Domtar, Province Accused Of Excluding First Nation

Domtar, Province Accused Of Excluding First Nation

Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at 15:38

The chief of the Montreal Lake Cree Nation is upset the provincial government and Domtar scheduled today’s announcement about reviving the Prince Albert Pulp Mill without consulting his band first.

Chief Lionel Bird says any forestry activity on the band’s traditional territory has to be done in a way that protects its lands and benefits its members.

Bird says the province and Domtar were given a detailed proposal from the band about how they could fulfill their duty to consult and accommodate — specifically, jobs for band members and protection of areas used by trappers and hunters.

He says, aside from a letter the band received from the government last week, there hasn’t been any formal response.

Bird says band citizens are no longer prepared to let the province make decisions that impact their rights, unless the band is consulted first.