government of Canada: Media Relations, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, (819) 953-1160; On behalf of the Government of Ontario: Greg Flood, (416) 314-9455
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