Nation-building at Serpent River First Nation
Serpent River First Nation – A summit will take place in Serpent River First Nation this week to discuss Lands and Economy. “In this fast-paced changing global economy, with land being the main target for development, First Nations can no longer wait for other jurisdictions or organizations to set the course of our future – as Anishinabek, we must occupy that field. This week is a first step in establishing a planned approach with government that will clearly set in place the building blocks for a strong government-to-government strategy and bi-lateral success with other jurisdictions”.
Benchmark for Nation-building
“This is a benchmark that we must achieve as we set in place our foundation for Nation-building,” says Chief Isadore Day, Wiindawtegowinini, Serpent River First Nation.
On October 22-24 2013, Serpent River First Nation and its Economic Development Corporation will host a discussion on ways to establish a clearer government-to- government strategy. The focus will be aimed at dealing with proposed development in the treaty territory of the Serpent River First Nation.
Economic Development Can’t Wait
This summit has been established to engage community members, First Nation and Crown government partners, private sector partners and current and potential stakeholders in the development of a Community-based Sustainable Development strategy for Serpent River First Nation.
Attendees will look at challenges that exist for all three jurisdictions, First Nations, Canada and Ontario. Addressing the challenges surrounding a number of developments from mining, urban and rural cottage lot development and other key areas of regional economic development must include direct First Nation decision-making if “Treaty Implementation” is to ever be achieved – this is commonly understood but rarely achieved at the First Nation level.
The goal of the summit is to establish clearer government-to-government working relationships and bi-lateral arrangements specific to policy, decision-making and priority projects. Obtaining success will mean the achievement of a triple-bottom-line outcome; that means considering the highest degree of importance on the Land, People and Economy as a fundamental foundation to sustainability.
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