WENDAKE, QC, June 9, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The Conseil de la nation Anishinabe du Lac Simon, the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council (AANTC) and the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) denounce the negligence, amateurism and lack of respect from the Government Couillard in handling the case of the Val-d'Or woodland caribou.
"Minister Blanchette wanted to send the caribou to the zoo! This is about our territories; our hunters, our trappers know species and their ways of life. But in this case, we were completely ignored. Communication attempts that we have initiated with Minister Luc Blanchette, ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, remained unanswered", deplores Chief Adrienne Jérôme of the Conseil des Anishinabe du Lac Simon.
"Yet again, why has the provincial government attempted to dispossess us on our territories and take away valuable wildlife species to make room for some types of development? It is unacceptable, it must stop, we have Aboriginal and treaty rights, and the Government acts as if we did not exist? It is another clear example of arrogance and disrespect", denounces Verna Polson, Grand Chief of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council (AANTC).
"Consultation with First Nations is only one of many issues that needs to be addressed by the Premier of Quebec. The woodland caribou is another example where Quebec is failing miserably," expressed Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL.
While asking the Couillard Government to assume its role for the restoration and protection of the Val-d'Or caribou and other species at risk in Quebec, the three leaders stressed that any decision affecting First Nations' territories and resources be based on meaningful and upstream consultation processes.
About the AFNQL
The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador is the political organization of 43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. www.apnql-afnql.com
SOURCE Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador
Mélanie Vincent: [email protected], Cell.: 418-580-4442
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