NAN postpones talking about Assembly's response to KI issue
Tb News Source
Web Posted: 4/3/2008 2:03:06 AM
There appears to be some uncertainty over what the next step for aboriginal leaders should be when it comes to what they are calling the KI crisis.
A NAN press conference scheduled for Wednesday afternoon with the First Nation leaders to provide details of the outcome of their discussions was cancelled at the last minute.
Dicussions took place Tuesday at the emergency NAN assembly meeting and the closed-door talks came to an end at noon on Wednesday when it was thought a decision had been reached on what the chiefs plans would be in response to the KI leaders being convicted and jailed for contempt and whether or not the group should resume talks with the province at the Northern Table.
The cancellation of the press conference seemed to indicate an action plan was not reached. NAN Communications officials were unable to give a clear explanation why the event was cancelled and would only say leaders still have to finalize their decision.
NAN is expected to talk about resolutions reached at the Assembly meeting later in the week.
National Chief Phil Fontaine made another stop in Thunder Bay to attend the emergency Regional Chiefs meeting on Wednesday and said the leaders were well within their rights to refuse mining development on their traditional land but he stresed there needs to be a balance.
Fontaine continues to throw his support behind the KI First Nation and although he recognizes the importance of treaty agreements he said '' a balanced approach with any development needs to be taken.'' Fontaine said the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation has decided to go back to the Northern Table.
This is Fontaine's second visit to the city to address the KI issue and he said steps do need to be taken to protect treaty rights but at the same time, aboriginal leaders should recognize the opportunity in resource development. Fontaine says the AFN is very actively pressing Ontario to amend the mining act.
A peaceful gathering will be held outside the Correctional Centre Thursday morning in support of the five KI band members serving their jail sentences there.
