ANR Working Groups/Activities

The following represents a general listing of the activities of the ANRs in the Traditional Territory in dealing proactively and positively with the many issues that have an impact on all Algonquins.

Forest Management

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has established Forest Management Units (or FMUs) throughout the province.  In the Algonquin land claim area, there are seven FMUs:

• Algonquin Park
• Ottawa Valley
• Bancroft Minden
• Nipissing Temagami
• Lanark Mazinaw
• Limerick
• French Severn

This ANR working group has successfully established a role in co-managing all forestry related operations in Algonquin territory. Its ongoing participation includes representation on the Algonquin Forest Authority, which is responsible for logging allocations in Algonquin Park and other Crown lands, as well as overseeing road and bridge management in Algonquin Park and other FMUs.  The goal of this working group is to further develop the role of the Algonquins of Ontario in the management of Ontario’s forestry resources, as well as enhancing income, employment and other economic development opportunities for Algonquin communities.  An important vision of the Algonquins in Ontario in its Treaty negotiations with governments is participating in the stewardship of forestry resources, improving Algonquin participation in the management of related forestry activities (medicines, ground hemlock, biofibre and silviculture), and ensuring the Algonquins receive an equitable share of the economic benefits derived from forestry resources in the Traditional Territory.

Minerals and Aggregates

The Minerals & Aggregates working group provides oversight and monitoring, within the Traditional Territory, of private and public sector activity relating to the exploitation of minerals, (including industrial minerals), metals and aggregates (sand, gravel, stone). This ANR group seeks to protect Algonquin cultural and economic interests in all phases of mining and/or extraction from preliminary exploration to initial studies to development and implementation of detailed plans and monitoring.  Its work includes interfacing with Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Natural Resources. The Treaty currently being negotiated with the governments of Canada and Ontario is expected to confirm Algonquin rights to participate in the development and benefits arising from all public or private sector activity from resource development in the Land Claim Area.

Power Generation and Environment

ANRs are focused on the many opportunities for sustainable economic development in the Traditional Territory through the wise use and sharing of the area’s abundant natural resources. Through formal and informal consultation, ANRs are deeply involved in planning for the future use of these resources.  Water and various forms of power generation, including wind, have significant potential long term revenue streams and for creating jobs for Algonquins and others. Opportunities may exist in developing alternative energy sources by manufacturing biofibre or wood chips from wood and biomass from agricultural waste. The Algonquins of Ontario are being widely consulted on a variety of projects for refurbishing and retrofitting existing dams within the Traditional Territory to create power for sale to Ontario Hydro.  The protection and proper use of water is a core issue with all Algonquins and is being rigorously monitored to protect Algonquin rights and the environment.

Archeological Research

Archaeological information indicates that Algonquin people have lived in the Ottawa Valley for at least 8,000 years before the Europeans arrived in North America. An essential objective of ANR efforts is to protect and strengthen the culture, health and general well being of the Algonquin people. Understanding the history of the Algonquin peoples from the earliest of times is recognized by the ANRs as a critical task to strengthen Algonquin culture.  Many sites of archeological importance and are held sacred by present-day Algonquins.  ANRs are developing a broad approach to learning more about the Nation’s past by working with elders and communities to identify sites, as well as hiring a staff archeologist when funds are available who will oversee the commissioning of detailed archeological research in the territory and to catalogue artifacts.  The ANRs are planning for a Treaty with governments that will contain provisions for identifying and protecting sites of historical, cultural or archaeological significance, establishing an Algonquin Place Names Board, identifying and ensuring respectful treatment of Aboriginal burial sites and artifacts, and repatriation of Algonquin remains.

Algonquin Park

Algonquin Park is a significant cultural resource and a major potential economic engine for the Algonquins of Ontario. The Algonquins of Ontario are committed to preserving Algonquin Park for the use and enjoyment of all Algonquins, as well as the peoples of Ontario, Canada and the world.  An ANR working group cooperates with other stakeholders, including government, to protect and improve Algonquin Park.  A critical focus at present is a report from the Ontario Parks Board (“Lightening the Ecological Footprint of Logging in Algonquin Provincial Park”) aimed at reducing the effects of logging in Algonquin Provincial Park.  The goal of the Algonquins of Ontario is to protect and advance Algonquin interests in terms of cultural protection and enhancement, and to create Algonquin jobs and economic development/revenue opportunities. A longer range objective for this working group is to develop programs to promote the understanding of Algonquin history and culture using Algonquin Park as an important attraction for Algonquin related tourism activities throughout the Traditional Territory.

Funding and Revenue Streams

This ANR working group seeks to identify sources of funding and revenue streams which can benefit the Algonquins of Ontario. Current funding to support the ANRs as they develop a framework for negotiating a Treaty is provided by governments through the Negotiation Preparedness Initiative (NPI). An ANR working group oversees administration of the NPI funds, as well as identifying other funding sources to allow the Algonquins to pursue various consultation initiatives.  This working group is developing other revenue streams/income that will be of particular importance to the longer term needs of Algonquin Nation of Ontario.  The potential revenue will provide Algonquin communities with a significant level of reliable contractual income over the long term.  This revenue will replace current NPI transfer payments and supplement funds expected from the government following a successful conclusion of the Algonquin Treaty. These funds will provide an economic base for the Algonquins of Ontario that will ensure a better quality of life not only for this generation but for all generations to come.

Harvesting (Hunting, Gathering, Fishing)

A key area for Algonquins is protecting their rights for hunting and fishing and gathering other resources in the natural environment.  This working group’s mandate is to monitor all harvesting activity in the Traditional Territory, including actions planned or taken by governments, to protect and strengthen Algonquin culture, health and general well being of individuals and communities.  The expected Treaty with governments will require harvesting rights that are adequately identified and protected.  The working group is developing concepts that are being explored with governments to protect these resources, as well as identifying ways to ensure sustainability and minimize the impact or concerns of non-aboriginal harvesters.

Nation Building

Within the Traditional Territory, covering the watersheds of the Ottawa and Mattawa Rivers in Ontario, there are 10 communities where approximately 10,000 people of Algonquin descent live. The survival, economic self sufficiency and prosperity and the self determination of the Algonquin Nation will require a focused strategy and plan to build a lasting nation.  The foundation of the Algonquin Nation is being built on the local communities and their interests, as well as a “big picture” that encompasses the breadth of the Traditional Territory itself.  This ANR working group is focused on major high profile projects that will have impact on all Communities throughout the Treaty Area (eg: the former Canadian Forces Base at Rockcliffe, Chaudiere and Victoria Islands in the Ottawa River and others), as well as selected smaller initiatives that may offer important Nation Building opportunities (eg: cultural centers and community meeting places, Algonquin Trail, historical signage and story boards as well as other tourism initiatives).

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