TEMAGAMI - Teme-Augama Anishnabai (TAA) Chief Michael Paul, Second Chief John Turner, and the majority of council members gathered at the home of TAA council member John O'Sullivan on October 30.
Turner said they had gathered to make their presence known, along with their concern regarding the Municipality of Temagami's land use plan.
The municipality has been working toward completing its official plan, and Turner said the TAA is "just looking for some level of consultation. We haven't really had that here."
The group was at O'Sullivan's home in Temagami because he had a specific concern about the use of nearby crown lands.
Turner stated the TAA calls crown lands "unresolved lands."
"Crown lands, to me the language has the assumption that the underlying title rests with the crown, and that's still in some level of dispute," said Turner.
He added that the TAA is looking into an agreement that will allow it to select three square miles within N'dakimenan for its use. "It's important we have some areas to select."
He said that mining claims and other interests "can limit the scope of our selection, so there's some concern, especially with this plan."
Turner said there is also concern with how crown lands will be dealt with and whether development will be allowed on crown land.
"We've just got to ensure we're still part of that decision-making process."
Currently, Temagami First Nation and the TAA are being asked by the municipality to give their approval to the plan, but Turner explained that the TAA needs more time.
"We have to go back and consult with our citizens as well."
He said they were provided with an introductory meeting by planners last spring, and at that time TAA was concerned to see some of their set-aside lands, part of their homeland known as N'dakimenan, included in the planning draft and maps.
He expressed the view that information should have been evident from the beginning through municipal representatives since the fact has been known for decades.
Turner said TAA needs more time to study what is being presented to them regarding the municipality's plan.
"I'm still studying a lot of this to give it a thorough read-over. I've got to read all these legal opinions from these professional groups."
He said some consultants are recommending changes, but he also needs to understand that to be prepared for a broader discussion when it takes place.
He looks favourably at the idea of potential partnerships with the municipality on projects that are mutually beneficial but wants other matters to be settled first. Turner expressed optimism, however.
"I suspect something can be worked out here," he said.
The TAA has sent a letter to the municipality and government representatives to seek "a reasonable period where some higher degree of consulting can occur." At least a few months are required, he stated.
Darlene Wroe is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter with the Temiskaming Speaker. LJI is funded by the Government of Canada.
