CPTnet
March 30, 2004

ASUBPEESCHOSEEWAGONG, ON: "We've been self-managing for thousands of years"

by Lisa Martens

On Friday, March 12, 2004, the provincial government of Ontario issued a
"Stop Work" order for a trapper's cabin and trails which Roberta Keesick,
Anishnaabe (Ojibway) wants to build in a forest clearing.

Like trappers in countless generations before her, Keesick and her helper
are clearing snow on Asubpeeschoseewagong traditional land in order to build
a trappers' shelter in accordance with Anishnaabe and Treaty Rights.

The "Stop Work" order was posted by a conservation officer after Keesick
and a Senior Technician working for the Province had a conversation on
Friday in which the officer said Keesick should get a provincial permit to
continue her work. Keesick told the Senior Technician she was covered by her
rights under Treaty #3, a covenant between the Anishnaabe Nation and the
British Crown which there are several versions.

The order states that "Failure to comply with this order is an offence and
could result in a fine of up to $10,000.00 plus an additional fine of not
less than $200.00 for each day the activity (activities) continues. This
order is pursuant to Subsection 14(5) of the Public Lands Act, R.S.O. 1990,
c. P43"

Community members point out that while Keesick is threatened with a $10 000
fine, the provincial government grants a logging license to clear-cut on
Anishnaabe traditional territory without the consent of the Anishnaabe.
Clear cutting disrupts Anishnaabe hunting, fishing and sacred space.
Community members have suggested that the permit process is an attempt by
Ministry of Natural Resource officials to keep Indigenous people off their
traditional territories.

Many Anishnaabe live by their inherent, and Treaty Rights related to their
Nationhood, while the province of Ontario wants to be the licensing body for
everyone. In the past, the province has burned Anishnaabe-built trapping
cabins that to did not meet the Province's specifications. When a Senior
Technician called Keesick Monday, March 15, she said, "You should be
managing your own people. Our people have been self-managing for thousands
of years." Keesick is considering her strategy for further interaction with
Ontario's provincial government.