OFFICES, Fort William First Nation (October 14, 2010) – Anishinabek Nation leadership in Northern Superior Region say that there has been no consultation with First Nations in the excavation of thousands of 9,000 year-old artifacts being shipped to Lakehead University and have plans to develop a consultation and accommodation protocol.
Regional Grand Chief Peter Collins says that while the current archaeological site excavation is nearing completion, additional related sites have been identified and the time is now to set up the protocol.
“We are proposing in-depth consultation and accommodation in any future endeavors,” said Chief Collins. “The Northern Superior Chiefs, with support from the Union of Ontario Indians, will create a regionally-based consultation protocol to include all traditional territories. This protocol will be presented to both federal and provincial government offices.”
At the current archaeological site in Thunder Bay, First Nations in the Northern Superior Region should have been consulted and involved with any decision-making, planning and involved with the recovery of artifacts.
“Any significant archaeological discovery within the traditional territories requires immediate and meaningful consultation by all parties involved,” said the regional Chief. “While the Northern Superior Chiefs recognize the impact that finds may have on development in the area, it is important to know that the artifacts are tied to our history and people. Government has a responsibility of consultation.”
The Anishinabek Nation established the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 40 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 55,000 people. The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.
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