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Feature Article - July 6, 2006Press ReleaseJuly 4, 2006Ardoch Algonquin First Nation Cultural CentreDevelopment
On July 6th, 2006 the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation (AAFNA) will begin the initial stages of building an Algonquin Cultural Centre on traditional Algonquin land near Ardoch , Ontario . Men and women from this small non-status Algonquin community will begin clearing land and preparing the site for construction. The Ardoch Community has been raising money for this project for over five years.
A month ago, Ardoch Algonquin First Nation representatives met with the Township of North Frontenac to advise them of the project. Band Council members and Township Council agreed the project would be beneficial to both native and non-native residents of the area. Both parties understood that the new construction would be on Algonquin land and the jurisdiction of building permits and regulation would rest with the First Nation. The Ardoch Algonquin First Nation Band Council confirmed that construction and site preparation would meet or exceed the provisions of the Municipal Building Code and Official Plan. Municipal and Band Council members met on the proposed site several weeks ago to confirm the location and agreed to be mutually supportive in this endeavour.
On June 27th representatives of the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) met with Band Council members on the proposed site. The MNR requested that the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation apply for permission to construct the Algonquin Cultural Centre on Crown Land . Band Council members explained that the land for the proposed building was Algonquin Land , protected for them by the Royal Proclamation of 1763 and reaffirmed in the Constitution Act of Canada 1982. Band Council members suggested that if Ontario or Canada had a “bill of sale” or a treaty that conveyed the land to the Crown then they would follow the suggested requirements. Band Council members reminded the MNR
Representatives that the Premier had, a week earlier, requested all parties adhere to the “rule of law” and that is exactly what the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation (AAFNA) is doing. Elders explained to the MNR representatives that “times have changed” and that Indian people no longer were going to “knuckle under” to the Province when it denied history and the “rule of law”. The Elders reminded the MNR representatives that Algonquin men from this community had fought in past Wars for the Crown and Algonquins had been allies of the Crown. The Elders asked the MNR to work with them on this project and not demand that they bow to Ontario for the right to build on their own land.
Chief Randy Cota asked the MNR representatives directly to give him assurance that the Province would not act violently against the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation when they began the land clearing operation. The MNR representatives refused to say whether the Province would order action against the Band once they began site preparation.
The Ardoch Algonquin First Nation is an Anishncommunity with a membership of just over 700. The Ardoch Algonquin First Nation receives no support from Canada and is not controlled by the Indian Act. Algonquin communities have not signed treaties and therefore retain all of their Aboriginal rights and title. The Ardoch Algonquin First Nation is not a participant in the Algonquins of Golden Lake Land Claim and dismisses it as corrupt and ill-conceived.
Twenty-five years ago the small Algonquin Community at Ardoch was the scene of one of the most dramatic struggles for Aboriginal rights in Canada . In August and September of 1981 the people of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation and their allies from Alderville, Tyendenaga, Curve Lake and Hiawatha fought a 27-day stand-off against Ontario to protect their jurisdiction and responsibility for the manomin (wild rice) which grows in the Mississippi River near Ardoch. The wild rice at Ardoch has been shared for over a hundred and thirty years with pickers from Alderville and Curve Lake . It is the manomin that was preserved from Rice Lake when the construction of the Trent Canal destroyed its habitat there. In 1982, Alan Pope the Minister of Natural Resources at the time, admitted that there was an unsettled question of Aboriginal jurisdiction and that Ontario had no right to impose its authority over the manomin. No subsequent Provincial government has threatened to lay claim to the rice.
For further information please contact:
Robert LovelaceCommunications Team This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Feature Article - July 6, 2006If a tree falls...
by JeffGreen
With the sound of a chainsaw felling the first tree at an obscure boat launch at Pine Lake near Ardoch last Friday, a new chapter in the ongoing saga of the local Algonquin politics began.
For Harold Perry, it was almost 30 years ago when he heard another sound, the sound of a powerful rice harvesting boat tearing through the wild rice on Mud Lake , rice that his own mother had brought to Ardoch from Rice Lake many years before.
In fighting to stop the commercial rice harvest, Harold Perry received support from the entire community, including Bob Lovelace, then a worker with North Frontenac Community Services, and later an adopted member and co-chief of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation (AAFNA).
Last Friday Bob Lovelace stood with Harold Perry and watched the chainsaws and bulldozer clear land for an Algonquin Community Centre and Pow Wow grounds at Pine Lake , but the entire community is not necessarily as supportive as they were back in the late 1970s.
A lot has happened in the interim. Political and cultural organisations have come and gone. Eventually AAFNA was formed and took a role in the development of a non-status negotiating stance in the Ontario Algonquin Land Claims process that was initiated in 1992.
Harold Perry and Bob Lovelace have always taken a relatively hard line in relation to the land claim, and eventually they, as well as co-chief Randy Cota, came to the conclusion that the land claim process is flawed and should be ceased. The family heads council of AAFNA has agreed and AAFNA has removed itself formally from the process.
In the meantime two other Algonquin entities have developed in the local vicinity. The Sharbot Mishigama Algonquin First Nation formed in the late 1990s. It includes former AAFNA members as well as others. A couple of years ago matters became more complicated when the Ardoch Algonquins basically split into two factions, both with the same name. Randy Malcolm heads one Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, and he has been a representative to the land claims process.
An election was held last year to try and remove the land claims process from this kind of internal politics, but AAFNA, under co-chiefs Bob Lovelace and Randy Cota, boycotted that process.
Randy Malcolm was elected the negotiating representative to the land claim for Ardoch, and Doreen Davis for Sharbot Lake .
The land claims process has moved forward without AAFNA. The Algonquins who are involved are developing a framework agreement and an interim hunting agreement, agreements that AAFNA thinks will hinder rather than help the Algonquins of the Ottawa Valley .
This is the context under which AAFNA decided to make their latest move, and take physical control of a little piece of what they call “ Algonquin Land ” - and what the Canadian and Ontario Governments call “ Crown Land ”. Inevitably, AAFNA is putting itself into conflict with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) which administers Crown lands in Ontario . While there have been several high profile confrontations over land in Ontario in recent years, this one is different because it is being carried out by a group of non-status Natives.
While the MNR is taking its time reacting, it will eventually have to do something. The MNR will not be able to stand by as Crown Land is altered in this way without a land use permit from them. Under Canadian law they have legal jurisdiction over the land.
The other major political target here is the land claims process itself. The process is seeking to determine financial compensation, and which lands should be set aside for Algonquin use in exchange for a treaty which will finally give Canada the title to the Ottawa Valley watershed territory, including the City of Ottawa and Parliament Hill.
If AAFNA establishes a community centre on this little patch of land, they hope to shake up the land claims process by demonstrating that the Algonquins have the right to do what they want on “Crown” land. They seek to demonstrate that non-status Algonquins already have authority over land; they don’t need to rush into a land claim which AAFNA feels will inevitably be their downfall.
The fact that they intend to build a meeting place is significant to this. According to Bob Lovelace, Algonquins need to meet and tell each other stories about their culture, they need to find out who they are and how they relate to their surroundings before beginning to negotiate with Canada .
But time may not be on AAFNA’s side. When that first tree was cut down it put them into confrontation with the government of Ontario ; it put them into conflict with their neighbours on Pine Lake ; and it pitted them in a more public way against those local Algonquins who are committed to the land clam process.
Several years ago Harold Perry shot a duck out of season near his home in Ardoch. This led to a court case which eventually established that he had the right, as a non-status Algonquin, as the descendant of the historic occupiers of the land, to shoot that duck.
The right to cut down a tree might turn out to be a more complicated matter. It certainly has more far-reaching political implications.
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Feature Article - August 17, 2006Letters to the Editor
Re: Walleye regulations
Regarding the front page article, “MNR softens Walleye Regulations” (Aug. 3, 2006), I have the following comments:
The regulations proposed add restrictions to the existing rules and softens possible changes in rulesonly. I can understand the pressure MNR is under with low quantities in most southern lakes except for Wolfe Lake , which now has other problems with Zebra Mussels to contend with.
To suggest that the ministry has only applied one tool is wrong. Among the other rules applied are: no walleye stocking into lakes with existing populations (to avoid genetic differences, possible reductions in propagation, potential disease transfers, resulting cannibalism,and no measureable improvemnts in walleye fishery, etc.); spawning area (habitat) rehabilitations; regulationschanges; FWIN projects to determine quantities, maturing, age,and growth rates, etc.
Certainly, MNR is lacking in funding, with significantreduction in staff and funding resulting from the previous conservative government, and seems to be getting additional shortfalls from the current liberal government. Staffing of more fishery biologists is needed now, along with additional conservation officers to enforce the rules. Returning to previous CFWIP and other funding priorities are also required. With walleye stocking not identified as a viable measure to improve the long term fishery,what is next? If MNR has the science and the rules, indeed, what is next?
Mel Fleming
Pine MeadowNursingHomeI am writing this letter to assure people within the community that the rumour that the staff of Pine Meadow Nursing Home are planning a work to rule campaign is untrue. Local 343 United Steelworker's Union does not uphold the practice of work to rule regarding nursing homes.
Furthermore our members care too much about our residents at Pine Meadow to take part in such a thing. Recently the staff at Pine Meadow were accused of not caring about our residents. This accusation was levelled by a member of the Home's Management Committee during talks at the bargaining table.
Perhaps this member and some other people are not aware of the amount of caring that we do there. Some of the staff bring in body sprays, aftershave, body lotions at our own expense to make our residents feel good and smell good. Staff have also bought clothes, treats, and taken residents out for the day. We have also attended funerals, given eulogies, traveled to Ottawa , Renfrew, Kingston , and Tweed to pay our respect to resident's families. Others will give a donation to the home.
We all consider the residents to be part of our extended family. There is not a resident there that is not special to the staff, whether those staff personswork in nursing, activities, kitchen, laundry housekeeping or management. Through donations, contributions from community and staff, we have furnished a beautiful palliative care room. One of our former staff members started an Alzheimer's library that people can use at any time to help them better understand a love ones condition. The shelving that houses this library was made by another staff member.
Staff at Pine Meadow have taken upgrading courses at their own expense and time, either to benefit themselves, residents or to comply with recent Ministry requirements. Some have qualified for the Ron Roberts Bursary, and management is very good about working staff schedules around the time that is needed to complete this upgrading.
When you walk in the front doors you will see a painting that was done by one of our staff member that we all take pride in. It is a picture of a home that is titled Home with a Heart.
Does this sound like we are a staff that does not care about our residents?
Valerie Bird Unit Chairperson
Re: “ Algonquin Land Grab”
I have read several newspaper articles on the construction of the native community centre and I have yet to see any documentation to prove this land is or is not native or crown lands.
The native community has snubbed their noses at all forms of government and their neighbours of Pine Lake . If the day comes and it is proven this indeed is crown land, will the centre be torn down? Will there be fines levied and taxes collected? I think not.
Don’t put the cart before the horse, prove ownership and you’ll get more support from the general public and governments.
I want to build a hunting camp on crown land and refuse to pay any fees, taxes or permits. There are probably hundreds of guys out there that would like to. Why don’t we just do it? What do you think would happen?
- Dennis Hannah
Re: Algonquin Centre
Thank you foryour coverage of the currentdiscussions and issues around the planned Algonquin Cultural Centre at Pine Lake . The News has been diligent in following up on the limited information initially available, and you haveobviouslymade every effort to provide space fordiffering views.
Of course, some of the input isfactually wrong, notably various assertions in Ron Pethick's letter in the August 3rd paper. The Royal Proclamation (nota "Proclamation Act") of 1763 dealt both with lands beyond the boundaries of (then) " Quebec ", and with those lands within the boundaries "which, not having been ceded to or purchased by Us, are still reserved to the said Indians." Sincethe Algonquins neverceded or sold their lands to the Crown, those landswere clearly "still reserved to the said Indians". The debate about the boundary of " Quebec " is therefore irrelevant to this discussion.
Moreover, the suggestionthat treatieswith the Mississaugas in the early 1800s "surrendered" Algonquinlands to the Crown is, asAlgonquin researchers have pointed out, rather like saying thatI could buy Toronto City Hall from the City of Ottawa .With non-Algonquins willing to "sell",it is hardly surprising thatthe colonial "government of the day" chose not to recognize Algonquin ownership.
Present-day federal and provincial governments have thoroughly researched all their options in this whole affair. If theyhad any legal leg at all to stand on, why would theybe going toso muchtrouble and expenseto try tonegotiate a settlement?
On the local level, Isympathize withPine Lakers'frustration at the lack of prior information and consultation, andappreciate the points and questionsthey bring to the discussion.But I can also understand the Algonquins' decision to act first andexplain later,given the history of aggressive and damagingprovincial governmentactions during the "Rice Wars" (and elsewhere). In difficult situations, decisions sometimes have to be made that seem "the lesser of two evils". I don't think that constitutes "double-speak", especially when the explanation follows promptly and a more open, cooperative process begins.
That processhas now begun, through your paper and face to face. At Saturday's meeting in Ompah,I was impressed by the patience and willingness to listen shown on all sides. I believe that more real, honest communication is almost alwaysbetter than less. I'mvery encouragedthat the Algonquins and their neighbours are nowstarteddown that path.
Helen Forsey
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Feature Article - August 10, 2006Understanding History and Relationships
Letter to the Editor
Ron Pethick brought up some interesting points in his letter to the editor regarding particular understandings of history: Algonquin and Mohawk relations in the 17th century, Proclamation of 1763, 18th century land cessions by the Mississauga people, as well as contemporary Algonquin relationships with the Crown, province, and local neighbours. I was particularly impressed with the point that he made regarding the genocide that was committed against Scottish and Irish people by the British historically and how they would be entitled to “complain” about that treatment to the United Nations. Ron is very correct in pointing out that Scottish and Irish peoples do have a right to educate the public about that genocide and yes, seek compensation, if they so desire. Genocide is genocide, and Ardoch Algonquin First Nation would be happy to support their efforts to pursue that if they choose.
When it comes to understanding what has happened here in Algonquin territory over the past 400 years, Ron has the same handicap as many other Canadians. That handicap is the history that has been taught to Ron and other Canadians. This history was written using documents that were created by Europeans. Those Europeans were interested in gaining control over Indigenous people’s lands and resources, therefore their understandings of the past are influenced by their desire to profit from our lands and resources. As a result of that history, Algonquin people have been marginalized to the fringes of Canadian society and the true nature of Canada ’s relationship with us remains hidden from the public. This can be seen in elementary and secondary history text books where all Indigenous peoples in Canada receive minimal coverage. We only appear as noble Indians who were deemed to disappear, or as brutal savages who infested the banks of the rivers. Every word that was created about us in the pages of European writings was designed to create a image of us in a negative way that were permit Europeans to occupy and exploit our resources for themselves.
It was only through a process of decolonizing my own mind as an adult that I was able to see past the whitewash that has passed as the actual history of this continent. In the spirit of furthering that decolonization in other people, I would like to offer the following comments on the topics Ron’s letter to the editor.
First of all, Dave Bate was correct in stating that Algonquin people were not conquered by military action on the part of the French, English, or Dutch. At least not in the same way that Indigenous peoples were tortured and killed in the West and in the US . Nor were Algonquin people conquered and driven off their lands by the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois). In fact most of what is in the history texts about Algonquin/Mohawk relations is absolutely incorrect. Algonquin and Mohawk peoples had relationships with each other as human beings that reflected the relationships they had with the rest of the Natural World. Any shift in that relationship was the result of the French and the English playing us against each other so that they could both gain access to our resources (ie…furs).
Secondly, the Proclamation of 1763 was a direct result of Pontiac and his followers near Detroit who had successfully resisted British encroachments on their lands by destroying 14 British forts. The Proclamation was issued by the King of England to prevent further encroachments on ALL Indigenous peoples lands within the territory claimed by the British. This was understood by Algonquins at the time as a guarantee of their rights and title. This understanding was also recognized by several British officials in the late 18th and the 19th century. Sir John Johnson even signed the Proclamation and gave it to Algonquin leaders as proof that it guaranteed Algonquin title and rights within Algonquin territory.
Thirdly, Ron told us about the land cessions by the Mississauga people in the early 19th century, and yes that definitely happened. The Mississauga people did agree to sell some of their land to the British Crown. It is the way in which that cession happened that explains the sale of Algonquin land. Oral and documentary evidence shows that the treaty commissioners tricked the Mississaugas into ceding Algonquin land in the following manner. Commissioners pulled in the oldest men in the region and put a map in front of them and pointed to areas on the map and said to them “have you ever hunted here or there”……..until they were all the way up past the Kiji Sibi (Ottawa). Mississauga elders admitted that yes they had hunted and fished all the way up to the Kiji Sibi, with the approval of Algonquin people. They even told the commissioners that it was Algonquin land, but the commissioners told them that it was ok if they sold Algonquin land. Additionally I should point out that the Mississaugas are still waiting for full payment from the government.
There was clear and concise evidence at the time of that land cession, including petitions from Algonquin leaders, and British official correspondence that shows the British knew Algonquin title and rights were still in effect. Therefore, Ron is incorrect when he states that the government did not recognize Algonquin title and rights. The government knew very well that it was Algonquin land and even talked about ways to protect remaining lands while also compensating Algonquin people for the lands already taken for settlement. The only way the lands could be purchased legitimately was through the guidelines set out in the Proclamation. So regardless of whether or not Mississauga people ceded land to the Crown, Algonquin land was never legitimately purchased from Algonquin people. Algonquin people did not surrender, sell, or otherwise dispose of their territory to the British Crown. Nor was it ever transferred to Canada after Confederation. As a result, Algonquin territory is not under the jurisdiction of Ontario or Canada , it is under the jurisdiction of Algonquins.
Ron wondered why we were not participating in the claims process like other Algonquins. This has already been addressed previously, but I will point out some of the major obstacles that prevent our participation. To begin with, the land claims and treaty process is designed to eliminate our autonomy within our territory. We do not agree that this land claim is in our best interest. It is Canada who wrongfully occupies our lands and supposedly exploits our resources (along with other Indigenous peoples) for the benefit of the entire Nation. Indigenous peoples for the most part do not benefit from this exploitation and remain the poorest of all people in Canada . Most live below the poverty line in unsafe housing and drink unsafe water because of the ways in which mining companies have contaminated the land and water in many regions. In addition, many of our elders go hungry and cannot afford the medication they need to live a healthy life because of this inequality. The fact remains that Canada continues to prosper as a nation from the resources stolen from our lands every day while Indigenous peoples continue to suffer on a daily basis.
Another obstacle to our participation is the discriminatory requirement that we hold elections to send a reprehensive to the negotiation table. Elections compromise our traditional governance practices which are based on consensus. Forcing us to do so is against numerous international human rights legislation and constitutes genocide on the part of the government. Another factor that calls into question the legitimacy of the clams process for us is the fact that if we were to participate we would be limited to one person at the table while Pikwakanagan is allowed to have the Chief and entire Council as representatives for that community. This practice is discriminatory because it establishes a hierarchy where Algonquin people must compete with each other for the little bit of land that will remain of our territory because of the extinguishment clause in the treaty process.
These are insurmountable obstacles that prevent our participation in the land claims process as it currently exists. We cannot compromise our responsibilities to our elders, women, and children. Ultimately we cannot compromise our relationship with the land. We need the land to maintain our traditions and spirituality. We cannot do this by extinguishing our autonomy through a claims process that is discriminatory. Therefore the path we follow is one in which we continue to use our lands and resources within the guidelines of Algonquin Law. This does not mean that we cannot live in harmony with our neighbours. We have every intention of supporting the efforts of year round residents and cottagers to enjoy their lives to the fullest. We have always shared our lands with others, all we ask is that you give us the same consideration and support our efforts to live our lives as distinct human beings who have connections to this land that go back thousands of years.
Paula ShermanArdoch Algonquin First Nation (AAFNA)Professor: Trent University Department of Indigenous Studies
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Feature Article - October 12, 2006Harold and Neil and a bull Moose
by Jeff Green
A couple of weeks ago, Harold Perry (76) and his brother Neil (88) set out moose hunting with other members of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation (AAFNA). Soon enough the group shot a large bull moose. Word of this got back to the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), and a representative from the MNR contacted AAFNA co-chief Randy Cota and asked if a moose had been harvested. Cota said yes.
AAFNA does not have a hunting agreement with the MNR.
“I used to get moose permits when I used to hunt in Northern Ontario , but I don’t need a permit to hunt in Algonquin territory, here in the near north,” Harold Perry told the News this week.
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Feature Article - February 22, 2007Maguire and AAFNA
by Jeff Green
North Frontenac Mayor Ron Maguire has been walking a fine line in trying to facilitate a memorandum of understanding between the Ardoch Algonquins (AAFNA), the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the township.
Council passed a resolution in July giving Maguire the authority to communicate on the township’s behalf with all parties. During the election campaign last fall, Maguire advocated the “recognition and appreciation by the broader community of the unique culture, interests and claims of the Algonquin First Nations and Allies.” With this forming part of his platform, he was re-elected against two other candidates.
After the election, the idea of a “working agreement” among the three parties was developed, and this was later changed to a “memorandum of understanding”.
There have been pitfalls along the way, and Maguire has found himself in the middle of some heated exchanges between AAFNA and the MNR.
One group has been left out of this process, however: the property owners on Pine Lake . They have repeatedly expressed concerns about what is going on. Unlike Mayor Maguire, the Pine Lake Cottagers’ Association does not trust either AAFNA or the MNR.
It is this group, as well as other North Frontenac residents who don’t like the way this matter is progressing, who were in effect being represented by Councillor Wayne Cole when he addressed council last week.
Cole’s main point was that Pine Lake should not be a township matter. He thinks the senior levels of government are avoiding this issue and should be addressing it directly, and he proposed a motion whereby a meeting be sought with senior levels of government on the Pine Lake matter. This motion was passed, and in fact the meeting he was requesting is now being planned for early March.
The heated debate that took place two weeks ago between Maguire and Cole stemmed from the fact that Mayor Maguire saw Cole’s motion as contrary to his approach to Pine Lake . But as cooler heads prevail in the aftermath of the debate, it becomes clear that the motion did not go so far as to preclude the process that is underway between Maguire, AAFNA and the MNR. It casts some doubt as to whether council would agree to a memorandum of understanding should one be presented to them, but that is all. The initial resolution from July still stands; Maguire is still operating with the authority of council.
What has happened, however, is that a bit more of the bitterness that pervades this issue from all sides has come out in public.
AAFNA members claim that they have the right to do what they are doing, and feel they have been and will continue to be good stewards of the land. They bristle at any suggestion that they would act otherwise, pointing out, for example, how much sediment flows into Pine Lake and other lakes as the result of the way the MNR boat launches have been constructed
The Pine Lake residents, and others living on the surrounding land, have said repeatedly what Wayne Cole said in council. It’s a refrain I’ve also often heard since last July: “What would the MNR do if I started building something on Crown land? What would the township do if I started building on municipal land? What would the township do if I started building on my own land without taking out a building permit?”
The difference between Algonquin descendents and the rest of the people who live in the region stems from the fact that Algonquins have a recognised aboriginal claim to the land. The governments of Canada and Ontario have acknowledged that the Algonquin lands were never signed over and they agreed to begin negotiating a land claim agreement for that very reason.
Given the legal legitimacy of the Algonquin claim, the question that is left is whether AAFNA, as a First Nations entity, are legitimate holders of that claim. This has been an internal issue among Algonquin descendents in the region for several years. But, as far as the Township of North Frontenac is concerned, AAFNA has been recognised as the Algonquin representatives in the township for more than a decade. So, if AAFNA does not carry Algonquin rights at Pine Lake , who does? And what becomes of the Land Claims process if the government formally acknowledges AAFNA’s aboriginal rights at Pine Lake ?
These are the issues that only the MNR can address.
It is easy to see why the MNR is taking its time deciding how to handle this, because there are a great many issues at hand, including the Algonquin Land Claim, which AAFNA has rejected.
Central to what AAFNA is doing is an attempt to win the hearts and minds of all people of Algonquin descent in the region. AAFNA is trying to demonstrate to them that there is no need to wait for a land claim to assert their aboriginal rights and begin to rebuild their culture - that the value they retain by not signing a treaty outweighs what would be gained by pursuing a land claim at this time.
Most local Algonquins will be concerned if Pine Lake turns into a battle in the courts, or worse, another physical confrontation between native and non-native people.
This gives AAFNA every reason to seek an accommodation with the province and the township. However, in order for this matter to be resolved, the gulf between AAFNA and their neighbours must be bridged. This is something AAFNA must work on with their neighbours, and in doing so they can repay Ron Maguire for putting himself on the line on their behalf.
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Feature Article - March 1, 2007Letters to the Editor
Signs of the Times
To be fair, this rant might have waited until spring, but circumstance has brought the matter to a head, and it’s a situation that’s been bothering me for a long, long time.
It’s about those signs with the moveable letters. You know the ones their rows of blocky black capitals with backwards N’s and S’s line our highways and loom over our shops and schools. Graceless and unsightly though they are, I watch for them every day because at least they are informative. And there’s the rub.
First of all, some information is more permanent than others, and for that information we should be making permanent signs. BINGO EVERY FRIDAY could be posted in a clever design with attractive font that actually serves to enhance the look of the town. So could DAILY LUNCH SPECIAL $4.99 or WE SELL SHOES. Imagine how much more interesting our villages would be if signs like these were creatively designed and hung. Think of the view!
Of course, some information is so changeable that an ugly box sign is really the only good option. So, fine, I can live with that - until the information is no longer useful. Lent is days away, so why am I still driving past signs that read HAPPY NEW YEAR and SALE ENDS DEC 24? This is one step beyond ugly. It screams that the sign owners couldn’t really care less about what information they feed us. Frankly, I’m not very interested in entering a place whose sign is weeks or months out of date.
I know, I know. It’s cold out there. And as someone who has had the unenviable job of rearranging those ugly block letters, I can sympathize with the frostbitten fingers and scraped knuckles. Still, if changing the letters causes too much hardship, just leave the sign blank. Better yet, don’t have the sign at all. Which brings me to why I am forced to write this screed in the coldest part of winter. A couple of days ago I passed Verona RONA Hardware one of our village’s most reliable sign changers, even though its signs are hung high above the store. Posted on the north sign was this message: MY BOSS TOLD ME TO CHANGE THE SIGN. SO I DID.
Inie Platenius
To Central Frontenac Council: I wish to draw to YOUR attention Hydro One's intentions for their high voltage power line. Unless we stop them they will be spraying herbicide SOON. People that suppose this is harmless have yet to examine the 50 + year NON-Growth where the line crosses my property. Nor have they listened to Dr. Cathy Vikil ("Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment") explain linkage from 2, 4-D to leukemia and lymphona cancer. If Council cares about the health of those persons (like me) living on the Wheeler - Depot Lakes- Napanee River watershed, this is the time for you to act. Let's get with it! Call Wayne Preston, Area Forestry Technician 1-877-236-4111 X1. NOTE : South Frontenac acted last October to stop them spraying along roadways. They have a committee examining herbicide use near lakefronts. Jerry Ackerman
Kwey Kwey Neighbours, On February 26, at the regular monthly meeting of the traditional Family Heads Council of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation I was asked to write this letter concerning recent articles in the Frontenac News. This letter represents the views expressed by consensus of our Council. First of all we want to say how much we respect Ron Maguire for his honesty in the face of ridiculous criticism and his unselfish attempts to steer the Township of North Frontenac toward a responsible position regarding the Algonquin Cultural Centre development at Pine Lake . Mr. Green's article in the February 15, 2007 issue of the News really shocked members of AAFNA Council. Our Council was surprised to see that Mr. Wayne Cole, a North Frontenac councilor, was so ready for "confrontation" over an issue that Mayor Maguire has already made substantial efforts at resolving. We don't understand how Mr. Cole would undermine what Mayor Maguire had worked so hard to achieve over the last year. Mr. Cole is wrong in saying that Algonquins are "squatters".The Ottawa Valley is the homeland of the Algonquin people and has been since time immemorial.Algonquins have historically been military allies of the Crown and had a higher level of enlistment than any other group of people in the last two world wars.Algonquins have suffered the destruction of their environment and way of life as early loggers and miners pillaged the Ottawa Valley for its resources. If Mr. Cole was inclined to educate himself with real historical records he would discover that Algonquins petitioned the Crown for the protection of their homelands for over 150 years and were met only with apathy by government officials.In the face of racism, discrimination, and harassment, Algonquin people have survived.They have maintained the dream of using the land in a respectful way and in sharing the land and the prosperity it offers with those who have come here in the recent past.Mr. Cole's comment, as reported in your newspaper, is derogatory because it is founded in base ignorance. Ignorance of history is one thing; ignorance of the law is another.Mayor Maguire knows the law and is willing to respect it whether it serves his own interests or not.This is what is meant by "respecting the rule of law".Mayor Maguire is a courageous man and deserves our respect.In the Algonquin homeland the rule of law has been ignored for a very long time by both Ontario and Canada because these governments have profited by the exploitation of the Algonquin homeland.If Mr. Cole will read the Royal Proclamation of 1763, the Constitution Act of 1982, sections 25 and 35, and then ask whether Canada has acquired a legal transfer of Algonquin land to the Crown he will find that he is wrong. He talks, as quoted in your newspaper article, of being willing to lead his mob into a "confrontation", but he is misleading them by refusing to respect or even acknowledge the rule of law. Ontario and Canada have all but washed their hands of our development at Pine Lake because they know that they do not have a legal disagreement with Algonquins taking possession of their own lands.Over the past 25 years the courts of Canada have struck down the old racist policies that undermined Aboriginal peoples' rights and land tenure. What has been lacking are politicians who will express leadership in explaining this to their constituents.Lack of political leadership perpetuates ignorance and is what leads to confrontation. The Algonquin Heritage Centre will be built at Pine Lake and people will come from far and near to enjoy what it will offer.Neither Canada nor Ontario can stop it from being built because they do not have legal title to the land.This does not mean that the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation will not respect the legitimate and constructive concerns of neighbours. We have listened to our neighbours.AAFNA has hired a Biologist to conduct a thorough Environmental Assessment which will include community input.We have retained an Architect and Engineer to design the Heritage Centre so that it will be safe and accommodate environmental concerns.It has been Mayor Maguire's honest recognition of Algonquin rights that has helped move this process along in a good way.Mr. Cole has had really nothing to offer toward a positive resolution. There are those who say that the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation should be taking part in the Algonquins of Golden Lake Land Surrender if we want our rights recognised. AAFNA has rejected the present "Land Claim" as just another effort to steal land and pay off those who would sell their birthright.AAFNA has determined that there is no future in selling the land or compromising what people have suffered so long to preserve. Ignorant politicians have been bashing Algonquins for a long time claiming that it is unfair for Aboriginal people to have rights beyond those of ordinary Canadians.We have studied this issue for a long time and arrived at the conclusion that ordinary Canadians really don't have many rights.Just stop paying taxes and see if you really own your century farm or your cottage. Try to protect your land from a multi-national company that is staking your property for uranium mining.Try to protect clean water, fish or plant species. Try to protect local game from sport hunters. Ask local politicians where Ontario spends the royalties acquired from local resource extraction.In the future, Algonquin rights will be what protect our environment and everyone's interests as well as keeping revenues obtained from resource development local.The emphasis should not be on limiting Algonquin rights but in extending the rights of Canadians to insure that they can live as human beings.We would suggest that if Mr. Cole truly wants to be a "leader of the people", that he share in the courage that Mayor Maguire exhibits in facing the future instead of playing on the old fears of some folks. Written by Robert Lovelace on behalf of and approved by the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, traditional Heads of Family Council.
Re: Pine Lake
In recent articles regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding AAFNA’s planned development at Pine Lake , it has been stated that the Pine Lake residents’ association is opposed to the development. As this situation continues to escalate, needlessly and inappropriately I might add, it is important to reiterate that all the residents of Pine Lake have ever asked for, and continue to seek, are assurances that the development will be governed by the same health and safety regulations to which we are all subject. The residents of Pine Lake have done their best to clearly articulate our concerns and engage all interested parties in meaningful dialogue.Our continued efforts in this regard have been met with silence from the mayor and a vicious letter alleging racial hatred from AAFNA. This, after we were assured AAFNA “wanted to be good neighbours” (Residents’ Association Meeting, August 2006). This is not about Native rights.To turn this, which is a community discussion, into such would be a very misleading and mendacious step. Our argument is now, and has always been, about unregulated, unsafe development in our township. Lisa Goos, Pine Lake
Dear Editor,
I amsaddened by what I saw and heardfrom the North Frontenac Council at its meeting last Thursday in regard to the Pine Lake situation.At various pointsand fromvariousseats at the table,I saw examples of ill will, ignorance, insensitivity and cowardice - all in petty doses, but all adding fuel to an already smouldering fire.
Probably the worstpart was the mayor's unnecessaryreference toan apparent complaint to police.Whoever instigated that foolishness,and whoever gives it legitimacy by repeating it, should be ashamed of themselves.
None of this isa matter of criminality. It is a matter of a failure - so far - bya lot of people with different histories and concerns tolistento each other, communicate respectfully, and problem-solve together.
I think there are alsopeopleinvolved who aretrying to resolve things in a caring way, andthey deserve recognition and support. But Iam very disappointed in council and inwhoever else is contributing to making this situation evenmore tangled and painful.
There's no question of giving up. I urge everyone involved to try again, and possiblymembers of ourcouncil could try offering humane and sensible leadership this time.
Helen Forsey
Pine Meadow undertaking enhancement projects
About 5 years ago, Pine Meadow Nursing Home in Northbrook embarked on a plan of expansion. The home is now nearly 14 years old. In the original plans, facilities like a chapel and increased storage and administrative spaces had been cut out, because of financial constraints. The Administration and Management Committee felt that the time had come to address these shortages, as well as to add a very modest number of beds to prepare for the rapidly Increasing elderly population,
Although the first 5 years of the nursing home had been very difficult financially, because of a
large mortgage burden, a $1.6 million grant in 1998 from the Ontario government eased the situation and allowed an era of financial stability to begin. By this time as well, the home had begun to bloom into an exemplary faculty, unrivalled by any In Eastern Ontario.
The time was thus opportune. The Ministry of Health had acknowledged that Eastern Ontario
needed more Long Term Care (LTC) beds, and our MPP was a cabinet minister. Plans were drawn up which would have included a physiotherapy department, a kidney dialysis unit and transitional accommodation for elderly residents who could no longer live In their own homes but did not need the full care of the nursing home. These were all Initiatives which would have greatly benefited the local population. The projected cost was estimated at $2.5 million.
While these plans had very positive verbal responses from various governmental people, including ministers, and other health and social service agencies, the end result has been disappointing. In two rounds of bed-allotments from the Ministry of Health in 2006, Pine Meadow was not granted any LTC beds, nor any financial assistance for capital Improvements.
After much discussion, the Management Committee and the Board of Land o' Lakes Community Services, which holds the license for Pine Meadow, have opted to go to Plan B. This will entail building a chapel for the spiritual needs of residents and their families and increasing the storage space for products and necessary equipment. It is estimated that the cost of such developments will be approximately $500,000, to be financed through savings, re-mortgaging, and a local fund raising drive.
As we continue to plan, we will keep the community Informed through our local media.
Ernest Lapchinski
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Feature Article - April 12, 2007Ardoch Algonquins finalise building plansby Jeff Green
In a press statement released last week, the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation (AAFN), formerly known as Ardoch Algonquin First Nation and Allies (AAFNA), has announced final plans for the construction of the Manomin Heritage Centre at Pine Lake, northwest of Sharbot Lake.
The centre is to be named Manomin after the wild rice at nearby Mud Lake that the non-status AAFN has been devoted to for many years. "We want to build a heritage centre so our kids can learn our language, so that we can learn about our culture, so we can be proud of ourselves and so our elders can see their efforts bear fruit," explains Co-Chief Randy Cota.
AAFN spokesperson Bob Lovelace believes that, "We, along with other Native peoples in the country, are in the process of defining how Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people work and live together" and are, in effect, "setting a standard for ourselves to live by."
AAFN intends to complete the project this summer in order to hold its annual Pow Wow on September 1. They have enlisted Alexander Wilson Architect Inc. of Kingston, “who will ensure that the Heritage Centre meets all requirements of authorities having jurisdiction as well as the standards outlined in the most recent edition of the Ontario Building Code,” according to the press release.
Ecological Services of Elginburg will be conducting an Environmental Assessment of the site.
AAFN requests that any concerns regarding the Environmental Assessment be made in writing and addressed to Alexander Wilson Architect, who, as a neutral party, will administer all dialogue between interested parties. "It is important to us that we do everything properly, that we are open and transparent in our dealings with the community at large," explains Co-Chief Cota, "as we are committed to the success of the project and the people it will benefit."
However the process has not been undertaken without controversy on a local level. David Rose, the President of the Pine Lake Property Owner’s Association Association, does not agree that AAFN has been forthcoming to the community at large.
“AAFN is taking a very aggressive view to the boat launch. They seem completely committed to forging ahead. I wish that instead of issuing press releases they would give some genuine thought to the deficiencies of the site, and allow for some meaningful consultation with the community. They have replaced community building with press releases,” he said, “they are not interested in any organic process.”
According to AAFN, the community centre will provide a "space for community members to come together in a culturally significant space for community gatherings, cultural and linguistic programs, education and training, as well as social and health services." The Centre will also "offer programs to non-members who want to learn about Algonquin people, culture and history."
Although the AAFN release expresses confidence in the progress of the project, municipal and provincial officials are still determining its legalities. The project has been progressing on land that has been under the jurisdiction of the Province of Ontario for hundreds of years, although it is within a vast amount of land that is subject to an Algonquin Land Claim.
On March 25, Mayor Ron Maguire and members of the North Frontenac Council attended a meeting of the AAFN Family Heads Council in Maberly, where the plans for the new centre were outlined. Maguire told the News that he “was encouraged to hear once again that the building code will be followed and that an environmental assessment is being completed.”
As for building permits and other technical requirements from the township, Maguire said he is still unclear where that is going. “Some of the issues are in the hands of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and some under the jurisdiction of our Chief Building Official under the Municipal Act,” he said.
On the part of the MNR, Vince Ewing, the Acting District Manager from the Bancroft Office said, “I would not say that AAFN have been in talks with the MNR, but I am aware that there is an environmental assessment process under way at Pine Lake, which is in keeping with our normal process, and is in line with land use permits being issued for Crown Lands.”
AAFN is asking that comments and questions be directed to Alexander Wilson Architect Inc. Re: Ardoch Algonquin First Nation Manomin Heritage Centre, 249 Brock Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 1S3. Tel: 613-545-3744. Fax: 613-545-1411. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Feature Article - May 3, 2007Ottawa Algonquin Community drops out of land claims process
by Jeff Green
Ottawa Algonquin Community drops out of land claims process
By Jeff Green
Paul Lamothe, the representative to the Algonquin Land Claims process from the Ottawa Algonquin Community, has left the negotiation table.
In a letter Lamothe sent to Algonquin Principal Negotiator Robert Potts, as well as Brian Crane and Robin Aitken, the principal provincial and federal negotiators to the land claim, Lamothe said, “Our community recommends that the negotiation process be terminated until such time as the following [12] issues are addressed.”
Among the 12 issues mentioned by Lamothe are issues around “identifying authentic Algonquin communities”, clarification on self government, and developing a funding vehicle which “does not favour the individuals directly involved; as well, appropriate guidelines, i.e tendering processes, need to be determined and adhered to, to ensure a fair process.”
Lamothe also took aim at Bob Potts, a Toronto-based lawyer, saying “A principal negotiator needs to be retained who is familiar with the Algonquin Nation and resides in the land claim area; this individual needs to be hired collectively by all communities, and be accountable to all communities.”
In response, Bob Potts told the News that the situation arose unexpectedly when Paul Lamothe expressed anger over a matter of confidentiality at a meeting and walked out. “I had been hoping that he would be back when the meeting resumed the next day, but he wasn’t.”
Potts said once Lamothe’s letter had been received, the other negotiation representatives had no choice but to hold a by-election to replace him. “We decided we can’t leave Ottawa without a representative, so we are holding a by-election”, he said.
In the face of the by-election to replace him, Lamothe asserts that he has not “resigned as a negotiating representative, I remain the representative; I have just left the table as a protest against how the process is being managed.”
It is Lamothe’s view that his community, the Ottawa Algonquin First Nation, has left the table, and he says that this leaves five Algonquin communities that are not being represented, including the Ardoch Algonquins under co-chiefs Randy Cota and Paula Sherman, and the Kichesiperini First Nation, along with two others.
(There is an Algonquin Negotiating Representative for Ardoch, Randy Malcolm, but there was a rift among members of the Ardoch Algonquins, and those following Cota-Sherman do not recognise Randy Malcolm as their representative).
In an interview with the News, Paul Lamothe said, “It has been clear to me that Potts has been running the negotiations. He is telling us what to do and say, instead of taking direction from us.”
Bob Potts responded by saying “I don’t have a vote at the table. I bring energy and my perspective to the process, but it is the representatives that make all the decisions.”
Bob Potts also has a specific reason for wanting a negotiation representative in place for Ottawa at this time. A major housing development planned for the former Canadian Air Force base at Rockcliffe has been blocked by the land claims process. Robert Potts was quoted in the Ottawa Citizen this week, saying, “Our objective is to make sure that what happens there [in Rockcliffe] will be of some benefit to Algonquin communities.”
Potts added that the land claim negotiators had been notified years ago that “Rockcliffe was one of the sites that we were interested in”. The Algonquin negotiating team is prepared to come to an agreement over Rockcliffe on its own, without having to wait for a full agreement in principle on the land claim, which is optimistically envisioned for 2010. “Even though Rockcliffe is of interest to all Algonquins”, Potts said, “it is located in Ottawa.”
Over the next four months, the representatives to the land claims talks will be putting together a specific set of proposals, which will be presented as a package to the federal and provincial representatives in September, when full scale talks are scheduled to resume.
Although the exact picture of any proposal is not being made public, it is clear that the transfer of specific tracts of Crown land to Algonquin communities will accompany any settlement of the land claim, along with monies for economic development. Natural resources and harvesting rights are also being discussed.
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Feature Article - June 28, 2007Algonquin solidarity over uranium exploration
by Jeff Green
George White, the President of Frontenac Ventures Corporation, said this week that he is hoping to come to a “memorandum of understanding” with Chief Doreen Davis of the Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation over uranium exploration in North Frontenac.
However, Doreen Davis seems to be having none of it.
“I said to him [George White] that I’ll give everyone their day, but nobody can convince me to risk the future of the land for any amount of dollars. We will listen, the community will listen, but that does not mean we will agree to uranium exploration on a territory that is sacred, traditional land for us. Not at all.
“The minute you drill into uranium, you expose it to the air. My mind set is that I can’t comprehend how this can be safe,” Doreen Davis said in an interview with the News on Monday.
The differences between Davis and the leadership of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation (AAFNA) over the approach to ongoing land claim negotiations have been well documented in this newspaper, but in this instance, the two groups seem to be on the same page.
In an interview with the News last week, and on CBC Radio this past Monday, George White characterized AAFNA as an “unofficial group” and “a group of radicals”, claiming that the Sharbot Lake group are the official Algonquin representatives in the area around the 30,000 acre mining claim site.
Chief Davis participated in a meeting on Sunday in Maberly with the AAFNA Family Heads Council, and the Sharbot Lake and Ardoch communities will both be involved in an event scheduled for this Friday at the Robertsville mine site on Hwy. 509.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder on this, and our personal issues all have to be put aside and discarded,” Davis said regarding the relationship between Ardoch and Sharbot Lake. “We are a family, and the disagreements we have politically do not change that.”
In an email to AAFNA members sent out on Monday, co-chief Randy Cota wrote, ”In a working relationship we the leadership have entered into an agreement to have Sharbot Lake First Nation to stand beside us to further the cause [of stopping the exploration] … Chief Davis and myself have agreed on this in a public meeting yesterday, 24th June 2007,at our Council meeting.”
Chief Davis had been made aware of the mining claims several months ago and Shabot Obaadjiwan members attended a meeting of North Frontenac residents in early April to hear concerns about the uranium exploration. She brought the matter to the attention of Brian Crane, the Ontario negotiator at the Algonquin Land Claim table, and she says, “I was told that nothing is happening, but it turns out that a lot is happening.”
The fact that the exploration is taking place in proximity to the Mississippi River, which had been identified on the land claim map as a sacred land that should not be considered for economic development, is particularly upsetting to Davis. “The Mississippi River plays a such a central role for us; it is a special river. For that to be overlooked, it’s very troubling for us. We are the stewards of the land. One of my largest roles is to protect the river.”
Frontenac Ventures Corporation has vacated their base at the Robertsville mine, where they have leased office space, in anticipation of protests that are scheduled for this week.
George White told the CBC that he will be attempting to negotiate a “Memorandum of Understanding” with the Shabot Obaadjiwan before returning to the Robertsville mine.
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