As the Lands and Resources…

As the Lands and Resources Coordinator for Beaverhouse First Nation, I am writing to express our deep concern regarding Schedule 7 of the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025, which proposes significant amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA). These changes, if passed, would weaken the protection of Indigenous heritage sites and limit the role of Indigenous Nations in decisions that directly affect our lands and cultural resources.
The proposed amendments would make it easier to fast-track development by allowing projects to move forward without adequate archaeological assessments. This puts at risk sacred places such as burial sites, ceremonial grounds, and areas containing artifacts left by our ancestors. These are important cultural and spiritual places that continue to carry meaning for our people today and for future generations.
Beaverhouse First Nation has inherent rights over our traditional territories. We have a responsibility to protect the land and everything connected to it, including our cultural heritage. These amendments appear to prioritize economic development over Indigenous rights and leave little space for our input or consent.
We are especially concerned about the lack of consultation in developing these changes. First Nations must be involved in decisions that affect our heritage and lands. If these amendments move forward without proper engagement, it will damage relationships and may lead to legal challenges, something we believe can be avoided through respectful and transparent dialogue.
We urge the province to pause the proposed changes to the Ontario Heritage Act and begin meaningful consultation with Indigenous Nations. There must be stronger legal protections for Indigenous heritage, recognition of our jurisdiction over cultural and archaeological sites, and development plans that respect our rights and agreements.
If Ontario is committed to reconciliation and building strong, respectful relationships with First Nations, these proposed changes must be reconsidered.