Deer Lake First Nation draft community based land use plan

Note on terminology

The Deer Lake Draft Community Based Land Use Plan contains Part B, Section 2 entitled Nee Gaan Anee Nutcheegaywin – Strategic Direction. For the purposes of this document, the Oji-Cree term Nee Gaan Anee Nutcheegaywin is synonymous with the English terms Strategic Direction and Broad Direction. All three terms are understood to refer to guidance for the manner in which land use activities will take place and for the management of lands and resources in the proposed Planning Area, as laid out in that section.

Preface

Deer Lake First Nation is an Oji-Cree speaking community located in Ontario within the upper reaches of the Severn River watershed. Their traditional territory encompasses an area broadly described by the community as including significant portions of Treaty 5 in Ontario and Manitoba, and portions of Treaty 9 in Ontario. Deer Lake First Nation is a signatory to Treaty 5.

The community is leading the preparation of this Draft Community Based Land Use Plan working together with Ontario. Planning will address a portion of Deer Lake’s traditional territory situated in Treaty 5 in Ontario. Deer Lake First Nation and Ontario are working together in good faith and mutual respect towards the development of this plan. Planning will be conducted in a manner that respects Aboriginal and Treaty Rights and the interests of Ontario and Deer Lake First Nation.

Our vision statement for community based land use planning is:

Deer Lake First Nation intends to build a healthy and thriving community while balancing historical values and new economic opportunities.

This vision respects that Deer Lake First Nation will continue to carry out their customary and traditional livelihoods on the land while the community explores new ventures and works with existing businesses. It also values a consensus-based approach to decision-making to improve the quality of life for community members.

Primary reasons for the community to engage in planning are to provide economic opportunities, preserve cultural values and strengthen informed community decision-making while upholding the integrity of the land.

Acknowledgements

The Deer Lake Community Based Land Use Plan is the result of leadership, collaborative work and the support of many people – Elders, community members, advisors, the province, tribal council organizations and adjacent communities.

We would like to thank the following people and organizations for their support and contributions in developing this plan:

Deer Lake First Nation Chief and Council, Elders, trappers, hunters, fishers, community members, youth, Keewaytinook Okimakanak, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM), Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS); and, Poplar Hill, North Spirit Lake, Sandy Lake, Pauingassi, St. Theresa Point and Pikangikum First Nations.

Draft plan summary

Deer Lake has identified a proposed Planning Area for the purpose of preparing a Community Based Land Use Plan. The proposed Planning Area is 415,558^{footnote 1[1]}hectares in size, situated within the geography described by the Far North Land Use Planning Initiative and within the geography for which Deer Lake First Nation’s relationship to the province of Ontario is established through Treaty #5. Identified as an Area of Interest for Planning in the Terms of Reference, the proposed Deer Lake Planning Area is defined as those trap lines that are currently trapped and held by the members of Deer Lake (trap lines 120, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126 and 127). These trap lines fall within the community’s broader traditional territory in which the community continues to carry out Indigenous livelihood activities.

Enlarge figure 1: location Map - Deer Lake Proposed Planning Area (PDF)

Deer Lake First Nation people have a relationship with the land within the proposed Planning Area that stretches back to time immemorial. Planning and management, as part of the Deer Lake Oji-Cree customary system, has shaped the character of the people and the land for several generations. This land use plan intends to carry forward Deer Lake understandings and knowledge towards a new planning relationship with Ontario.

Deer Lake First Nation and Ontario began to explore community based land use planning in 2010. Deer Lake First Nation has made significant progress in achieving community participation, building capacity and collecting traditional knowledge information and values.

A Terms of Reference for the Deer Lake First Nation Community Based Land Use Plan was jointly signed by Deer Lake First Nation and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) in February 2013. The Terms of Reference guides the preparation of the Draft and Final Land Use Plan for the Deer Lake proposed Planning Area, anticipating completion of the Final Plan in 2015.

Following the Terms of Reference, the joint planning team for the Deer Lake Community Based Land Use Plan includes designated representatives working on behalf of Deer Lake First Nation and the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry to prepare the Draft Plan. Throughout the planning process, the joint planning team, comprised of Deer Lake First Nation-Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry representatives, holds regular meetings to discuss planning topics, gather and review relevant information and seek advice and support. The joint planning team draws upon expertise, guidance and support from Deer Lake First Nation leaders, Elders, knowledge holders, community members, youth, Keewaytinook Okimakanak Tribal Council representatives and provincial advisors, including representatives of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, and Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

In this Draft Community Based Land Use Plan, the vision, goals, objectives and principles set out by Deer Lake First Nation and Ontario serve as the foundation for all proposals. Proposals for land use areas reflect Deer Lake and Ontario shared interests in promoting sustainable economic development opportunities and providing for protection. The Draft Plan highlights community development goals and promotes a collaborative Deer Lake-Ontario relationship for subsequent resource management. The Draft Plan proposes to protect important cultural and natural values and features. It achieves Far North Act, 2010 objectives providing for an interconnected design for Dedicated Protected Areas and identifying strategic direction for protection across the proposed Planning Area. Deer Lake and Ontario share views on the importance of protecting waterways, aquatic habitat, fisheries, wetlands, wildlife, forests and biodiversity, and the First Nation way of life to which all these forms of life are interwoven.

The Draft Plan recommends eight land use areas, with land use designations of Dedicated Protected Area, Enhanced Management Area or General Use Area (see description in this section). In the preparation of the Draft Plan, the joint planning team has identified and considered features, land uses and designations for areas adjacent to the proposed Planning Area, including direction in the approved Pauingassi Community Based Land Use Plan and the Whitefeather Forest Land Use Strategy. Adjacent First Nation communities participate in the planning process to identify shared areas and interests. As well, the planning team has considered protection and continuity for natural systems in watershed and ecoregion contexts.

The joint planning team has followed the Terms of Reference for the Deer Lake Community Based Land Use Plan in recommending the designation of the proposed Planning Area as a final Planning Area. The Planning Area is confirmed in the Draft Plan stage and will be jointly recommended for designation through a Deer Lake First Nation Band Council Resolution and a Minister’s Order under the Far North Act.

The Draft Plan recommends a joint implementation team be established following approval of the Final Plan. The scope of matters to be addressed by the implementation team is suggested in the Draft Plan. A key role is that the implementation team will be available to provide input to proposed land use activities on whether proposals are consistent with the land use designations and permitted land uses specified in the Community Based Land Use Plan.

The Draft Plan recommends that the plan will be subject to review every 10 years, with a first review scheduled for 2025.

After the completed Draft Plan is shared within the community, with adjacent First Nation communities and all interested people and organizations, the joint planning team will consider all input and continue work to prepare the Final Plan. The Final Plan will be jointly approved by the Chief of Deer Lake First Nation and the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Recommended land use areas and designations

General Use Area

A General Use Area is recommended for 67,684 hectares to enable resource-based economic development activities that can advance community development goals, and promote sustainable use of natural resource potential. First Nation Indigenous use, including the exercise of Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, is ongoing in the area. Direction for activities considers protection of cultural heritage, waterways, wetlands, fisheries, wildlife and forests. First Nation community access and infrastructure interests are supported, including regional-scale roads and transmission corridor connections. Economic development opportunities include mineral exploration and mining, forestry, renewable energy, recreation, resource-based and eco-tourism, including community-led and community partnership ventures.

Enhanced Management Areas

Enhanced Management Areas (EMAs) are recommended for 142,457 hectares of the proposed Planning Area, centered on culturally significant waterways of importance to Deer Lake First Nation people. The Enhanced Management Areas are designed to support key community resource development objectives and economic opportunities. EMAs also guide the protection of cultural and natural heritage values and integrity of the waterways. Indigenous use, including the exercise of Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, is ongoing in all EMAs. Community-based forestry, minera exploration and development, tourism, and renewable energy is supported in those Enhanced Management Areas having capable resources. The need for major corridors is recognized, such as for hydro transmission and road development to access Deer Lake First Nation and adjacent communities. Within the EMAs, there is a high emphasis on protection of waterways, water systems, cultural and natural values. Remoteness is promoted in EMAs by minimizing the footprint of roads, corridors and water crossings.

Dedicated Protected Areas

Dedicated Protected Areas (DPAs) are recommended for 205,417 hectares of the proposed Planning Area to provide for long-term protection. DPAs emphasize protection of cultural heritage, First Nation use, ecological systems and natural features. Aboriginal and Treaty Rights are respected in all DPAs. The areas include important waterways that are a focus for the Deer Lake First Nation way of life. Therefore, protection of water quality, water systems and spawning sites is emphasized. The continuity and integrity of wildlife habitat and its many forms is fundamental to the protection approach. For this protected area designation, certain developments, land uses and activities are not permitted. These include mineral exploration, development and mining, peat extraction, commercial forestry and commercial power generation. Road access and corridor development may be considered with respect for the above intent and would be carefully considered by a joint Deer Lake First Nation-Ontario implementation team. Ecotourism and resource-based tourism opportunities exist and new tourism will be considered where consistent with protection intent. Tourism ventures owned by or in partnership with Deer Lake First Nation are promoted. Future Deer Lake-Ontario collaborative management direction will be explored. Through ongoing discussion, Deer Lake and Ontario will continue to explore Deer Lake First Nation’s understanding of protection with respect to Dedicated Protected Areas.

Part A – draft plan context

1. Introduction

The following sections lay out the vision, goals, objectives and principles of the Deer Lake Community Based Land Use Plan. The joint planning team has endeavored to prepare a balanced plan that offers clear direction and understanding. We hope that you enjoy reading the plan in its entirety.

The Land Use Plan should fit the community rather than having the community fit the plan

Marilyn Koostachin, Deer Lake First Nation Lands Office

Our Elders taught us that God created this land and put us here to look after it

Saulas Meekis, Deer Lake First Nation

I’m certain this is not the first land use plan. There have been other various land use plans by our people in the past. We have to know those stories for our plan; like we saw on the rocks (rock paintings). Learning from our history will help guide us in this plan for the future.

Donald Meekis, Keewaytinook Okimakanak

2. Guiding direction – vision, goals, objectives and principles

Guiding direction statements have been provided for the preparation and implementation of the land use plan. The following Vision, Goals, Objectives and Principles originated from Deer Lake First Nation community members. They have been carried into the planning process by the joint planning team for the Deer Lake Community Based Land Use Plan. Guiding direction statements reflect a consensus between Deer Lake First Nation and Ontario.

Vision

Deer Lake First Nation’s vision for Community Based Land use Planning communicates a clear picture of the future as it relates to the land and the people of Deer Lake:

Deer Lake First Nation intends to build a healthy and thriving community while balancing historical values and new economic opportunities.

The Goals, Objectives and Principles for land use planning are designed to respond to the community’s vision as the key cornerstone of planning.

Table 1 - Guiding direction, vision, goals and objectives, for the Deer Lake First Nation Community Based Land Use Plan

Converted to list for accessibility

Goals

The plan seeks to achieve the following goals:

• Preserve and maintain cultural and traditional values and activities;
• Identify and support economic opportunities within the Planning Area;
• Promote sustainable fisheries, preserve waterways and wetland habitat and protect wildlife and forests; and
• Build capacity and expertise for the management of lands and resources by the people of Deer Lake.

Objectives

The following objectives provide direction for the plan and its implementation to support the achievement of the land use planning goals defined above:

• Provide land use direction respecting the Aboriginal and Treaty Rights of both Deer Lake First Nation and neighbouring First Nations;
• Communicate the importance of maintaining cultural and traditional values and activities over time and for future generations;
• Maintain remoteness on the landscape through zoning and management direction;
• Establish land use areas and designations supporting the preservation of cultural sites, features and values on the landscape;
• Identify current and potential opportunities that could support tourism and other community-based businesses to benefit Deer Lake First Nation;
• Promote economic development benefits for Deer Lake and also for adjacent First Nations;
• Provide direction to guide infrastructure planning benefiting Deer Lake First Nation and complementing the interests of other communities and Ontario;
• Establish land use areas and designations to support existing and enable new resource-based activities;
• Provide land use designations and guidance to maintain the integrity of aquatic habitat and keep high quality wildlife habitat;
• Provide land use direction supporting the sustainability and conservation of biodiversity (or all forms of life) within and beyond the Planning Area;
• Establish protected area(s) to support protection of waterway, wetland and forest habitat and design for connections with other protected areas;
• Communicate Deer Lake’s role in the land use planning process, plan completion and implementation;
• Promote an ongoing collaborative relationship between Deer Lake First Nation and Ontario for plan implementation and management of lands and resources; and
• Highlight participation opportunities for Deer Lake First Nation people in plan implementation and management

Principles

The values and philosophies that will guide both land use planning and implementation are recognized by Deer Lake First Nation and Ontario as follows:

• The plan will reflect First Nation values of honesty, dignity, respect, family and spirituality;
• The land use plan will be developed reflecting Deer Lake First Nation people’s concepts and understandings of life and land;
• Ensure that the Oji-Cree language is incorporated throughout the planning process;
• Planning will be conducted in a manner that respects the Aboriginal and Treaty Rights of both Deer Lake First Nation and neighbouring First Nations, including Ontario’s Duty to Consult;
• Planning and implementation processes will be conducted with honesty, transparency, openness and good faith by Deer Lake First Nation, and Ontario and all other parties;
• Incorporate the value of respect for the land in all aspects of the plan;
• Customary and traditional First Nation knowledge together with science will provide the information foundation for planning and decision making;
• All advice and perspectives are welcome in the planning process; and
• Incorporate the best available information and emerging knowledge on broader scale subjects including geoscience, climate change and the storage and sequestration of carbon.

Additional direction for Ontario’s engagement in the preparation and implementation of the land use plan include:

• Our Sustainable Future (2005) and Our Sustainable Future: A Renewed Call to Action (April 2011) which outlines MNRF’s vision of sustainable development and the mission of ecological sustainability, and establishes a commitment to the conservation of biodiversity;
• MNRF’s Statement of Environmental Values under the Ontario Bill of Rights;
• Ontario’s Endangered Species Act (2007);
• Ontario’s Caribou Conservation Plan (2009), MNRF’s technical report: Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in the Far North of Ontario: Background information in support of land use planning (2014), Range Management Policy in Support of Woodland Caribou Conservation and Recovery (2014) and Integrated Range Assessment Reports;
• Sustainability in a Changing Climate: A Strategy for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry 2011-2014, and, Climate Ready: Ontario’s Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan 2011-2014;
• Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, 2011; and
• Ontario’s Far North Act 2010 which provides direction on policy and planning. The objectives for land use planning in the Far North as provided in the Far North Act 2010 have been taken into account in the preparation of the Draft Plan:
  1. A significant role for First Nations in the planning.
  2. The protection of areas of cultural value in the Far North and the protection of ecological systems in the Far North by including at least 225,000 square kilometres of the Far North in an interconnected network of protected areas designated in community based land use plans.
  3. The maintenance of biological diversity, ecological processes and ecological functions, including the storage and sequestration of carbon in the Far North.
  4. Enabling sustainable economic development that benefits the First Nations.
• The Far North Land Use Strategy, as existing during the preparation of the Draft Plan, has been taken into account.

3. Land Use Planning Area

Following the Area of Interest for Planning identified in the Terms of Reference, the Deer Lake proposed Planning Area is defined as those trap lines that are currently held by, and or trapped by the members of Deer Lake (trap lines 120, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126 and 127). These trap lines fall within the community’s broader traditional territory in which the community continues to practice Indigenous and First Nation activities.

The Deer Lake community and the proposed Planning Area are situated:

• South of Sandy Lake First Nation;
• Southeast of St Theresa Point First Nation (Manitoba);
• East of Pauingassi First Nation (Manitoba) and the Ontario planning area for the 2011 Pauingassi Community Based Land Use Plan (planning area defined by currently-held trap lines);
• North of Little Grand Rapids First Nation (Manitoba) and the planning area for the 2011 Little Grand Rapids Community Based Land Use Plan (planning area defined by currently-held trap lines);
• North of Pikangikum First Nation land use planning area for the Whitefeather Forest Community-based Land Use Strategy, Keeping the Land, 2006; and
• North of Poplar Hill First Nation and west of North Spirit Lake First Nation.

Enlarge Figure 2: Deer Lake Proposed Planning Area (PDF)

Understanding of the Proposed Planning Area:

The Deer Lake proposed Planning Area has been confirmed through dialogue and correspondence with Deer Lake First Nation’s neighbours, which are: North Spirit Lake, Sandy Lake, Poplar Hill, Pikangikum, Pauingassi and St. Theresa Point First Nations. Deer Lake First Nation and adjacent communities have reaffirmed that existing First Nation use within the Deer Lake proposed Planning Area will continue into the future. Deer Lake First Nation and MNRF has committed to ongoing regular dialogue with their neighbours.

Understanding of areas of shared use and interest:

Enlarge Figure 3: Deer Lake areas of shared use and interest (PDF)

Deer Lake First Nation has identified areas of shared use and interest with neighbouring communities. Regular dialogue will take place in consideration of Indigenous historic and customary uses, as well as current interests.

St Theresa Point:

Deer Lake First Nation and St. Theresa Point First Nation have engaged in dialogue to confirm the proposed Planning Area. Historical agreements existing between Deer Lake First Nation and St. Theresa Point First Nation continue to be honoured in the Weesaabeekaadaangk (Cobham River) area while Deer Lake leads planning for the area. Dialogue will be ongoing to share information and consider mutual planning interests.

Poplar Hill:

Deer Lake First Nation and Poplar Hill First Nation have engaged in dialogue to confirm the proposed Planning Area. The two First Nations will continue honouring each other’s way of living off the land and recognize each other’s area of interest as it relates to customary First Nation use of the land. Poplar Hill First Nation and Deer Lake First Nation have reached an understanding of mutual respect for the Deer Lake proposed Planning Area.

Pauingassi:

Deer Lake First Nation has provided input into the development of the Pauingassi First Nation Land Use Plan (approved July 2011). Deer Lake and Pauingassi have an area of shared use and interest in the Black Birch and Cherrington Lake area within the Pauingassi Planning Area. Through that process, and within the context of the Deer Lake Land Use Plan, the two First Nations have continued to foster and maintain a respectful relationship centered on continued customary use of the land and regular, ongoing dialogue. Deer Lake First Nation and MNRF have confirmed the proposed Planning Area with Pauingassi First Nation.

Sandy Lake:

Deer Lake and Sandy Lake have an area of shared use and interest in the Severn River to Favorable Lake area. Deer Lake First Nation and MNRF have maintained dialogue with Sandy Lake First Nation regarding the proposed Planning Area. Sandy Lake First Nation has an understanding that Deer Lake is leading land use planning within the Deer Lake proposed Planning Area. Regular dialogue between Deer Lake First Nation and Sandy Lake First Nation will continue throughout future planning processes.

Pikangikum:

Deer Lake First Nation shares interests in the McInnes Lake area with the neighbouring community of Pikangikum in the Whitefeather Planning Area. Deer Lake First Nation and MNRF have communicated with Pikangikum First Nation regarding the proposed Planning Area. There is an understanding that Deer Lake First Nation is leading planning within the Deer Lake proposed Planning Area.

North Spirit Lake:

Dialogue with North Spirit Lake First Nation has confirmed an Area of Shared Use and Interest within the proposed Planning Area, encompassing an area to the east of Kennedy and Kember Lakes, including Loree, Pakeagama and Mechita Lake areas. Deer Lake and MNRF recognize that North Spirit Lake First Nation people use the area for a variety of traditional activities, for example, hunting, fishing, harvesting resources and trapping for subsistence. Deer Lake First Nation and North Spirit Lake First Nation have a customary understanding of the area; both communities have and will continue to use the area for traditional activities and do so with respect for one another. There is an understanding that Deer Lake First Nation is leading planning within the proposed Planning Area. Deer Lake and MNRF maintain a commitment to continue a dialogue with North Spirit Lake First Nation with respect to future decision-making in land use planning and implementation in the area.

4. Land and resources

History

Deer Lake First Nation people are descended from historic inhabitants whose presence within the proposed Planning Area and broader region reaches back further than living memory. The people of Deer Lake travelled over broad distances within present day Manitoba and Ontario as part of regional trade networks established from ancient times. Deer Lake people derived their livelihood from an intimate knowledge of seasonal changes and patterns that brought migratory animals, fish spawning, furbearing animals and plants as part of a yearly cycle. This knowledge of the use of land and all its resources was passed on from generation to generation. This understanding of all life on the land continues to be critical to the survival of the people.

As the historic fur trade developed in northwestern Ontario and Manitoba, Deer Lake First Nation people became active in its foundation and development. From the 1700s to 1900s Deer Lake people were among many historic First Nation occupants that helped establish and maintain the fur trade as an important economic activity. Deer Lake people’s involvement included commercial trapping and fishing as well as freighting, York boating and maintaining regional trade networks.

Deer Lake First Nation people are descended from the people and leaders originally known as the ‘Deer’s Lake East Band of Indians’ who gathered at Treaty Point, located within the present-day community, for the historic signing of Treaty 5 in 1910. The Deer Lake Band is the original signatory for the Oji-Cree group also known as the ‘Suckers’ or ‘Sucker Clan’.

Deer Lake First Nation people have contributed to regional economies in Northwestern Ontario. Activities have involved work such as mining, forestry, tree planting, wild ricing, construction, work in tourist camps as fishing and hunting guides and other activities.

Up until the early 1970s, most Deer Lake First Nation families were spread out across a wide area occupying trap lines and family hunting areas. Residence at the Deer Lake community site year-round is a recent occurrence.

In my younger days when we came to the Deer Lake community site we didn’t have a house or cabin there. We stayed in a tent. Our cabin was on our trap line. That’s where we spent most of our time. We didn’t spend much time at the community. That was our way of life. We had to be on the move. We were taught that if you stayed in the same place too long you would starve.

Johnny Meekis

Before Treaty 5 was signed, Deer Lake people enjoyed the prosperity and mobility of a First Nation livelihood. Since the signing of Treaty 5 and the creation of the reservation system, there have been several changes to Deer Lake people’s way of life. In the 20^th century, Federal and provincial laws, policies and programs have affected community livelihood and well-being. The Deer Lake Community Based Land Use Plan has been developed to contribute to a broader community vision of regaining the kind of prosperity and mobility within their traditional homeland as was once enjoyed by the people.

Water

When we talk about the waterways, our community members are waterway dwellers. We live off the land and to get places we use the waterways. That’s how people survive. The animals we depend on use and follow the water and therefore we also follow the water; for example, for hunting or to find where the fish are. Even other communities came to Deer Lake to hunt and fish. So our waterways are very important to our way of life.

Elder Solomon Meekis, Deer Lake

Waterways are regarded by Deer Lake people as important travel routes that date back to time immemorial. Waterways are a source of life on which hunting, fishing, trapping and other subsistence activities are based. The lakes and rivers of the proposed Planning Area have connected people for trade, marriage and other purposes since earliest times. Waterway travel was also significant to the historic fur trade, an important economic activity for Deer Lake people.

Water is respected for its ability to give life, as well as its ability to take life. Certain waterways across the landscape, rapids, rivers, falls and lakes, would be given offerings as a demonstration of respect and for safe travel.

The proposed Planning Area is situated within quaternary watershed 4CA of Upper Severn River watershed. The area hosts an abundance of clean, crystal clear and free-flowing lakes and rivers that are formed through the unique geology of the area. Situated at the top of the Upper Severn River watershed, the water flow in the area is unique, including special water features. The area is thus referred to by Deer Lake people as gawinji bimajijiwuk, the Oji-Cree word meaning ‘where the water flows from’. The waters of the proposed Planning Area support high quality fish habitat and spawning areas.

In high water situations, the water that flows through Deer Lake backs due to a pinch point along the upper Severn River. As a result, the flow of the Cochrane River reverses; sending water over a small rapid (Meesaakwa Bawateg) beyond the east end of a Lake known by Deer Lake people as Butterfly Lake (Memegweseewapigosaagaahigan). This change in direction on the Cochrane River is most noticeable at a narrows on the River just to the north of its junction with Deer Lake. This narrows is a cultural waterway feature known by Deer Lake people as Queck Quecki Gee Waaneeng, (Water Flowing Back and Forth)

Ecology

The Deer Lake proposed Planning Area is located primarily in Ecoregion 3S with some small portions in the north and northeast located in Ecoregion 2W. Ecoregion 3S is characterized by Precambrian Shield features with coniferous and mixed boreal forest comprising the most frequent land landcover type. Ecoregion 2W, also comprised of Precambrian Shield, shows slightly more extensive soils, sparser boreal forests and larger peatland areas.

Tree species that characterize the area include jack pine (ookiksug), spruce (sheegoob), trembling aspen or poplar (aazaadeewatik), white birch (wigwasaatik), tamarack (mushkegowatik) and balsam (nabugandug).

The area is characterized by frequent, intense stand-replacing fires that have influenced the age and distribution of trees. Much of the area is new growth and some locations dominated by bedrock and thin soil layers have remained as sparse growth.

Animals

The Deer Lake proposed Planning Area is home to an abundance of mammals. Larger mammals common to the area include moose (moonz), white-tailed deer (waawaashkeshi), black bear (mahkwah), lynx (pishewe) and wolf (maheengah).

An abundance of fur-bearing animals are present in the area, including beaver (amik), muskrat (wajushk) otter (nigik), marten (wabejayshe), snowshoe hare (wapos), mink (shaangewseh) and ermine (shingooseh).

Waterfowl, predatory and upland game birds in the area include mallard (inniniship), black duck (muhkuhdayship), common goldeye (pikwakooship), bufflehead (wabanowiship), teal (Ohmeechgageh), merganser (anzuk), Canada goose and lesser Canada goose (nihka), snow goose (wehweh), swan (wabzee), grebe (shingoobis), loon (maangk) cormorant (gaagaagewship), scaup (dagwagoship), American white pelican, sandhill crane (ochichak), blue heron (mooskahosi). Red-throated loon (ashee maangk) and northern shoveler are also observed periodically. Bald eagles (mikisi), golden eagles and several species of hawk are also present. Upland game birds include spruce grouse (beenay), ruffed grouse (papashkee) and ptarmigan (aguskoh).

The area is also home to species at risk including woodland caribou (atik) and wolverine (keengahaangah)

Fish

The lakes and rivers throughout the proposed Planning Area support walleye (ogaanse), northern pike (njaawbish), white sucker (namaybin), red sucker (miskonamaybin), lake trout (namaygoos), burbot (meeziy), whitefish (attikameg), yellow perch (ashaaway), tulibee (toonabee), cisco (ohjoonaabee) and rock bass.

Sturgeon (nameh) are known to exist further down the Severn River to the immediate north of the proposed Planning Area. There is only one or two known instances, during the 1970s-1980s, of anyone catching a sturgeon in the Deer Lake proposed Planning Area, close to the community at Fire Bay (Zaaketay Waazhaank) on Deer Lake.

Geology and mineral potential

Two components of geology in the proposed Planning Area are surficial geology and bedrock geology.

The surficial geology in the Deer Lake proposed Planning Area comprises a discontinuous thin layer of till; sandy deposits left by the receding of glaciers. Community members are familiar with some small localized esker features within the proposed Planning Area. However, the area in general shows a shallow soil layer with exposed bedrock due to scouring by glacial advances. As such, the potential for significant surficial aggregate resources is generally low. Low lying areas tend to have somewhat deeper soil layers, wetland areas and coniferous forest cover.

The bedrock geology over much of the area comprises different types of granite; a primary feature of the landscape. Small slivers of volcanic rock occur in the eastern side of the area.

The areas of granitic bedrock have moderate to low potential for metallic mineral deposits. Hornby Lake greenstone belt and a greenstone belt between Pakeagama, Kember and DeWitt Lakes occur within the proposed Planning Area. Both greenstone belts hold a high potential for metallic mineral deposits.

Cultural heritage features

The Deer Lake proposed Planning Area contains a wealth of features that connect the Deer Lake First Nation community with a deep historic and ancestral past. Rock paintings are abundant throughout the waterways of the area. Sites of cultural and spiritual significance of a wide variety from burial sites to historic camping, settlement locations and family vision quest sites are present within the area. These features testify to longstanding occupation by First Nations people, which is further confirmed through archaeological records.

Protection and preservation of cultural heritage features is an extremely high priority for Deer Lake First Nation.

Natural heritage

The Deer Lake proposed Planning Area includes two areas of provincial interest for conservation with representative landform and vegetation features.

The Cobham River area is located in Ecodistrict S3-1, the Berens River Bedrock Plateau, and is characterized by glacially scoured and wave-washed bedrock, commonly with sparse vegetation. A fire-prone landscape, jack pine and black spruce are the predominant trees in this area. Much of the jack pine is young, due to the prevalence of fire. Peat-filled basins, often underlain by lacustrine clay, contain open and treed bogs and fens. Cobham River contains some notable topographic relief. Landforms are generally weakly broken bedrock with small amounts of lacustrine sand to clay and organic deposits interspersed.

The Apps Lake area is also located in Ecodistrict 3S-1. The ecosystems and fire history are quite similar to Cobham River site from a life science representation perspective.

Indicators of calcium present here, as well as well as lacustrine clay. Mountain Parsley-fern, rare further east in Ontario, is relatively common on the bedrock outcrops here.

Enlarge Figure 4: Cobham River and Apps Lake (PDF)

5. Existing land and resource use

The following section describes land and resource use within the planning area at the time of Draft Plan preparation. The planning process respects existing uses and tenure within the proposed Planning Area.

Anishiniini Gayenaabuhstooauch Ahkeenih – (Indigenous Use and/or First Nation Use of the Land)

Deer Lake First Nation people continue a time-honoured tradition of subsistence and use of the land and resources based on traditional knowledge. Deer Lake First Nation members practise activities protected by Treaty and Aboriginal Rights (including but not limited to hunting, fishing and trapping).

Anishiniini Gayenaabuhstooauch Ahkeenih includes:

• Travel on waterways and by land, including canoes, boats, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and planes
• Occupation and maintenance of portages, trails and campsites
• Hunting of waterfowl and wild game
• Fishing a wide variety of species
• Gathering of traditional foods for use and special occasions
• Trapping fur bearing animals
• Cutting wood for community use
• Harvest of medicinal plants
• Harvest of plants and materials from trees for medicines, crafts and structures
• Plant harvest for food (e.g. blueberries, etc.)
• Building of cabins and shelters as part of traditional community activities
• Planting and harvesting wild rice
• Visitation and maintenance of sacred spiritual and cultural sites
• Recreational activities

Through the Deer Lake Community Based Land Use Plan, Deer Lake First Nation and Ontario are guiding land use in a manner that will provide for and promote continuation of activities protected by Treaty and Aboriginal Rights into the future. Preservation of traditional and cultural values as well as the promotion of a healthy land base is integral to Deer Lake First Nation people.

Commercial use

Commercial trapping

Deer Lake First Nation people have developed and maintained a great deal of expertise relating to the commercial trapping industry. Historically, trapping was a mainstay in the economic livelihood of a number of Deer Lake First Nation people. Although a decline in the fur market has reduced the number of active commercial trappers, community members continue to be active in this sector.

Commercial fishing

According to Deer Lake First Nation people and MNRF records, commercial fishing was carried out historically in the proposed Planning Area. Deer Lake First Nation members were active in commercial fishing operations within the area on licenses held by Deer Lake Band, by community members and by other private individuals. These operations were active until the 1980s when airplane costs became too prohibitive to allow the operations to be profitable.

Commercial baitfish

There are no baitfish blocks located in the proposed Planning Area.

Resource based tourism

Resource based tourism centred on fishing and hunting continues to be a component of commercial activity within the proposed Planning Area. There is one main base lodge and ten outpost camps located within the Deer Lake proposed Planning Area. Two outpost camps located outside the area facilitate access to waterways in the proposed Planning Area. A number of commercial boat caches are associated with these tourism businesses. There are four Bear Management Areas located in the proposed Planning Area (vacant at the time of plan development). There are no active Restricted Land Use Permits for temporary hunt camps in the Deer Lake area at this time. Deer Lake First Nation people have been active in the resource based tourism industry as builders, maintenance workers and guides. Deer Lake First Nation interests in future resource based tourism ventures are highlighted in the plan.

Infrastructure

Deer Lake First Nation is accessed in the winter via a winter road that enters the proposed Planning Area from the east and runs approximately 40km to Deer Lake. Deer Lake First Nation has an interest in connecting to points south through the construction of an all-season road. The community is also serviced by a .49 MW run of river hydro development at Shoulderblade Falls on the Severn River, approximately 6 km north of the community. A 25KV hydro line connects the development to the community. The hydro development is serviced by an access road from the community. The upper area of the Severn River below Shoulderblade Falls contains a series of drops that has potential for additional hydro development.

Mineral sector activities

Historically, prospecting activities have been carried out within the Deer Lake proposed Planning Area, for example, Cobham Lake, Cobham River, Kennedy Lake and Severn River areas. The historic Berens River Mine site, located roughly 40 kilometers to the north of the Deer Lake proposed Planning Area, was an active gold mine between 1939 and 1948. Silver, lead and zinc were also produced. Exploration activity occurred during the 1980s in the Hornby Lake greenstone belt, both within and outside the proposed Planning Area. Current exploration in the Pakeagama Lake area has focused on rare earth metals. This area is an area of shared use and interest with North Spirit Lake First Nation.

6. Process and consultation

The Terms of Reference for a Community Based Land Use Planning Process for Deer Lake First Nation, approved February 27, 2013, set out the details of the process and consultation requirements, with suggested timelines. Adjusted timelines are noted in the following summary.

Summary of planning process phases

• Fall 2011 to Winter 2012
  Preparation Phase:
  Finding support
  Collector of information
  • Fall 2012 to Winter 2013
    Phase I:
    Terms of Reference
    Assemble information
    Invite participation
    • Summer 2013 to 2015
      Phase II:
      Describe interest and opportunities
      Prepare Draft Plan
      Invite input on Draft Plan
      • Winter 2015
        Phase III:
        Consider input and prepare Final Plan
        Approve and share Final Plan

We are now at Phase II and are providing consultation opportunities through meetings, Open Houses, EBR Environmental Registry postings and mail-outs. Following public consultation, the Planning Area may be confirmed and designated through Deer Lake First Nation Band Council Resolution and by a Minister’s Order under the Far North Act.

Planning structure

The Terms of Reference describes a joint Deer Lake-MNRF planning team. This joint planning team has prepared the Draft Plan in accordance with the Terms of Reference. The relationship of people and organizations to the planning process is illustrated in Table 1. Deer Lake First Nation identified representatives to act in an advisory capacity for the planning process. Representatives attended planning team meetings and supported the preparation of information and consultation needs as required.

Table 2 - Planning team structure

Converted to a list for accessibility

• Deer Lake Chief & Council
  Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry
  • Joint Planning Team
    • Community Planning Coordinator
      Community Planning Assistants
      Deputy Chief
      Council Member
      Far North Planner
      District Planning Assistant
      Far North Senior Planner
    • Community Advisory Group
      • Chief and Council
        Elders
        KO Tribal Council
        Community Member
    • Provincial Advisory Group
      • Red Lake District Manager
        MNDM planning Geologist
        Far North Manager
        Red Lake Information Management Supervisor
        Natural Heritage Specialist
    • Technical Support Group
      • MNRF GIS Support
        Consultant Support

A total of seventeen planning team meetings have taken place during the development of the Draft Plan.

Consultation summary

During preparation for planning and Draft Plan development, consultation opportunities were provided for engagement and input by Deer Lake First Nation community members, adjacent First Nation communities and the Ontario public, including interested parties, organizations and stakeholders.

Community consultation

Deer Lake First Nation community members have been involved in the development of the Draft Plan as follows:

• Over 2010-2012, Deer Lake First Nation Lands and Resources staff documented traditional knowledge and mapped and compiled values information in preparation for planning.
• Deer Lake First Nation, Keewaytinook Okimakanak and MNRF collaborated on three community awareness sessions in Deer Lake over summer-fall 2012.
• Community participation in the launch of the Terms of Reference was invited by written notification and local advertising, including posters, word-of-mouth and through Deer Lake Community Television broadcasts by joint planning team members.
• An Open House to share the approved Terms of Reference was held on May 7, 2013 in the community of Deer Lake.
• The vision, goals, objectives and principles for Community Based Land Use Planning were developed through community member contributions and guidance during a community workshop in 2013.
• Community members offered their guidance and input for the Draft Plan through an additional four community workshops over 2014.

Public consultation

Invitations to participate in the planning process were facilitated by Deer Lake First Nation and MNRF through notifications and outreach to the resource sector, non-governmental organizations, the public and First Nations communities and organizations through newspaper and mail, email and fax. Environmental Registry Policy Proposal Notice 011-8118 was posted on April 9, 2013 for a 45 day public comment period at the Terms of Reference stage. An Open House to share the jointly approved Terms of Reference was held on April 23, 2013 in the Town of Red Lake. In addition to Deer Lake First Nation, MNRF and MNDM attendees, the event was attended by adjacent First Nation community representatives, tribal council representatives, industry stakeholders and members of the public. At this stage, no formal comments were received through the Open House or Environmental Registry posting.

Adjacent community consultation

Deer Lake First Nation and MNRF jointly led dialogue with adjacent First Nations, including:

• Poplar Hill First Nation - 2012 meeting to discuss Deer Lake proposed Planning Area and shared understandings and 2013 mail out and attendance for Terms of Reference Open House in Red Lake to share plan direction
• Sandy Lake First Nation - 2013 mail out and attendance for Terms of Reference Open House in Red Lake and 2013 joint planning team correspondence and dialogue to discuss Deer Lake proposed Planning Area, plan direction and shared understandings
• North Spirit Lake First Nation - 2012 meeting to discuss Deer Lake proposed Planning Area, 2013 mail out for Terms of Reference Open House in Red Lake and 2013 and 2014 meetings to discuss Deer Lake proposed Planning Area, plan direction and shared understandings
• Pauingassi First Nation - 2013 mail out for Terms of Reference Open House in Red Lake and 2013 meeting to Discuss Deer Lake proposed Planning Area, plan direction and shared understandings
• St. Theresa Point First Nation – 2013 mail out for Terms of Reference Open House in Red Lake and 2014 meeting in St. Theresa Point to discuss Deer Lake proposed Planning Area, plan direction and shared understandings
• Pikangikum First Nation – 2013 mail out for Terms of Reference Open House in Red Lake and 2013 joint planning team correspondence and dialogue to discuss Deer Lake proposed Planning Area, plan direction and shared understandings

A detailed summary of the consultation undertaken with this project is on record and available at the Red Lake District MNRF office. Additional public consultation information is available through the Environmental Registry, EBR Registry number 011-8118.

7. Information summary

The following describes how various planning topics were discussed and addressed during the planning process.

The planning process has been community based from initial engagement and the collection of data, through to the development of the Draft Plan. Information gathering includes traditional knowledge mapping done by the community as well as customary knowledge guidance provided by Elders, knowledge holders and community members throughout the planning process. Information provided by Deer Lake First Nation includes:

• Climate change
• Water and river system information
• Wildlife and fisheries
• Cultural heritage
• First Nation values and activities

Ontario provided information to support planning and development of the Draft Plan. Third parties also provided information to the joint planning team. Information provided by Ontario includes:

• Ministry of Northern Development and Mines provided mapped information on:
  • surficial and bedrock geology
  • mineral potential
  • mineral exploration and mining claims, including current information from CLAIMaps
• The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry provided mapped information on:
  • waterways, watersheds, catchment areas, heights-of-land and drainage
  • natural heritage features and areas
  • solar, wind and waterpower potential
  • fish and wildlife distribution and abundance, based on past fisheries and wildlife surveys and observations
  • species at risk, including information from caribou and wolverine surveys and observations
  • land dispositions in the proposed Planning Area (e.g. tourism facilities, boat caches, Land Use Permits, Leases, Licences of Occupation, Patent Lands)
  • Forest fire history, land cover and photogrammetric information illustrating the forest resources in the proposed Planning Area
• Cultural Heritage information pertaining to registered archaeological sites provided by Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport

Information provided by third parties includes:

• Waterpower potential information provided by Ontario Waterpower Association
• Infrastructure planning information provided by Keewaytinook Okimakanak, Wataynikaneyap Power and Nishnawbe Aski Nation
• Information on waterfowl occurrence and habitat provided by Ducks Unlimited Canada

During the planning process, collaboration in data sharing between Deer Lake First Nation and Ontario was supported through agreements and protocols. Deer Lake First Nation retains all care and control of community based information. Requests for Deer Lake Data can be made to Deer Lake First Nation. The Ontario base data used in the planning process was sourced through Land Information Ontario (LIO). The joint planning team has assembled the mapped information for the draft plan as an appendix to the plan document (available by contacting community and MNRF project leads). Depending on sensitivity, some Ontario information is only available on request. Requests for additional Ontario data can be made to the respective ministries.

Preparing plan direction

Since the Terms of Reference was signed, the planning team has met regularly in both Deer Lake and Red Lake to build direction for planning. In the beginning stages of the process, discussion centred on investigating planning topics and information gathering and seeking advice from experts and advisors. Planning Team meetings have centred on writing the draft plan and exploring zoning approaches. The process of zoning was carried out primarily in Deer Lake with direction from Elders, trappers and community members. In addition, updates were provided to Chief and Council throughout the process. The planning team ensured that the land use areas reflect the plan’s goals and objectives, including consideration of values and interests outside the proposed Planning Area. The Deer Lake proposed land use areas are now recommended in the Draft Plan for consideration. In addition, the joint planning team identified recommendations for management direction concerning how land based activities may take place.

Part B - Draft Plan proposals

1. Proposed Land Use Areas and designations

Enlarge Figure 5: Deer Lake Proposed Land Use designations (PDF)

Enlarge Figure 6: Keenock Saagaahigan (Long Lake) General Use Area

Keenock Saagaahigan (Long Lake) General Use Area

Size: 67,684 hectares

Description:

Keenock Saagaahigan (Long Lake) General Use area includes four areas bordering the major waterway corridors in the eastern part of the proposed Planning Area. Keenock Saagaahigan is characterized by bedrock-dominated northern boreal forest typical of the Deer Lake area. The area supports a variety of fish and wildlife species, including woodland caribou and wolverine, both of which are species at risk. The northern portion of Keenock Saagaahigan includes woodland caribou calving and travel areas. There are sparse pockets of wild rice supporting traditional harvest only. An east-west winter road connection between Deer Lake and North Spirit Lake First Nation extends through the eastern and western sections of the area. A winter road connection to Sandy Lake First Nation also exists in the eastern section of the area. First Nation use is extensive and cultural heritage values are present. There are forest resources in the northerly portion of the area with potential for commercial harvest; additional information and analysis would be required to define such an opportunity. There is limited renewable energy potential based on water resources. Potential for solar and wind power may be present (further evaluation needed). Keenock Saagaahigan contains areas of high mineral potential. There are currently no tourism activities within the area. Resource-based tourism potential based on fisheries is limited; there may be potential for resource-based tourism based on hunting. The small lake chains and interconnecting streams characterizing Keenock Saagiaahigan have potential for eco-tourism activities (e.g. cultural, nature and adventure tourism).

Land use intent:

The land use intent for this area is to encourage sustainable economic development with an emphasis on promoting and supporting community socio-economic development. New community-based opportunities in commercial forest harvesting, commercial eco-tourism, resource-based tourism and recreation may be pursued. Renewable energy development is supported for community and/or commercial use. The intent is to support future considerations for all season road, hydro transmission and communication corridor connections (to the south and to adjacent First Nations). Mineral exploration and mining are permitted uses. Peat extraction is not supported.

Management direction:

Activities will take place in a manner that provides for protection of cultural heritage, waterways, wetlands, fisheries, wildlife and forests. Protection will be provided by community guidance and application of policy, guidelines and additional specific planning requirements (e.g. environmental assessment, resource management planning). Protection for Sites of Aboriginal cultural significance in the area may be sought under the Mining Act through: withdrawal from staking; surface rights restrictions on existing claims; and terms and conditions in permits for exploration on existing claims. Direct and indirect benefits for the community are encouraged in all activities.

Permitted activities for this area and strategic direction for all activities are identified in Table 3 in this section.

Enlarge Figure 7: Atikosaagaahigan (Deer Lake) Waterway EMA(PDF)

Atikosaagaahigan (Deer Lake) Waterway Enhanced Management Area

Size: 70,148 hectares

Description:

Atikosaagaahigan Waterway Enhanced Management Area is primarily defined by the largest, most central waterway within Deer Lake proposed Planning Area. The area’s wealth of cultural heritage features, including rock paintings and archeological sites, illustrate that Atikosaagaahigan has held importance for untold generations that have made their livelihood here. This area is also a present day hub of activity in which First Nation use of the land and traditional cultural livelihood practices are ongoing. Deer Lake First Nation people have a deep and integral connection to the area. Atikosaagaahigan is an important source of fish for Deer Lake people and provides habitat for a variety of wildlife that are actively harvested by Deer Lake people. Deer Lake people harvest plants and medicines, and practise commercial and subsistence trapping throughout the area. Cabins to support community activities are present. Species at risk, wolverine and woodland caribou are found in the area, including areas of winter caribou habitat. The area has three resource-based tourism facilities and offers excellent opportunities for new eco-tourism and cultural tourism based on the rich cultural history and landscape. Forest resources in some parts of Atikosaagaahigan Waterway may be capable of supporting commercial forest harvesting. The area has low potential for water and solar power but includes some capability for wind energy along the northeastern shore of McIntosh Bay on Deer Lake. Based on current information, mineral potential in Atikosaagaahigan is low. A portion of the winter road connection to North Spirit Lake proceeds through the southeastern part of the area and an access road runs through the northern part of the area connecting the community to the Shoulderblade Falls micro-hydro facility.

Land use intent:

The intent of Atikosaagaahigan Enhanced Management Area is to protect the cultural value of the area that is central to Deer Lake First Nation’s use and relationship to the land. The intent is also to encourage opportunities for community-based resource development and economic growth in a manner consistent with the protection of cultural and natural values. This area supports eco-tourism, cultural tourism, recreation activities and facilities, renewable energy and commercial forestry activities. New private boat caches are not supported. Mineral exploration and development can take place. Peat extraction is not supported. Access roads and other corridors are permitted uses.

Management direction:

Activities will be considered with respect for cultural and natural heritage protection. The community is interested in ownership, partnerships, direct and/or indirect benefits in all economic opportunities in the area. Activities will take place in a manner that provides for protection of waterways, wetlands, fisheries, wildlife and forests, with special consideration for species at risk. Protection will be provided by community guidance and application of policy, guidelines and additional specific planning requirements (e.g. environmental assessment, resource management planning). Protection for Sites of Aboriginal cultural significance in the area may be sought under the Mining Act through: withdrawal from staking; surface rights restrictions on existing claims; and terms and conditions in permits for exploration on existing claims. For mineral exploration activities and mining, dialogue between the proponent and the community is essential to protect the area, support involvement and develop future opportunities.

Permitted activities for this area and strategic direction for all activities are identified in Table 3 in this section.

Enlarge Figure 8: McInnes Waterway EMA(PDF)

McInnes Waterway Enhanced Management Area

Size: 19,517 hectares

Description:

The McInnes Waterway Enhanced Management Area surrounds the Dedicated Protected Area of the same name providing additional focus for the protection of cultural and natural heritage values associated with the McInnes River. The area supports a variety of wildlife. Species at risk, wolverine and woodland caribou are found in the area; caribou calving areas are present. Forest resources may be capable of supporting commercial forest harvesting; additional information and analysis would be required to define a commercial harvest opportunity. Mineral potential exists in the Hornby Lake and Bullock Lake area. The Deer Lake winter road extends through the area. The area may hold some potential for new tourism opportunities.

Land use intent:

The intent of the McInnes Waterway Enhanced Management Area is to support a range of sustainable resource development and commercial activities with special consideration for the significance of the McInnes Waterway, and its core Dedicated Protected Area. The intent is to support consideration of a community based commercial forest management opportunity, new tourism ventures, roads and other linear corridors as well as mineral exploration and development. Commercial power generation and peat extraction are not supported in the area.

Management direction:

Future development activities will be considered through additional planning processes to ensure that activities will take place in a manner that protects cultural and natural heritage values, water quality, fish spawning sites and wildlife values (e.g. environmental assessment, resource management planning). The special waterway intent of the area includes an emphasis on minimizing the footprint of resource development activities and limiting access in areas where protection of cultural and natural values and remoteness is a priority. Protection for Sites of Aboriginal cultural significance in the area may be sought under the Mining Act through: withdrawal from staking; surface rights restrictions on existing claims; and terms and conditions in permits for exploration on existing claims.

Permitted activities for this area and strategic direction for all activities are identified in in Table 3 in this section.

Enlarge figure 9: Saagaandaagow Onigameeng (Thickbush) Waterway EMA(PDF)

Saagaandagow Onigameeng (Thickbush Waterway) Enhanced Management Area

Size: 15,764 hectares

Description:

The Severn River is a major historic waterway that starts at the outlet of Deer Lake before flowing several hundred kilometers to the coast of Hudson Bay. The river holds inherent cultural heritage value for Deer Lake and surrounding communities who can trace their heritage to this special feature. Saagaandagow Onigameeng, the most upper course of the Severn River, continues to support extensive and ongoing First People’s use of the land. A wide variety of wildlife and important fishing and fish spawning sites are found within the area. Natural heritage values include woodland caribou and wolverine habitat. There is low mineral potential within the area based on current knowledge. Saagaandagow Onigameeng supports a mature coniferous forest with some potential for commercial harvest; additional information and analysis would be required to define a commercial harvest opportunity. The area is accessed for resource based tourism and holds potential for other forms of tourism focused on the cultural significance and natural beauty of the Severn. Three sets of rapids within Saagaandagow Onigameeng have waterpower potential; Shoulderblade Falls has been developed into a micro hydro facility to provide power to the community of Deer Lake. An existing access road runs from the community to the generating station.

Land use intent:

The intent of Saagaandagow Onigameeng is to support key community resource development objectives while ensuring the protection of cultural and natural heritage values and integrity of the waterway in order to support ongoing Indigenous use of the land. The necessity for roads and other linear corridor connections (e.g. hydro transmission) from Deer Lake First Nation to the south, and to adjacent communities, is recognized within the area. The intent is to support consideration of a community based commercial forest management opportunity as well as future waterpower development for community use and commercial purposes. Mineral exploration and development is a compatible activity. Peat extraction is not supported. Commercial tourism, recreation and associated facilities may be considered through dialogue and a joint decision-making approach between Deer Lake First Nation and MNRF.

Management direction:

Future development activities will be considered through additional planning processes to ensure that activities will take place in a manner that protects cultural and natural heritage values, water quality, fish spawning sites and wildlife values (e.g. environmental assessment, resource management planning). The special waterway intent of the area includes an emphasis on minimizing the footprint of resource development activities, roads, corridors and water crossings in areas where protection of cultural and natural values and remoteness is a priority. Protection for Sites of Aboriginal cultural significance in the area may be sought under the Mining Act through: withdrawal from staking; surface rights restrictions on existing claims; and terms and conditions in permits for exploration on existing claims.

Permitted activities for this area and strategic direction for all activities are identified in Table 3 in this section.

Enlarge Figure 10: Oodaagum Saagaahigan (Snowshoe Lake) EMA (PDF)

Oodaagum Saagaahigan (Snowshoe Lake) Waterway Enhanced Management Area

Size: 37,029 hectares

Description:

Oodaagum Saagahigan Enhanced Management Area is a culturally significant core waterway for Deer Lake First Nation people. The area connects the following lakes: Weyerhauser, Snowshoe, Crazy, Little Round, Meddick or ‘Mike’s’, Apps and Hanging. Extensive indigenous use of the area is ongoing and cultural heritage features are present within the area. The area includes significant fisheries and wildlife values. Due to frequent fires, low productivity soils and large bedrock outcrops, there is sparse coniferous tree cover and low potential for forestry. The unique land and waterway features of the area make it an excellent candidate for eco-tourism and/or cultural tourism. The area has supported resource-based tourism in the past and holds moderate potential for new resource-based tourism opportunities. A fibre optic line running through the area from the south connects Deer Lake with digital communications services. There is low known mineral potential within the area and low potential for commercial power generation.

Land use intent:

Protection of cultural heritage and natural heritage features is a central intent of Oodaagum Saagaahigan. As part of the protection approach, some forms of resource development are not supported in the area, including peat extraction, commercial forestry and commercial power generation. Mineral exploration and development is a compatible activity. The area supports the consideration of all-season roads or other linear corridor crossings to facilitate access and infrastructure for community needs and resource development activities.

Management direction:

The special waterway intent of the area includes an emphasis on minimizing the footprint of roads, corridors and water crossings to support protection of cultural and natural values and preserve remoteness. Development proposals may be assessed in a strategic fashion with respect for the overall intent of and significance of the area. Resource based tourism and other forms of tourism and associated facilities are supported where consistent with the overall intent of the area. Protection for Sites of Aboriginal cultural significance in the area may be sought under the Mining Act through: withdrawal from staking; surface rights restrictions on existing claims; and terms and conditions in permits for exploration on existing claims.

Permitted activities for this area and strategic direction for all activities are identified in Table 1 in this section.

Enlarge Figure 11: Weesaabeekeegangk (Cobham River) Waterway DPA (PDF)

Weesaabeekeedangk (Cobham River) Waterway Dedicated Protected Area

Size: 80,395 hectares

Description:

Weesaabeekeedangk consists of the Cobham and Cochrane River waterways and drainage areas. The area is home to a unique water feature known by Deer Lake people as Queck Quecki Gee Waaneeng, or The ‘Back and Forth’ Place; a narrows where the flow of the Cochrane River can be seen to reverse depending on seasonal water level changes throughout the Cochrane, Deer Lake and Severn waterways. The cultural heritage features and values present within Weesaabeekeedangk are particularly unique and sensitive; including areas and sites with deep cultural and historic value as well as those that support present-day Deer Lake activities. Weesaabeekeedangk is a focus for extensive ongoing indigenous use of the land by Deer Lake First Nation people. The waterways, forests and wetlands in this area support an abundance of life upon which Deer Lake First Nation people’s way of life depends. Resource based tourism is also present within the area. There are four resource-based tourism facilities and excellent potential for eco-tourism, cultural tourism and recreation. In addition to the cultural value of the area, Weesaabeekeedangk includes portions of a provincially significant natural heritage area known as the Cobham River. The bedrock-dominated cliffs and hills of the area host a patchwork of older coniferous forests and recent burns. Species at Risk in the area are woodland caribou and wolverine.

Land use intent:

The intent of Weesaabeekeedangk is to protect cultural and natural heritage features and values, in keeping with a continuing tradition of indigenous use of the land by Deer Lake people. Forestry, mineral sector activities, peat extraction and commercial power generation are not supported in the area. Development of renewable energy opportunities where incidental and complimentary to an existing use is permitted (e.g. tourism facilities). Proposals for new tourism and recreation activities and associated facilities will be considered.

Management direction:

Ongoing First Nation indigenous livelihood practices within the area will be an integral consideration in all future planning for land use activities. Activity proposals will be subject to a review considering the intent of the area and the protection of water and waterways, fisheries, wildlife, wetlands, forests. Remoteness will be maintained while ensuring special consideration for future roads and other linear corridors for community needs and/or broad scale development proposals (e.g. transmission corridors). Proposals for new corridors will be considered strategically with respect for the intent of the Dedicated Protected Area. Further management direction for the Weesaabkeedangk Dedicated Protected Area may be developed through collaborative planning between Deer Lake First Nation and MNRF.

Permitted activities for this area and strategic direction for all activities are identified in in Table 3 in this section.

Enlarge Figure 12: West Deer DPA (PDF)

West Deer Dedicated Protected Area

Size: 110,326 hectares

Description:

West Deer Dedicated Protected Area includes waterways at the headwaters of the Severn River watershed that flow north into Deer Lake and the Cobham River. The upper reaches of West Deer include interconnecting lakes, rivers and streams that have supported the movement of First Nation people for their livelihood for generations. Situated near the heights of the Severn, Berens and Poplar River watersheds, the West Deer area is an important crossroads for historic economic activity within the Deer Lake area. Historic cultural travel routes continue to be maintained within West Deer. Indigenous use of the land for a variety of livelihood pursuits is ongoing. There is currently one outpost camp in West Deer. The area includes smaller lakes with limited potential for new tourism based on fisheries. The area mainly encompasses a large upland northern boreal forest area with substantial bedrock slopes, hills and cliffs cut by waterways, wetlands and swamps. Two areas identified with natural heritage significance (Cobham and Apps) are represented within the area. West Deer includes fish, wildlife and fur bearing animal habitat supporting Deer Lake indigenous use. Species at risk in the area are wolverine and caribou. Clear, pristine headwaters within West Deer are important to the health of water systems for Deer Lake and other communities, and for the health of the ecosystem.

Land use intent:

The intent of West Deer Dedicated Protected Area designation is to protect cultural and natural heritage in West Deer in a manner that supports ongoing indigenous use of the land. Forestry, mineral exploration and development, peat extraction and commercial power generation are not supported. New tourism may be considered by Deer Lake First Nation with respect for the intent of the area. The intent of the area is to maintain remoteness, while providing for necessary access within or beyond the area, including for community needs and for access to mineral development in adjacent Cherrington Lake EMA in the Pauingassi Planning Area (e.g. roads, trails).

Management direction:

Ongoing First Nation indigenous livelihood practices within the area will be an integral consideration in all future planning for land use activities. Activity proposals will be subject to a review considering the intent of the area and the protection of water and waterways, fisheries, wildlife, wetlands, forests. Proposals for new corridors will be considered strategically with respect for the intent of the Dedicated Protected Area. Further management direction for the West Deer Dedicated Protected Area may be developed through collaborative planning between Deer Lake First Nation and MNRF.

Permitted activities for this area and strategic direction for all activities are identified in Table 3 in this section.

Enlarge Figure 13: McInnes Waterway DPA (PDF)

McInnes Waterway Dedicated Protected Area

Size: 14,696 hectares

Description:

The McInnes River is the central feature of the McInnes Waterway Dedicated Protected Area. The waterway connects Deer Lake to an important headwater and source water area around McInnes Lake. The McInnes Waterway contains important fish habitat and contributes to the water quality of the upper Severn River watershed. The waterway and surrounding area provide excellent habitat for a variety of species ranging from fur-bearing animals to waterfowl, large game, caribou and wolverine. First Nation use is ongoing in the area. Cultural heritage values can be found throughout the area. Major lakes within the area include Warwick and Kennedy Lakes. Resource based tourism exists in the McInnes Waterway and the area may hold some potential for new resource based tourism opportunities. The McInnes Waterway may also provide excellent opportunities for new eco-tourism and cultural tourism ventures. The area contains an existing winter road corridor connecting Deer Lake with the south and adjacent communities.

Land use intent:

The intent of McInnes Waterway Dedicated Protected Area is to protect cultural and natural heritage features and values of the area, in keeping with a continuing tradition of indigenous use of the land by Deer Lake people. Forestry, mineral sector activities, peat extraction and commercial power generation are not supported in the area. Proposals for new tourism, recreation and associated facilities may be considered with respect for area values. The intent of the area is to maintain remoteness, while providing for necessary roads and corridor crossings to support community use and need as well as resource development in adjacent areas.

Management direction:

Ongoing First Nation indigenous livelihood practices within the area will be an integral consideration in all planning. Road and corridor proposals may be considered in a strategic fashion in keeping with the overall intent of the area. Further direction for the McInnes Waterway Dedicated Protected Area may be developed through collaborative planning between Deer Lake First Nation and MNRF. Development proposals will be subject to a review considering the intent of the area and the protection of water and waterways, fisheries, wildlife, wetlands, forests.

Permitted activities for this area and strategic direction for all activities are identified in Table 3 in this section.

Table 3 - Deer Lake First Nation Draft Community Based Land Use Plan - Summary of Land Use Activities Direction

First Nation indigenous uses of the land, including (but not limited to) hunting, fishing and gathering are respected as historical and current uses in all areas.

Note: The proposed Planning Area contains lake trout lakes designated for lake trout management. For a current list of designated lakes associated with the area, refer to the Lake Trout Search Index

2. Nee Gaan Anee Nutcheegaywin - strategic direction

Deer Lake First Nation and Ontario are expressing interest in planning outcomes and future opportunities by providing strategic direction to guide the manner in which land uses will take place. Deer Lake First Nation has developed strategic direction statements to provide guidance for the management of lands and resources in the Deer Lake proposed Planning Area. These statements are consistent with existing Ontario policy and legislation. Strategic direction statements would be brought forward in future resource management planning and/or specific activity proposals.

Strategic direction for all land use activities

Strategic direction guiding all land use activities is as follows:

• All activities within the Planning Area will take place with respect for Aboriginal and Treaty Rights.
• Deer Lake’s traditional knowledge will inform decision making processes.
• Deer Lake places a high priority on the preservation and protection of cultural heritage features. Rock paintings, archeological sites, burial sites, important waterway features and other areas and sites of significance are to be respected and preserved for the future. Community-documented information on cultural heritage values is held by the community and, at the discretion of Deer Lake, this information would be shared and interpreted for decision making processes.
• Community ownership, partnerships, direct and/or indirect benefits are encouraged in all economic opportunities in the proposed Planning Area.
• All activities will be planned to take place in a manner that respects natural heritage, including for waterways, aquatic habitat, fisheries, wetlands, wildlife, forests.
• All development activities and associated planning will consider the preservation of waterway integrity, water quality and habitats.
• Within protected areas, land use activities planning will place top priority on the protection of natural heritage features and values, respecting the ongoing activities of First Nation people. Additional provisions or direction for permitted activities may be identified as necessary to protect special features.
• To ensure development and planning will strive to complement direction for adjacent areas by promoting connectivity and respecting landscape values and features.

Strategic direction for specific land uses:

Additional strategic direction guiding specific land use activities follows:

Indigenous use

Respect Aboriginal and Treaty Rights and, where possible, enhance existing and future Anishiniini Gayenaabuhstooauch Ahkeenih – (Indigenous Use and/or First Nation Use of the Land) by:

• promoting integration with new economic development opportunities;
• protecting the environment to support ongoing opportunities to hunt, fish and trap and pursue other First Nation activities;
• protecting cultural and natural heritage values from negative impacts; and
• drawing upon Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Ecological Knowledge as a key component of land and resource management.

Research projects

Should there be interest in research in the Deer Lake proposed Planning Area, Deer Lake First Nation expects meaningful partnerships in research projects. Before research activities are conducted, Deer Lake First Nation may invite the development of a research agreement to clarify approaches and outcomes.

Tourism

For any tourism operations, the design and implementation of facilities will provide protection for features of cultural and ecological significance, and maintain natural landscape features and character.

Existing tourism operations

To encourage community involvement and benefits in the tourism sector, Deer Lake First Nation and MNRF will work together to establish and maintain a good working relationship with respect to existing tourism. Relationships will be supported by sharing information, opening new dialogue, working towards resolution of disputes and creating processes to inform Deer Lake of changes (e.g. transfer of ownership).

New tourism operations

Proposals for new tourism opportunities will be considered where ownership, partnership and/or benefits for Deer Lake First Nation people are promoted and demonstrated, subject to resource management planning and a joint Deer Lake First Nation-MNRF decision-making approach. Deer Lake First Nation has an ‘External Consultation Protocol’ document that describes best practices for working with the First Nation in development proposals and undertakings.

Forestry

First Nation use of forest materials as part of the exercise of Aboriginal and Treaty Rights is respected (e.g. personal use for camps, building cabins or firewood).

Cutting trees for non-commercial purposes may also be permitted in some areas where it is compatible with the area intent and existing use (e.g. as part of existing tourist camp operations).

Commercial forestry

Commercial forestry activities may be pursued, provided that further information and analysis confirms that the forest resources are capable of sustainable commercial forestry. Deer Lake First Nation and MNRF will determine needs for further analysis of the forest resource (e.g. imagery analysis, Forest Resource Inventory) through collaboration.

Leadership, ownership and/or partnership with Deer Lake First Nation will be central to future commercial forestry opportunities. Deer Lake First Nation will determine appropriate commercial ventures suited to their vision and economy. Deer Lake First Nation has an ‘External Consultation Protocol’ document that describes best practices for working with the First Nation in development proposals and undertakings.

Deer Lake and MNRF will work together to determine policy and regulatory requirements and steps to enable commercial forestry opportunities in the Deer Lake proposed Planning Area. The Deer Lake proposed Planning Area is located outside of the Class Environmental Assessment Area of the Undertaking for forestry. For activities requiring new Environmental Assessment Act coverage, MNRF will seek approval in collaboration with Deer Lake First Nation and/or its partners to set direction for the manner in which forestry can proceed.

Forestry activities will take place in a manner that focuses on providing benefits for Deer Lake and protecting the forest by:

• Ensuring selective harvest where possible and layout of harvest activities to minimize the footprint on the land
• Forest management planning to ensure forests retain their natural condition into the future
• Exploring forest and fire management planning to protect economic and natural values
• Respecting cultural, natural values, aquatic habitat, waterways and existing First Nation use (e.g. buffers around waterways)

Non-timber forest products

Harvest of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) by First Nation people for non-commercial purposes is part of First Nation Indigenous use and the exercise of Aboriginal and Treaty rights. Deer Lake people carry out non-commercial NTFP harvest across the planning area. Customs and traditions with respect to the harvest of NTFPs by First Nation people will be maintained into the future.

NTFPs found throughout the proposed Planning Area may also provide Deer Lake First Nation with commercial economic development opportunities involving marketing and sale of NTFPs on an open market (e.g. berry picking, mushrooms, and medicine plants). Such opportunities will be led by Deer Lake, while partnerships may be considered. As appropriate to the activity, Deer Lake may seek external advice on pursuing and enabling commercial NTFP ventures.

Renewable energy

According to Ontario’s Renewable Energy on Crown Land Policy, access to Crown land in the Far North for water power, wind power and solar power development opportunities will only be granted to local Ontario First Nation communities and/or their partners. Deer Lake First Nation may pursue opportunities for renewable energy development based on waterpower, wind, solar, biofuels, geothermal, or other sources that may be identified in the future. The Severn River is known to have potential for waterpower. Deer Lake First Nation may further explore this potential as a source of energy, in a manner that is keeping with the objectives for water and waterway protection. Feasibility studies would be required as a first step for all opportunities to determine potential. Additional dialogue with the community would determine the manner in which such opportunities would proceed.

Mineral exploration and mining

Deer Lake First Nation has an interest in ensuring respectful and responsible mineral sector activities that follow the guidance of the Deer Lake Community Based Land Use Plan.

Mineral exploration and mining will be conducted in a manner which:

• Ensures appropriate, open dialogue with the community, including early contact relating to prospecting, staking and exploration plans.
• Is reflective of an awareness of Deer Lake First Nation’s ‘External Consultation Protocol’ document that describes best practices for working with the First Nation in development proposals and undertakings.
• Encourages the development of Memorandums of Understanding (MOU), Exploration Agreements and Impact Benefit Agreements with Deer Lake First Nation.
• Respects Aboriginal and Treaty rights and the ongoing First Nation use of the land through dialogue, consultation and engagement with the community.
• Allows site-specific cultural values to be proposed as sites of aboriginal cultural significance for the purposes of protection under the Mining Act, including the withdrawal of such lands from mineral exploration, identifying surface rights restrictions on existing claims, and placing terms and conditions in exploration permits.
• Proceeds with minimal impact to land, water and natural values, addressing standards and using industry-developed best management practices (e.g. Prospectors and Developers Association’s E³ Plus guidelines).

Access and infrastructure

An all-season road supporting community access to the south is a high priority for Deer Lake First Nation. Deer Lake First Nation endeavors to support a hydro line connection to the regional grid to support electricity needs. Access and Infrastructure will proceed in a manner that sustains the integrity of waterways, streams and creeks and protects spawning areas and calving areas. Routing design will promote remoteness and minimize development footprints within Dedicated Protected Areas and Enhanced Management Areas. Road corridors will be planned strategically to centralize routes where possible.

3. Achieving goals and objectives

The following summarizes how the goals and objectives set out in the Draft Plan have been achieved:

Preserving and maintaining cultural values and activities

• The Oji-Cree language of Deer Lake First Nation people is reflected throughout the Draft Plan
• The plan communicates the relationship of Deer lake people and adjacent communities to the land and water in the proposed Planning Area
• The plan respects Aboriginal and Treaty Rights
• The community has taken a lead role in providing direction that honours Anshiinini Gayehnaabuhstooauch Akheenih (Indigenous and/or First Nation Use of the land)
• The plan provides protection for First Nation cultural heritage values by documenting those values and considering them in land use decision-making (e.g. Dedicated Protected Areas and Enhanced Management Areas with direction for remoteness to protect cultural values)

Identify and support economic opportunities within the Planning Area

• Recommended Land Use Area designations to support existing and potential economic development opportunities. For example, potential for renewable energy, tourism, mineral development, commercial forest harvest and infrastructure is enabled through General Use Area and EMA designations. Dedicated Protected Areas support tourism, commercial trapping and commercial fishing
• The plan proposes direction for development with direct and indirect benefits to Deer Lake First Nation and consideration for other First Nations
• Deer Lake First Nation, Ontario and other stakeholders are working together through the planning and implementation process to develop future opportunities
• The recommended land use areas are designed to support future infrastructure proposals benefitting Deer Lake and other First Nations (e.g. all-season road connections)

Promote sustainable fisheries, preserve waterways and wetland habitat and protect wildlife and forests

• Enhanced Management Area designations promote protection of fish and wildlife values by anticipating future activities and guiding the manner in which these activities should take place (e.g. maintaining remoteness)
• The plan emphasizes the protection of water quality and aquatic habitat in decision making for all activities
• Dedicated Protected Areas have been designed based on watersheds to support natural functioning ecosystems
• Dedicated Protected Areas include special consideration for forests and wetland habitat supporting large game and waterfowl
• Information on Species at Risk in the proposed Planning Area and adjacent areas was considered in the design and direction of land use designations (e.g. considering activities with respect for caribou wintering and calving)
• Interconnectivity with neighbouring Community Based Land Use Plans complements and promotes the protection of fisheries and wildlife within and beyond the proposed Planning Area

Build capacity and expertise for the management of lands and resources by the people of Deer Lake

Through the Far North Land Use Planning Initiative, Deer Lake First Nation has built capacity in the following ways:

• Funding, expertise, training and land information was provided to Deer Lake First Nation for capacity building
• Deer Lake conducted a resource inventory to identify community priorities, training requirements and needs
• Deer Lake attended training, workshops and meetings to build expertise
• Deer Lake led discussions in the community to promote a knowledge of planning and assist membership participation in planning
• Deer Lake led the collection of Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge within the proposed Planning Area of interest and developed several values maps
• Community work was done to identify community interests, goals and values relating to protection and economic development
• Deer Lake First Nation interests were communicated to Ontario to increase provincial understandings of Anishiniini Gayenaabuhstooauch Ahkeenih (community goals and values)
• Implementation of the plan will include collaborative resource management projects to be undertaken with a lead role by Deer Lake First Nation
• With support from Ontario, Deer Lake First Nation has and will continue to undertake discussions with a broader regional network of planners to take into account common interests at a regional level. These include Planning Together gatherings, Tribal Council Forums and consideration and input into the Far North Land Use Strategy

Enlarge Figure 14: Deer Lake Draft Plan Proposed Land Use Areas with adjacent Areas (PDF)

Landscape considerations

The following describes how the Draft Plan addresses the significant cultural and ecological features, land uses and land use designations for areas adjacent to the proposed Planning Area that the joint planning team has identified.

Land use designations for completed plans adjacent to the Deer Lake Proposed Planning Area

The adjacent land use designations in the Pauingassi and Whitefeather Community Based Land Use Plans were reviewed by the joint planning team. Land Use Area proposals in the Deer Lake proposed Planning Area are consistent with those of adjacent plans, providing connections between Dedicated Protected, Enhanced Management and General Use Areas. For example:

• Keenock Saagaahigan General Use Area complements adjacent Whitefeather General Use Areas supporting future resource development and infrastructure
• McInnes Waterway Enhanced Management Area complements adjacent Whitefeather Enhanced Management Areas providing direction for waterway protection
• Dedicated Protected Area design provides for connectivity with adjacent Dedicated Protected Areas in the Whitefeather and Pauingassi approved Community Based Land Use Plans, consistent with the Far North Act, 2010 objective for an interconnected network of protected areas designated in community based land use plans
• West Deer Dedicated Protected Area design complements the waterway protection approach for adjacent Pauingassi land use areas. It also considers the potential for access to adjacent Cherrington Enhanced Management Area for mineral exploration and development

Other considerations

Consideration for adjacent communities and cultural heritage features

Deer Lake First Nation has met and corresponded with neighbouring communities to identify areas of shared use and interest, land uses and cultural heritage features (e.g. pictographs, burial sites, historic occupation sites, ceremonial sites) within and adjacent to the proposed Planning Area.

• Through dialogue with adjacent First Nations, information on adjacent values, cultural heritage features and land uses has been shared with the joint planning team and directly with Deer Lake First Nation
• Based on information and dialogue, recommended land use areas and direction have been designed with consideration for the effects of proposed activities on adjacent community values, uses and cultural heritage features
• Longstanding historical agreements exist between Deer Lake First Nation people and their neighbours. These agreements continue to be respected
• Future decision-making in all land use areas will respect neighbouring community land uses and ensure the Treaty and Aboriginal rights of neighbouring communities are also respected.
• Open dialogue and information-sharing with adjacent communities will continue into the future to ensure new information pertaining to First Nation use, values and cultural heritage features is incorporated in decision-making processes

Consideration for other land uses

Existing and potential future land uses adjacent to the proposed Planning Area have been reviewed in the preparation of the Draft Plan. The joint planning team has discussed recommended land use areas and direction in light of available information on adjacent uses and interests. The plan supports and anticipates these uses as follows:

• General Use and Enhanced Management Areas in the northern and eastern section of the proposed Planning Area have been designed to anticipate and support major infrastructure corridors, such as all-season roads and hydroelectric transmission lines, connecting Deer Lake and adjacent communities with existing provincial infrastructure
• Enhanced Management Areas and Protected Areas within the proposed Planning Area have been designed with a recognition for the need to keep options open with respect to future all-season road, hydroelectric and other linear corridor planning, while providing clear direction supporting remoteness, protection of cultural and natural values, waterways and water systems
• Access to areas with mineral potential and mining claims to the north and east of the proposed Planning Area is supported in General Use and Enhanced Management Areas in the northern and eastern section of the proposed Planning Area. Keenoch Saagahigan General Use Area supports mineral exploration and development in an area of high Mineral potential in the eastern portion of the proposed Planning Area and adjacent areas
• General Use and Enhanced Management Areas support commercial energy potential such as wind, solar and waterpower as may be complimentary to a variety of adjacent land use activities
• General Use, Enhanced Management and Protected Areas support tourism and provide connections to adjacent areas with tourism activity and potential.

Consideration for ecological features

Deer Lake First Nation has emphasized that all forms of life, living systems and habitats upon which people depend should be considered in the protection approaches recommended through the plan. Deer Lake First Nation and Ontario have addressed ecological features adjacent to the proposed Planning Area as follows:

• The joint planning team reviewed information on two natural heritage areas lying within and adjacent to the proposed Planning Area (Cobham River and Apps Lake) through the planning process. Portions of the two areas are included in recommended Dedicated Protected Areas supporting protection of representative features at a landscape level (Ecoregion 3S)
• Deer Lake and MNRF have shared and discussed information on fisheries derived from both traditional ecological knowledge and MNRF fisheries surveys. Draft Plan recommendations protect fish habitat and spawning sites within the proposed Planning Area through land Use Designations and direction. This contributes to fisheries protection in connecting waterways beyond the proposed Planning Area
• Proposed Dedicated Protected Areas include large areas of forest, muskeg, wetland and peat land contributing to habitat needs for a variety of species, including those that have seasonal movements extending beyond the proposed Planning Area, such as moose and waterfowl. These areas also serve as carbon sinks and are an important component of broader-scale climate change mitigation goals.
• Protection for Species at Risk provided by the plan compliments the protection of Species at Risk across the landscape. Protection is provided for by incorporating information and knowledge (Traditional Ecological Knowledge and scientific data), through Dedicated Protected Area designations and through management direction for future activities in Enhanced Management Areas and General Use Areas. The design of Land Use Areas in the Deer Lake Plan includes habitat, high-use areas and travel corridors (e.g. caribou and wolverine) that extend within and beyond the proposed Planning Area. Dedicated Protected Areas within the plan provide connections to adjacent protected areas in Ontario and Manitoba (Pauingassi, Whitefeather and Manitoba-Ontario Interprovincial Wilderness Area).
• Deer Lake First Nation people’s traditional ecological knowledge and waterway protection interests have combined with watershed data in the design of Dedicated Protected Areas and Enhanced Management Areas. The joint planning has identified community interests and important First Nation cultural waterways both within and beyond the proposed Planning Area. Mapped information from the Water Resources Information Project (WRIP), detailing watersheds, and catchment areas, heights of land and flow regimes, has also been reviewed. This has offered the joint planning team a picture of the landscape context for waterways. Land Use Area design based on this information supports water protection and waterway integrity in the proposed Planning Area and at the landscape scale. The plan complements water protection approaches in completed plans upstream (Whitefeather and Pauingassi) and includes protection for waterways flowing northward out of the proposed Planning Area. Land Use Area design minimizes the potential for development activities along waterways, thereby minimizing the potential for cumulative effects at the landscape scale.

Part C – implementation and review

1. Plan implementation

Implementation of the plan is described in this section to provide for:

• ongoing plan evaluation;
• formal plan review;
• plan amendment (if required); and
• the identification of recommended implementation actions.

The success of plan implementation relies upon a communication approach that will continue to embody a respectful and collaborative dialogue between Deer Lake First Nation and Ontario. This approach will support consideration of new proposals in the approved Planning Area and ensure consistency with the plan, with the added goal of reaching consensus on the direction and details of the activities.

It is noted that the plan identifies areas having potential for economic development activities with benefits to Deer Lake First Nation. Deer Lake First Nation expects meaningful dialogue with parties proposing to undertake projects and have activities unfold in a fair and respectful manner. Deer Lake First Nation has an ‘External Consultation Protocol’ document that describes best practices for working with the First Nation in development proposals and undertakings.

Recommendations for implementation of the plan recognize that the Far North Act, 2010 (Section 14 (1)) specifies that once a community based land use plan is approved, decisions respecting the allocation, disposition or use of public lands and natural resources in the area must be consistent with the land use designations and permitted uses specified in the plan and the permitted uses prescribed for the purpose of the plan. Additionally, Ontario is committed to meeting its constitutional obligations with respect to Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, including the Crown’s Duty to Consult.

Plan implementation - recommended actions

Deer Lake First Nation and Ontario are recommending the following actions to advance the understandings and opportunities identified in the land use plan. All recommendations are proposed reflecting joint Deer Lake-Ontario consideration of feasibility, reasonable expectation of completion and consistency with existing Ontario policy and legislation.

1. Deer Lake and MNRF will pursue creation of a joint implementation team and structure to
   • describe the plan implementation communication approach and expectations;
   • set priorities to facilitate the First Nation and Ontario’s interests;
   • continue planning and interest-based dialogue with adjacent communities; and,
   • guide and organize implementation activities
2. Action will be taken to review options available for protected area designations, including regulatory options in keeping with Deer Lake First Nation people’s understanding of protection. The ‘dedicated protected area’ designation is applied in the Deer Lake plan, understanding that the Far North Land Use Strategy will provide additional guidance on types of protected areas. This action can be addressed by the joint implementation team or by a working group focussing on protected areas.
3. A joint approach will be described to determine the need for additional guidance for activities in protected areas. The outcome of Action 2 (reviewing options for designation) may also establish a more in-depth resource management planning framework. For example, a protected area established under the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act would follow the existing park management planning framework.
4. The joint implementation team will describe actions needed to explore opportunities for commercial forestry in those land use areas where the plan identifies potential. Actions may include:
   • Set out projects to gather additional information on the resource and complete analysis needed to further define the potential and opportunities;
   • Describing the manner in which Deer Lake First Nation would lead a commercial forest harvest activity to achieve desired outcomes, including benefits to the community;
   • Determine regulatory requirements (e.g. environmental assessment, planning, licencing) after desired opportunities are defined.
5. Build an approach for Deer Lake First Nation to engage with MNRF that will support:
   • Building understanding of fire management planning;
   • Exchange of information on practices and approaches to fire management and suppression;
   • Pursuing economic opportunities for Deer Lake First Nation people in fire management and suppression.
6. The joint implementation team will work together to support First Nation opportunities to gain experience, increase involvement, and build capacity for the management of lands and resources in the Planning Area. Opportunities to be considered may include:
   • Fish and wildlife management:
   • Conservation and stewardship programs;
   • Collaborative research, monitoring, surveys, information-sharing and education for resource management topics of interest
   • Enforcement programs.
7. Build an approach to support the realization of economic opportunities for Deer Lake First Nation, such as:
   • Encouraging partnerships;
   • Bringing in expertise from governmental, non-governmental, public and private sectors as appropriate; and
   • Other actions identified by the joint implementation team.
8. Deer Lake will work with Ontario to explore tourism opportunities that support ownership, partnership and/or direct benefits to Deer Lake First Nation. For example, Deer Lake First Nation people may plan to prepare feasibility studies, build capacity and knowledge of the industry, assemble detailed information and work with industry advisors to advance proposals.
9. Deer Lake will work with MNDM representatives through the implementation team, as appropriate, to:
   • Provide input to exploration and development plans and permits within the Planning Area as requested, recognizing that MNDM has existing processes to work with the First Nation and MNRF on plans and permits;
   • identify ways to build community capacity related to geology and the mineral sector (e.g. prospecting courses);
   • build understandings of best management practices and standards for mineral exploration and development within the Planning Area (e.g. Mining Act and other provincial legislation, regulations and guidelines, and the Prospectors and Developers Association’s E³ Plus guidelines.)
   • protect sites of aboriginal cultural significance under the Mining Act, including the withdrawal of such lands from mineral exploration, identifying surface rights restrictions on existing claims and placing terms and conditions in exploration permits.
10. The joint implementation team will work to build an understanding of the approaches to protect waterways and fisheries values as development activities take place. This information and understanding will contribute to provision of additional management direction for enhanced management areas that focus on protection of water and fisheries.

2. Review and amendment

Plan review includes both ongoing evaluation of land use decisions by the Deer Lake implementation team and formal scheduled reviews with broad consultation. Necessary adjustments to respond to new information or incorporate new direction can be considered through the amendment process, at any time, or as a result of a scheduled plan review.

The Deer Lake plan will be formally reviewed by Deer Lake First Nation and Ontario every 10 years, with the first review being 2025. The review process will be described by the Deer Lake implementation team in accordance with the Far North Act and guidance provided in the Far North Land Use Strategy (as it exists at the time).

Amendments may be requested at any time by Deer Lake First Nation or the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry to correct information, change names, update references, etc. Additionally, the Far North Act (Section 10) also recognizes that amendments may be proposed with respect to major changes including:

• The land use designations in the Planning Area;
• The designation of protected areas in the Planning Area;
• The permitted land uses in the Planning Area, or;
• The boundaries of a Planning Area after a community based land use plan is approved.

The Deer Lake implementation team will support consideration of amendments for the Deer Lake plan.

3. Next steps

Input and advice from consultation opportunities will be considered by the planning team and summarized for sharing. A Final Plan will be prepared that has considered input and advice. At the Draft Plan stage, all proposed Dedicated Protected Areas are placed under interim protection (Mining Act, Section 35 withdrawal). Upon completion, the Final Plan will be shared publicly. Your input into the Draft Plan is welcome.

Copies of this document and requests for information relating to the Deer Lake Community Based Land Use Planning Process can be obtained from:

Lands and Resources Planner
Deer Lake First Nation
P.O. Box 39
Deer Lake, ON
P0V 1N0
807-775-2141/(807) 775-2100
807-727-2861 (fax)

Far North Planner
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Far North Branch - Planning Section
Red Lake District Office
P.O. Box 5003
227 Howey St.
Red Lake, ON
P0V 2M0
807-727-1343
807-727-2861 (fax)