Grassy Narrows, province sign MOU over forest

A First Nation community near Kenora that has staged numerous protests over the years is making progress in having their issues resolved.

The Chief of Grassy Narrows Simon Fobister and the Minister of Natural Resources Linda Jeffrey were in Thunder Bay Thursday to sign a memorandum of understanding related to the Whiskey Jack Forest.

The two were joined by former Supreme Court Justice Frank Iacobucci, who prepared a list of recommendations on the matter and acted as mediator.

Fobister said the signing is an important step in furthering the community's rights and securing a brighter future. He said the understanding sets aside two areas of the forest that will now fall under their management.

Grassy Narrows, which objected to clear cutting, now has a say on harvesting methods and an opportunity to benefit from the harvesting.

Jeffrey said the signing is a new beginning.

In 2009, following years of blockades and other protests, Abitibi Consolidated surrendered its Sustainable Forest License for the Whiskey Jack Forest back to the Crown.

Fobister said this agreement does not mean an end to ongoing litigation and protests but both parties are talking and trying to find solutions.