Repealing the Far North Act…

Repealing the Far North Act is an impulsive plan. Originally when writing the Act it was to be the first for First Nations and Government to write together and in agreement. Then, First Nations were not invited to participate in the writing. Then it was passed. Government are reminded at many meetings why, historically First Nations do not and cannot trust government. It has taken many years and many reminders of this mistrust; however, First Nations still agree to meet and with an open mind. Many First Nation communities have negotiated and signed agreements with industry and government because they were made to feel like finally they are being heard, being understood and being taken seriously. After The Far North Act it was a contentious issue with many communities as it was being forced without their approval or consultation. This Act, at this time protects the TEK values on the land and within each communities traditional territory. It was hard trying to convince communities to understand that the protection through this Act would be beneficial to them. Some are still hesitant but some have worked within the Act for their community TEK Value protection. In the proposed details it states that if the decision is made to repeal section (2) the Public Lands Act will be amended to retain approved community based land use plans and provide them with substantially the same effect as under the Far North Act. Well, then why repeal at all, carry on as usual or repeal the pubic lands act to accommodate this provision before any other changes are made. This will also allow the First Nation communities to continue or begin their TEK Value collection and protection within their traditional territory. As stated in the description, the act provides for community based land use planning and sets out a JOINT planning process between the First Nations and Ontario. This has been working these past years, REPEALING without a JOINT process puts the government in an untrustworthy position yet again.