Indigenous leaders and youth from Treaty 9 will be visiting Kingston and the surrounding area from Sept. 25 to 30 to raise awareness about Ontario’s recently passed Bill 5, which critics say allows the government to declare lands as “Special Economic Zones” and enable development without protections for water, lands, regional priorities or Treaties.
“Municipal and Provincial regulations can be ignored. You have no voice in the decision, neither does your mayor, your MPP, or your cottage association. No respect for Indigenous rights apply. Reconciliation is nullified, as are our democratic processes,” said Howe Island citizen Dianne Dowling.
One proposed Special Economic Zone is in the ‘Ring of Fire,’ a mineral-rich area in Treaty 9 lands in Northern Ontario that is home to the Omushkego Cree and some of the world’s last intact peatlands.
The week-long visit is designed to allow the public to listen, learn and engage in dialogue with Indigenous leaders, youth and environmental lawyers from Legal Advocates for Nature’s Defence (LAND), an environmental law non-profit. “First Nations youth are rising. We the 7th, in fire we are ignited. We will not be legislated away. We are the generation to make change. You will see us, in your cities, mobilizing, and we call on the youth, leadership and public to join us in Kingston, to learn and stand in support of our collective future,” said Ramon Kataquapit, founder of the Indigenous youth organization Okiniwak.
Events throughout the week will include talks in the community, at Queen’s University, with service clubs, and sessions with the local Indigenous community and youth. A public community event will be held at The Spire on Sept. 28 at 7 p.m., featuring music, speeches, some drama, and performances by KaKaow and Sarah Harmer. The visit will conclude with a Truth & Reconciliation Walk on Sept. 30.
“The organizers of this visit aren’t specifically environmentalists or lefties or rabble rousers. This work is not officially affiliated with any group. We are just citizens of a rich and democratic Province who want thoughtful government, not the sledgehammer of Bill 5. We hope Ontarians will join us in raising our concerns and advocating for a better way forward,” said Mara Shaw, a local citizen concerned about the legislation.
Organizers encourage community members to attend events and engage with Indigenous leaders and youth to learn more about the impact of Bill 5 and the importance of protecting Ontario’s lands and waterways.
