Copyright © 2003 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Matthew Coon Come will be in Grassy Narrows First Nation (Ontario) on Thursday, February 27 to show support for the road blockade and political action being taken by the community to protect their rights.

The National Chief expects to arrive in Grassy Narrows First Nation by approximately 10:30 a.m. He will spend the day at the site of the blockade and visit the community to hear from the Chief, Councilors and community members and discuss next steps to resolve the outstanding issues.

Location: The roadblock set-up by community members is at the Abitibi Consolidated clear cutting access road on Highway 671 (approximately 5 km from the community of Grassy Narrows).

Background: The citizens of Grassy Narrows established a blockade and information centre at the Abitibi Consolidated clear cutting access road late last year. The community members were never properly consulted about the license granted to Abitibi Consolidated for clear cutting activities on Grassy Narrows' Customary Lands. The clear cutting is infringing on their inherent Aboriginal and Treaty rights to hunt, fish and trap in their traditional territories. These rights are recognized and affirmed in section 35 of Canada's 1982 Constitution. Supreme Court of Canada decisions direct the federal government to fully consult with First Nations where there is a possibility that their rights may be infringed. Grassy Narrows First Nation resides in the area covered by Treaty #3. Richard Powless of the AFN will be traveling with the National Chief.