Pic River pursuing Aboriginal title claim

BEGETIKONG ANISHNABE — The Begetikong Anishnabe (Ojibways of Pic River First Nation) welcome the decision made June 26th by the Supreme Court of Canada in the Tsilhqot’in case, and hope to build on that decision in advancing their Aboriginal title claim. In the Tsilhqot’in ruling, the Court issued a declaration that the Tsilhqot’in Nation holds Aboriginal title to their traditional territory in the northern interior of British Columbia. This is the first time in history that a Canadian court has issued a declaration recognizing Aboriginal title.

“This case was a long time coming, and we congratulate the Tsilhqot’in Nation for succeeding in their long struggle to have their Aboriginal title recognized”, said Chief Duncan Michano. “We will continue to assert our Aboriginal title to the traditional territory of the Begetikong Anishnabe, because we did not sign the Robinson Superior Treaty.

“We have been trying to get the governments to negotiate our case since 1979.   We look forward to building on the success of this case in our own efforts to have our Aboriginal title recognized within our traditional territory.

“This does not mean that we intend to displace innocent third parties — we will continue to live peacefully with our neighbours. However, we expect to be meaningfully consulted and accommodated regarding development within our traditional territory, and we expect a fair share of resource benefits.  The Supreme Court made it clear that the Tsilhqot’in ruling applies equally to both the Federal and Ontario governments.”

Chief Michano urges industry and governments to heed the following advice of the Supreme Court: “Governments and individuals proposing to use or exploit land, whether before or after a declaration of Aboriginal title, can avoid a charge of infringement or failure to adequately consult by obtaining the consent of the interested Aboriginal group.”

The Begetikong Anishnabe claim unextinguished Aboriginal title to their traditional territory north  of  Lake  Superior  since  1979.    The  Begetikong  Anishnabe  did  not  participate  in  the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850. The federal and Ontario governments have refused to negotiate the claim, therefore, the First Nation filed its claim in court.