On behalf of Taykwa Tagamou…

On behalf of Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN), we express strong opposition to the proposed exemption powers in Schedule 7 of Bill 5, which would allow the Lieutenant Governor in Council to bypass archaeological requirements. These changes threaten our sacred sites, burial grounds, and cultural heritage. The ability to exempt developments from assessments without mandatory Indigenous consultation violates Article 11 of UNDRIP and undermines our rights under Section 35 of the Constitution.

We urge the Province to:
• Ensure no exemptions under the Ontario Heritage Act are granted without prior and meaningful consultation with Indigenous Nations;
• Protect culturally significant sites through a transparent and collaborative process;
• Embed Indigenous governance in the regulatory framework to uphold our rights and responsibilities as stewards of the land.