May 13, 2025 Re: Special…

May 13, 2025

Re: Special Economic Zones Act

We at Animakee Wa Zhing #37 First Nation do not support this new act being presented to government for consideration. Due to its support to bypass any opposition for new projects which could occur within our Treaty #3 region, it will infringe against our inherited treaty with the government.
Our community has been actively working with industry in forestry and mining; we have made positive and meaningful partnerships when we’ve handled these relations close to our cultural and spiritual beliefs. This new act only promotes the governments ignorance towards indigenous led initiatives and how we can reach agreements in the most respectful manner available for all parties involved.
We also believe that this act, if its approved, will be violating years of efforts made between indigenous leaders and government for truth and reconciliation that has had positive impacts for both First Nation n main stream society. Although there has been some efforts towards Truth n Reconciliation, there hasn’t been a long enough term present to bring this SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES ACT forward to simply squash all that work. This act only shows government’s historical suppression of indigenous rights to the land and ignorance towards the historical treaties our families had signed in good faith; believing it would lead towards a more positive relationship with settlers of that time.
Furthermore, we are more than prepared to work with government as long as our opinions and views are respected. We are more than willing to learn how we can approach any opposition accordingly but we with always remain respectful since that comes easily through our spirituality. Don’t assume our humble demeanour as docile, we will make efforts to protect our homelands within the Treaty 3 territory.

Miigwech