Algonquins of Barriere Lake trying to protect governance system

OTTAWA -- The Green Party of Canada fully supports the efforts of the Algonquins of Barriere Lake to maintain their traditional governance system and condemns the federal government’s efforts to derail the affairs of this community.  On April 8, 2010, Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl signed an order to invoke Section 74 of the Indian Act, allowing the imposition of Indian Act band elections, something which hasn’t been forcibly done since 1924.

Barriere Lake, 300 kilometres north of Ottawa, in Quebec, has struggled for years with the Canadian and Quebec governments over the failure to uphold signed agreements regarding forestry on their lands.  These agreements date back to the 1991 Trilateral Agreement. 

Barriere Lake still functions with a recognized traditional governance system, which they feel is part of their close connection to the land, including the very important forest ecosystem.  In a consensus-based, directly democratic process, leaders are chosen based partly on their ability to protect and manage the land.

“The federal government has consistently tried to violate agreements and interfere with the internal affairs of this First Nation, all in an effort to access the natural resources of their traditional territory.  Obviously, they hope to weaken this community to the point where the logging companies can take over. It is shameful,” said Green Leader Elizabeth May.

Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 guarantees Barriere Lake’s right to maintain their customary system of government and a recent Federal Court decision concluded that Barriere Lake can “select their leadership in accordance with their customs unimpeded by any conditions or requirements which the Minister may deem appropriate.”

“Barriere Lake as a community has shown great strength in their efforts to become a healthy, self-sufficient First Nation and a great part of that is maintaining their traditional governance system and protecting the forest ecosystem of their traditional lands.  Instead of being applauded by our government, they have faced repeated attempts to destroy what they are working for,” said Green Critic for Aboriginal Affairs Lorraine Rekmans.  “The Canadian people need to know this is happening and let their elected representative know it is not acceptable.”

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Contact Information:
Debra Eindiguer
Press Secretary
C: 613.240.8921
media@greenparty.ca