THE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA CHIEFS SUPPORTS THE ISLAND LAKE REGION IN THEIR CALL FOR A MORATORIUM ON ALL MINERAL

DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES ON THEIR TRADITIONAL AND ANCESTRAL TERRITORIES Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Manitoba July 11, 2013: The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs passed a unanimous resolution at its 25th Annual General Assembly stating its full political support to the Island Lake First Nations of St. Theresa Point First Nation, Wasagamack First Nation, Garden Hill First Nation and Red Sucker Lake First Nation in their call for a moratorium on all mineral development activities in their traditional and ancestral territory until the Province of Manitoba obtains Free, Prior and Informed Consent and engages consultation and accommodation measures under a Resource Equity Framework. Many permits, licenses and other land dispositions relating to resources and commercial development are consistently granted by the Province of Manitoba to major companies on First Nation traditional and ancestral lands without meaningful consultation and accommodation said Grand Chief Nepinak. He further stated It is apparent that Manitoba retains consultants or sets up ad-hoc advisory committees that compromise collective First Nations positions. Manitobas failure to engage in meaningful consultation demonstrates a failure to meet constitutional obligations. This is contributing to Manitobas consistent slide in ranking when it comes to ideal locations for the mining industry. In June 2010, Manitoba committed to First Nations leadership at a Roundtable on Crown-First Nation Consultation and Accommodation to establish a joint Manitoba First Nations Committee that would work on Manitobas consultation policy and guidelines, and to work together to develop a policy on resource revenue sharing and review the Mines and Minerals Act. Manitoba has yet to follow through with its commitments. The Chiefs in Assembly have directed Grand Chief Nepinak to call a meeting with the Province of Manitoba to reactivate and fulfill its commitments. As part of this Resolution, the AMC also opposes the proposed Government of Manitobas Advisory Committee on Mining that only serves to promote industrys interests through existing provincial laws, regulations and policies. I look forward to meeting with this provincial government to finally establish a meaningful working relationship that benefits not only industry, but First Nations and all Manitobans said Grand Chief Nepinak. For more information please contact: Sheila North Wilson Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs 204- 805-1759 snorthwilson@manitobachiefs.com