Indian Nations Unite On Great Lakes
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First Nations in Canada and Tribes in the United States Reject Great Lakes Charter Annex
It has been over 240 years since
Great Lakes tribes descended upon the great Niagara Falls to discuss issues of
profound consequence. This week, representatives from over 140 indigenous
tribes from both sides of the border participated in the most significant and
historic international gathering since the signing of the 1764 Treaty of
Niagara.
First Nations in Canada and Tribes in the United States came together to
discuss issues surrounding the Great Lakes Charter, Annex 2001. The Annex,
signed between the two provinces, and eight states is an addendum to the Great
Lakes Charter which governs the Great Lakes eco-system and resources that are
shared within these jurisdictions.
In November 2004, the Indigenous Nations of the Great Lakes united to
unanimously reject the Great Lakes Charter Annex, the commodification,
diversion and export of water, and the lack of inclusion in the
intergovernmental process.
Today, the United Indian Nations of the Great Lakes, consisting of
indigenous leadership from Quebec, Ontario, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio,
Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota reaffirmed the
principles outlined in the Great Lakes Water Accord of November 2004, and
committed to defining a process to furthering indigenous management of the
Great Lakes through the immediate development of a taskforce of
representatives of the Tribes and First Nations.
“Tribes on both sides of the border are united in developing our own
parallel process and ensuring our participation in decision-making involving
the management of the Great Lakes,” said Frank Ettawageshik, tribal chairman
of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, and co-chair for the United
Indian Nations of the Great Lakes meeting.
“The consensus that we have reached here will guide our efforts in
responding to these issues,” said Nelson Toulouse, Deputy Grand Chief of the
Anishinabek Nation, and co-chair for the meeting. “More importantly, we remain
committed to making this our own process, done in our way.”
The Tribes and First Nations pledged to take back this information to
their respective councils for review and to follow through with the 2004
Accord.
@ April 13, 2005