Mississaugas of Scugog Island statement on the Government of Canada announcement on the future of Pickering lands

PORT PERRY, ON (January 27, 2025) – The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN) is pleased to see progress towards the protection of this area that is of great ecological and cultural importance. The region’s natural and agricultural lands are disappearing at an alarming rate.

The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation has long had legitimate concerns about constructing a major airport on prime farmland located next to the Rouge National Urban Park. This land is a precious resource that can never be replaced. We have been fighting to protect this and the surrounding area for decades – including multiple judicial processes – the most recent of which resulted in the recognition by federal and provincial governments that our treaty rights are constitutionally protected.

Today, we are pleased to see progress with the transfer of these lands to Parks Canada’s jurisdiction.

 “We look forward to meaningful consultation with Parks Canada on ecological protections and enhancements for lands in the Duffins Creek watershed,” said MSIFN Chief Kelly LaRocca. “This includes approaches to co-management of these lands and a First Nation Guardian program.”

MSIFN has also requested that Parks Canada work with Williams Treaty First Nations to develop a Harvesting Agreement for Rouge National Urban Park and these lands, aligned with the principles of the 2018 Williams Treaties Settlement Agreement and Measure 35 of the UN Declaration Act Action Plan.

“MSIFN and the Williams Treaties communities have deep historic and cultural connection to our treaty territories,” said Chief LaRocca. “We anticipate that this marks the beginning of a productive path forward with Parks Canada on how we can together we will ensure that the land, water, and our treaty rights are respected and protected.”