Thunder Bay, Ontario (Akiing)

First Nations in Ontario will now receive increased benefits from trapping activities in their traditional territories following agreements signed with the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario.

During April, the Anishinabek Nation, Grand Council Treaty No. 3 and Nishnawbe Aski Nation announced the signing of trapping harmonization agreements with the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada.

Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, the Honourable Jim Prentice, said the agreement “presents an excellent opportunity to work together through co-operative dialogue to strengthen relationships, and to build a better future for First Nations people.”

Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief John Beaucage described the agreement as “key to maintaining good working relationships with our partners in order to uphold mutual values of conservation as joint stewards of Mother Earth.”

Grand Council Treaty No. 3 Ogichidaa Arnold Gardner said, “This step towards a renewed relationship based on the laws of Canada and the inherent laws of the Anishinaabe will promote better relations for the next generations of our diverse cultures.”

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy called the agreement “the starting point in managing our renewable resources.”