Green Lake Residents Debate Lot Development

Green Lake Residents Debate Lot Development

Friday, June 08, 2007 at 13:02

 

 

Some Aboriginal residents of Green Lake are worried about the implications of a proposed lot development in the northern village.

 

Local First Nations leader Rodney Laliberte says there is concern only non-Aboriginal people from outside the community will be to afford the proposed 40 lots in a resort area.

 

Metis local leader Ric Richardson says the fear is non-Native people will eventually outnumber Aboriginal people on village council — meaning non-Natives will have all the decision-making powers in what has traditionally been a Metis community.

 

He also says it’s worth noting that Cochin was once considered a Metis community — but it’s now strictly a resort village.

 

Laliberte says a solid case can be made that the area was once reserve land. The Metis in the community are also laying claim to the area.

 

Laliberte says First Nations and Metis people in Green Lake are not prepared to lose their voice — especially on land issues.

 

Richardson says municipal councils have a duty to consult the Aboriginal population on land development, just like the provincial and federal governments.

 

Roughly 100 people attended a public meeting on the issue Wednesday night. Many were in favour of having a committee struck to determine who actually owns the land in question.

 

Green Lake Mayor Fred McCallum was unable to be reached for comment.