'Historic' meeting between northern First Nations and politicians wraps up in Timmins
Delegates from seven area First Nations and their Mushkegowuk Council met with the province's Indigenous affairs and environment ministers to discuss matters like treaty rights and the economic potential of the James Bay coast.
Little was disclosed about what was talked about in the meeting Friday, but Fort Albany Chief Robert Nakogee told CTV that he was pleased with the around four-hours of discussion.
He said the formation of a treaty round-table and environmental talks were top of mind.
"Don't forget the treaty that was signed in 1905 still exists today," Nakogee said in an interview.
"And of course what's been pushed here is always the environment. How are we going to approach— with (being) environmentally-friendly, of course, climate change happening also. How we're going to move forward on that."
Mushkegowuk Council has been working with the federal government to declare a national marine conservation area along the James Bay and Hudson Bays coasts, prompting further discussion about the economic potential of the natural resources in 'Treaty Nine' territory.
Ontario's Indigenous affairs minister Greg Rickford acknowledged that First Nations want to build stronger partnerships with federal and provincial governments and that this meeting was a symbol of a commitment to improving that relationship.
"Any time we can talk about legacy infrastructure, preserving and protecting important conservation principals and ... at least talking about responsible resource development, we're going to be involved in that discussion," said Rickford, also the province's minister of northern development and mines.
Media were told that a more detailed summary of the meeting's discussions will be released at a later time.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Cherry blossoms blooming in Canada: Here's what to know
There is a swaying sea of colour in some cities across Canada, and it's a sure sign of spring: cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Murder charges filed against U.S. woman who crashed into building hosting birthday party, killing 2 kids
A Michigan woman was charged Tuesday with second-degree murder and other crimes after prosecutors say she drunkenly smashed her SUV into a boat club that was hosting a birthday party, killing two young siblings and injuring several other people.
Toronto's police chief clarifies initial statement on Umar Zameer acquittal, says he 'accepts' jury's finding
Toronto's Chief of Police has clarified a statement that he'd hoped for "a different outcome" made just after Umar's Zameer acquittal, telling reporters Tuesday he supports and accepts the jury's finding in the five-week trial.