New Approach to Negotiations
The Teme-Augama Anishnabai (People of the Deep Water by the Shore) were gifted n’Dakimenan (our land) and the responsibility for its stewardship by the Creator.
From time immemorial, we have lived with the lands, waterways and all life upon n’Dakimenan, protecting, nurturing and receiving our sustenance.
Historically, the Teme-Augama Anishnabai made decisions based on our traditional governance structures. Today, we are one people represented by two elected governing bodies: the Teme-Augama Anishnabai Chief and Council and the Temagami First Nation Chief and Council. In keeping with our traditional ways, decisions are informed by the input and wisdom of our clan relations and knowledge-keepers.
The Teme-Augama Anishnabai Chief and Council and the Temagami First Nation Chief and Council work together as a Joint Council to protect the rights and interests of our citizens (the People of n’Dakimenan). The People of n’Dakimenan hold and exercise inherent and constitutionally protected rights within n’Dakimenan.
We, as Joint Council, are committed to fulfilling our sacred stewardship obligations and protecting the integrity of n’Dakimenan for past, present, and future generations.
RECENT NEGOTIATIONS HISTORY
Our struggle for justice began in 1877 by Chief Tonene and Chief Kane’cj’c.
More recently, the Teme-Augama Anishnabai negotiated the Agreement in Principle toward a Treaty of Co-Existence in 1993. In 2008, the Joint Council of the Teme-Augama Anishnabai and Temagami First Nation were engaged in negotiation of a Draft Settlement Agreement.
Both of these agreements were negotiated with the Crown in Ontario to resolve some issues related to the province’s fiduciary obligations. Had these agreements been ratified, the next step would have been to negotiate Canada’s outstanding fiduciary obligations to the Teme-Augama Anishnabai.
In 2023, Canadian law, policy, and societal attitudes in general have evolved, making elements of the 2008 Draft Settlement Agreement unacceptable and outdated. This has created opportunities for a new approach.
The negotiations table has been re-established and exploratory discussions are underway.
PROPOSED NEW APPROACH
Joint Council is proposing a new approach to negotiating an agreement that respects our inherent right to self-government and our stewardship responsibilities to n’Dakimenan.
This new approach would lead to the development of a Relationship Agreement with Ontario and Canada. The Relationship Agreement would be a living, open agreement that evolves and renews over time.
The Relationship Agreement would respect our inherent jurisdiction and law-making processes, including the right to define who we are as the People of n’Dakimenan and to exercise our decision-making authority over n’Dakimenan.
The Relationship Agreement would recognize our collective rights and responsibilities to protect the lands and waterways of n’Dakimenan.
The Relationship Agreement would honour our responsibility to uphold the principle of Mino- Bimaadiziwin (good life/well-being).
COMMITMENT TO THE PEOPLE OF N’DAKIMENAN
Joint Council is committed to keeping the People of n’Dakimenan informed and involved throughout the negotiation process with Ontario and Canada, ensuring that our collective vision is honoured.
This is an opportunity to build on the work done on the Draft Settlement Agreement and previous work by creating a Relationship Agreement that grows and changes as we grow and change.
This living Relationship Agreement would help us reach our goals of self-determination and protection of n’Dakimenan.
We will be seeking a mandate for a new approach in negotiations to pursue a living Relationship Agreement. We look forward to determining a direction for our nation together.
We need to build a strong relationship of trust and respect among our people as we build a nation-to- nation relationship with Ontario and Canada based on mutual respect and mutual responsibility.