Webequie terms of reference

Prepared by: Webequie First Nation and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Webequie First Nation and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry are pleased to sign the Terms of Reference for the Webequie First Nation Community Based Land Use Plan. Approvals have been provided by:

• Webequie First Nation Band Council Resolution; and
• Ontario, by the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry administering the Far North Act.

As we begin this planning process, Webequie First Nation and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry affirm our commitment to work together with mutual respect and in good faith.

On behalf of Webequie First Nation

Signed by
Chief Cornelius Wabasse
Webequie First Nation
July 2014

On behalf of Ontario

Signed by
Honourable Bill Mauro
Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry
July 2014

1. Introduction and purpose

Webequie First Nation (‘Webequie’) is a progressive community that has accepted the responsibility of becoming involved and leading a community based land use planning process. In this process, Webequie is bringing forward concepts of land use planning that date back several generations, concepts that involve consideration of the community and others. Today, these concepts are the foundation for Webequie’s vision for planning. Records of historical direction are being assembled and will be appended to the land use plan.

Where the Land Use Planning is taking place in the historic, traditional and customary lands of the clans people with the commitment of the federal and provincial governments, the land use planning team has an obligation to protect the community interests with respect to its lands and resources. Webequie understands the need to accommodate the new comers as well. We have always shared and will continue

Roy Spence, Webequie First Nation

Webequie planning initiative is now taking place in a unique window of time. Proposed “Ring of Fire” developments are being considered through environmental assessment processes that are likely to take place concurrently as the land use plan is prepared. This timing presents added challenges for the community, however, Webequie recognizes these challenges and will focus on a community driven holistic approach to guide decision-making. In particular, Webequie has a desire to guide cultural protection, including protection of Aboriginal and treaty rights, while considering interests from both industry and Ontario.

In response to Webequie’s interest, Ontario is engaging in planning in accordance with the Far North Act, 2010. The purpose of this Terms of Reference (the Terms) is to set out the practical matters and expectations for Webequie and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) to work together and produce the Webequie Community Based Land Use Plan (CBLUP). As such, the Terms:

• guide the designation of a Webequie Planning Area; and
• direct the preparation of the community based land use plan for that area.

Webequie and MNRF have taken the objectives for planning in the Far North into account in the preparation of the Terms. As set out in the Far North Act, these objectives for planning are:

• a significant role for First Nations in the planning;
• the protection of areas of cultural value and the protection of ecological systems by including at least 225,000 km² of the Far North in an interconnected network of protected areas designated in community based land use plans;
• the maintenance of biological diversity, ecological processes and functions, including the storage and sequestration of carbon; and
• enabling sustainable economic development that benefits the First Nations.

Ontario affirms in the Far North Act that land use planning will be done in a manner that is consistent with the recognition and affirmation of existing Aboriginal and treaty rights in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, including the duty to consult.

1.1 Webequie community vision

Webequie’s vision for the future is based on the dialogue that has taken place for many generations; it is a vision for land use and consideration of opportunities and benefits. A conceptual portrayal of this vision is pictured here. As part of the vision for the community, Webequie shows respect for neighbouring communities that have shared the land. Webequie wishes to continue to share the land and incorporate shared interests in the creation and implementation of the land use plan. In planning, Webequie will guide and support the understanding of the community vision by others.

We have carried out our traditional way of life in these lands since before written history. However, we live in changing times. The ways of the world and the needs of the world change ever more quickly. Development and the harvesting of resources continue to move further north each year. It is our responsibility to look out for our people now and for the generations yet to come. We cannot survive and practice our traditional ways of life if we are confined to the reserve. It is still not of sufficient size to sustain our people in the practice of our traditional livelihood. It is our duty to see that our community and our people are sustained into the future.

Statement of the Elders and people of Webequie First Nation: Webequie lands and resources policy - ratified April 1^st, 2004

2. Expected outcomes

The community has a belief that they are in fact stewards of this land and have the need and the right to live off the land. The elders and the community as a whole realize the importance of both development and protection. They also believe that living off the land for sustenance is vital to protect cultural heritage while understanding that resources in the planning area (as well as in Webequie’s broader self-described area of interest) are valuable for the well-being and advancement of the community.

During the planning process, the community will emphasize the importance of continuing traditional use as it can sustain culture, support the community’s economy and maintain healthy fish and wildlife populations. This must be passed on for future generations.

“Traditional practice helps balance the ecosystem – for the health of the land is reflected in the people.”
Elder Josie Jacob

Webequie expects that the plan will:

• reflect meaningful community participation in its development and implementation including through capacity building exercises for planning representatives and the community at large;
• set out direction that takes into account Webequie’s Lands and Resources Policy;
• incorporate a high level of cultural content, informed by traditional knowledge; and
• support positive ongoing relationships with surrounding communities and Ontario.

As set out in the Far North Act, once a community based land use plan is approved, it is required that decisions will be consistent with the land use designations and permitted uses specified in the plan.

In preparing the land use plan, Webequie and MNRF will take into account the objectives for planning set out in the Far North Act. Through the planning dialogue, the joint planning team will continue to build a shared understanding of the objectives and the manner in which the land use plan can contribute to achieving those desired outcomes.

Webequie and MNRF expect that the land use planning process will entail:

• assembly and use of the best available information from all sources;
• setting out guiding direction (e.g. goals, objectives, principles) for decision-making including for protection of the environment;
• the ability to amend existing parks;
• opportunities for planning dialogue with the Ministry of the Northern Development and Mines (MNDM) and other agencies as required;
• providing opportunities for input to the plan by all interested people; and
• developing understandings for implementation of the land use plan.

The Final Plan is expected to include:

• mapping and description of the Webequie Planning Area (as it will be confirmed in the Draft Plan and recommended for designation);
• goals and objectives for land use, addressing cultural, social, economic and environmental considerations;
• mapping of land use areas and their designations, including one or more protected areas, and the identification of the development, land uses and activities that are permitted or not permitted within those areas;
• description of how the plan has addressed features and land uses for areas adjacent to the planning area;
• a plan review timeframe (not less than ten years) and direction for plan amendment;
• long-term implementation direction, such as commitments, requirements and steps to enable specific activities; and
• recommendation for a joint approach to implementation (e.g. joint Webequie–MNRF implementation team).

3. Scope of planning

The scope of planning is described by the planning area (3.1) and planning subjects (3.2).

3.1 Planning area

Webequie has identified an Area of Interest for Planning (AIP). This preliminary area has been drawn based on our understanding of historical and traditional use as well as community economic sustainability interests. The Webequie AIP is 856,000 hectares in size, situated approximately 650 km north of Thunder Bay Ontario (See Figure 1). First Nation communities located adjacent to this AIP are Attawapiskat, Weenusk, Kasabonika Lake, Nibinamik, Neskantaga, Eabametoong, and Marten Falls.

In traditional understandings among First Nation communities, shared land use and widespread travel by community members is customary. Webequie respects adjacent communities’ shared uses and interests within the AIP. Similarly, Webequie’s traditional use extends within and beyond the planning area, requiring engagement of Webequie with neighbouring communities’ plans when they are prepared.

The AIP is mapped in order for Webequie to lead preparation of a land use plan for this area; the land use plan will not alter traditional understandings and relationships to the land by adjacent communities.

In planning, Webequie and MNRF will be striving to provide direction that considers the interests of and benefits for Webequie and other First Nations. Through dialogue between Webequie and the adjacent communities noted above, understandings of shared areas and protocols for engagement in the planning process (and implementation of the plan) can be set out.

Webequie has contacted all adjacent communities identifying their Webequie’s interest in planning and describing the AIP with an offer to develop a protocol for shared areas. The AIP mapped in Figure 1 is subject to adjustment resulting from these discussions with adjacent communities. Definition of a final Webequie Planning Area will reflect adjacent community input and understandings.

The planning team will confirm the final Webequie Planning Area to complete preparation of the Draft Plan, and will seek designation of that planning area under the Far North Act. Approval of the Final Plan is contingent upon having a designated planning area.

3.2 Planning subjects

The joint planning team has identified subjects below that are expected to be within the scope of consideration for the land use plan. For each subject, the land use plan will describe available information, interests, considerations and opportunities. This list is not limiting; the planning dialogue and input may lead to additional clarification of the scope of each subject.

Cultural heritage protection and enhancement

This subject addresses both the protection of historical uses and values and considers promotion where suitable for education and/or tourism purposes. The planning team will seek advice on this subject from Webequie First Nation Elders and Land Users, Webequie First Nation Sub-Committees, and spiritual advisor.

The plan is expected to:

• incorporate traditional knowledge;
• provide community-driven protection for individual sites and features (e.g. prescriptions such as restricting access within a certain distance from waters edge); and
• design zoning to enhance protection of cultural heritage where there are several sites close together, or where there is an area that supports multiple cultural activities (e.g. lands, resources, water)

Traditional land use

The subject of traditional land use is defined by Webequie First Nation as it includes (but is not limited to) customary use around traplines, travel routes, harvesting, and supporting activities such as fish traps, cabins, etc. The planning team is guided by Webequie First Nation elders and the Trappers and Land Users Committee on this subject.

The plan is expected to address:

• a description of the relationship and importance of traditional use to the well-being of the community, and respect for traditional use as it is an ongoing activity protected by Aboriginal and treaty rights;
• a description of traditional use as it extends within and beyond the planning area requiring engagement of Webequie with neighbouring communities’ plans;
• zoning and strategic direction that supports protection of the lands, waters, plants, animals that sustain traditional use; and
• recognition that locations for traditional use will change over time, extending across the landscape – the plan will be a living document that the community keeps up to date.

Environmental protection and enhancement

The planning team will seek advice on this subject from Webequie First Nation Elders and Land Users, Webequie First Nation Sub committees, OMNRF, hydrology experts, ecologists, MNDM advisors and others, as needed.

The plan is expected to:

• provide zoning to support protection of values, features, and special landscapes;
• provide direction promoting the maintenance of biological diversity and ecological processes and functions, including to support the needs of species at risk (including caribou, lake sturgeon, and wolverine);
• promote the use of tools that can protect sensitive features within land use areas where development is an opportunity (e.g. Mining Act provisions for Sites of Aboriginal Cultural Significance (SOACS), best practices, etc.);
• design protection/protected areas to provide for interconnection (e.g. for fish, wildlife and water);
• emphasize protection of waterways, source water, and broader watershed matters;
• consider cumulative impacts, climate change, carbon storage and sequestration; and
• provide direction for community involvement opportunities in protection activities (e.g. habitat inventories, maintenance of healthy populations, education and ongoing dialogue with Ontario).

Renewable energy - hydro electric/wind power/solar/biofuels

The planning team will seek advice on this subject from MNRF, Ontario Power Authority (OPA), and renewable energy experts. Understanding of this subject will involve identification of sites of high potential from existing (previous) studies and recent information (e.g. OPA River Assessments, Canadian Wind Atlas, Canadian Solar Assessment)

The plan will:

• Identify desired opportunities and provide complementary zoning.

Mineral exploration and development

The planning team will seek advice and input on this subject from MNDM and mineral sector stakeholders, including to:

• assemble information on the geology and mineral potential of the land;
• identify areas that have third-party interests; and
• apply data to identify areas that may offer economic opportunities.

The plan will:

• reflect a consensus on the balance between areas of exploration and areas excluded from exploration; and
• provide compatible zoning to support desired opportunities.

Infrastructure and community development:

The planning team will seek advice and input on this subject from MNRF, other provincial agencies including MNDM, and industry proponents including to:

• assemble information about infrastructure needs and opportunities (e.g. feasibility studies, landform mapping, aggregate sources, etc.); and
• assemble information on capabilities of the land (i.e., suitability for various uses).

The plan will consider infrastructure needs and opportunities for the community, potential infrastructure corridors (e.g. transmission lines, winter road upgrades, all-weather roads, fibre- optic cables), and other possible development needs (e.g. mining camps, and airstrips), and will:

• consider interests both within and beyond the planning area (e.g. with regard to alignment of primary corridors)
• provide zoning within the planning area that will support desired opportunities and interests, and provide strategic direction to protect values and features; and
• include information, direction or guidance on environmental, economic, social, and cultural interests that can inform and complement environmental assessment processes for corridors.

Aggregate use

The use of aggregates is important for multi-purpose use, community needs, infrastructure needs. The planning team will seek advice on this subject from MNRF and MNDM and will assemble the best available information on sources of aggregates.

The plan will:

• recommend direction and zoning that addresses keeping aggregate sources available and protecting associated vegetation & landform features.

Tourism

The planning team will seek advice on this subject from the Webequie Economic Development Committee that consists of tourism outfitters and potential entrepreneurs. Webequie has been involved in the tourism industry for many years and wishes to promote tourism for community benefits as well as for benefits to Ontario. To promote tourism opportunities, Webequie is interested in exploring new approaches with Ontario, such as creating business models that could remove barriers and reduce financial burden.

The plan will:

• consider opportunities in several types of tourism including:
  • eco-tourism – includes guiding people’s appreciation (tours, experience) of landscape features and natural heritage, ecology, historical canoe routes and campsites;
  • recreational tourism – includes sport hunting and fishing (outfitting); and
  • cultural tourism – includes guided tours of cultural heritage such as traditional fishing camp activities, spirituality, harvesting techniques (fish and wildlife), products made from fish and wildlife, living in harmony (holistic, sustainable use), seasonal activities, etc.;
• provide zoning and direction to support existing and potential tourism interests and opportunities; and
• describe implementation actions to promote and realize opportunities (e.g. to develop business cases, seek funding, etc.).

Forestry opportunities

The planning team will seek advice on this subject from MNRF forestry experts to determine the potential for various forestry activities (i.e. defining quality and quantity of resources). Forestry opportunities to be considered may include non-timber forest products (cross- reference with traditional use), firewood, bio-fuel, local-scale sawmill, value-added production.

The plan will:

• identify desired opportunities and provide complementary zoning.

Other commercial activities

The planning team will seek advice from Webequie First Nation Elders and Land Users, Webequie First Nation Sub committees, and provincial agencies including MNRF, MNDM.

The plan will consider the following.

• Commercial fishing
  • Historically, there were several commercial fishing operations (6 individual licenses) in locations near Webequie. The last licenses were held in the early 1970s.
  • Webequie will determine community direction regarding commercial fishing opportunities (with consideration of traditional use & tourism).
• Commercial fur harvesting
  • The plan will include a description of the historical and current interests and benefits, with recognition of ongoing use.
• Potential commercial water use
  • During planning, information may lead to description of potential sites for spring water. An implementation item in the plan could address further interest in identifying and/or exploring opportunities.
• Other land uses
  • Planning dialogue may identify interest in exploring capabilities of the land to support other activities such as agriculture and aquaculture.

4. Planning process

Community based land use planning follows a stepwise process for decision making that is consultative in nature based on a consensus building approach.

Key components of the process are addressed in this Section; phases and timelines (4.1), planning structure for decision making (4.2), approvals (4.3), dispute resolution (4.4) and interim measures (4.5).

4.1 Phases and timelines

The following outline is based on estimated timelines. Timeline adjustments may be expected during the process. It is anticipated that the planning process will take 12 - 24 months to complete. Development of the final plan is targeted for Fall 2015.

A description of the key components in each Phase follows:

Phase 1: Spring 2011 – Winter 2012 Preparation for planning:

• Gather background information (i.e., ongoing documentation of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)/Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge (ATK) assembly, and access to provincial information layers)
• Build understanding of the community based land use planning approach
• Hold dialogue to determine community interests and direction for planning
• Organize for planning (joint planning team and structure for community engagement)
• Address community technical capacity building.

Phase 2: Spring 2012 – Spring 2014 Terms of Reference

• Prepare and initiate implementation of Webequie communications strategy
• Hold joint planning team meetings
• Jointly draft the Terms of Reference
• Dialogue with community and adjacent communities on Planning Area of Interest
• Hold formal Webequie community meeting(s) to determine readiness to proceed
• Reach endorsement in principle for the Terms of Reference (Webequie, MNRF)

Phase 3: Summer 2014 – Winter 2015 Draft Plan

• Jointly sign the Terms of Reference
• Share approved Terms broadly with invitation to participate to First Nation community members, adjacent First Nations, stakeholders and all interested people and organizations through Environmental Bill of Rights Environmental Registry (ER) posting, newspaper, mailouts, meetings.
• Hold 1^st Open Houses in Webequie and Thunder Bay sharing Terms and available background Information.
• Jointly prepare the Draft Plan through:
  • community consultation and visioning (on and off reserve membership);
  • description of goals and objectives;
  • description of land use opportunities (analysis of information);
  • preparation of recommendations for land use areas, including definition of land use activities, proposed land use designation and analysis of how those recommendations would achieve the goals and objectives; and
  • prepare Draft Plan map and document
• Continue community capacity building on information and land use planning
• Continue meetings with adjacent communities to confirm the final planning area, describe protocols for engagement and build understanding of the Draft Plan
• Seek Webequie and MNRF endorsement of the planning area and Draft Plan
• Request Far North designation of the final planning area
• Share Draft Plan broadly, inviting comment and input from First Nation community members, adjacent First Nations, stakeholders and all interested people and organizations through 2nd notice on ER, mailouts, meetings and 2nd Open Houses in Webequie and Thunder Bay

Phase 4: Final Land Use Plan: Spring 2015 – Fall 2015

• Jointly consider all input received on the Draft Plan
• Prepare final mapping of land use areas, including activities and designations
• Describe joint understandings for the long-term implementation of the plan
• Build consensus on the Final Plan direction within community and with province.
• Produce Final Plan document
• Seek joint endorsement in principle by Webequie and Ontario
• Obtain approval of Final Plan by Webequie and Ontario
• Post notice of, and share Final Plan (including decision notice) on the Environmental Registry, with a description of the manner in which consultation input was considered

4.2 The planning structure

Webequie First Nation has identified a structure to support the plan, support community engagement and build consensus throughout the planning process.

The overall planning initiative is led by the direction of Chief and Council. Chief and council representatives sit on planning and advisory teams to provide guidance and support, and to ensure full community engagement in the process.

• Webequie First Nation Membership
  Webequie First Nation Chief & Council
  • Planning Team
    • Webequie CBLUP Coordinator
      Webequie CBLUP Assistant
      Webequie CBLUP Youth
      Webequie Resource Liaison
      Webequie Communications Officer
      7 Webequie Community Representatives
      MNRF Northwest Region Far North Planner
      MNRF Northwest Region Senior Far North Planner
  • Webequie First Nation Advisory Group
    • Project Coordination and Business Advisor
      Economic Development Committee
      Elders Council
      Women’ Council
      Youth
      Trappers and Land Users Committee
    • Advisory Team
      • Community Technical Advisors - Renewables, Minerals, Forestry, etc.
        MNRF Area Supervisor/Far North Manager
        MNDM Land Use Geologist/Regional Manager
        MNRF Ontario Parks Regional Manager/Natural Heritage Specialist
        Other advisors as appropriate
    • Technical Support
      • First Nation Technical Advisors - GIS
        MNRF District/Regional Staff

The following are roles and responsibilities of each group within the planning structure:

Community Based Land Use Planning team:

This joint Webequie–MNRF planning team has prepared the Terms of Reference and will facilitate the planning process, ensure the best available information and analysis supports decision making, and facilitate seeking advice and building consensus on recommendations.

Webequie First Nation Advisory Groups:

Economic Development Committee - (Chair - James Suganaqueb)

Will meet monthly to discuss opportunities during CBLUP processes as well begin the capacity development for understanding broader opportunities in the mining and resource development sector. The Economic Development Committee will also look to protect current interests on the land with respect to Economic Development.

Elders Council - (Chair - Lenny Spence)

Will meet monthly to discuss upcoming issues in the CBLUP and Environmental Assessment (EA) projects. There will also be Data Collection Exercises with the elders to assist in the redefinition of the Community Traditional Territory and current and past activities on the land.

Women’s Council - (Chair Elsie MacDonald)

Will meet monthly to discuss upcoming issues in the CBLUP and EA projects. The Women’s council will also discuss unique perspectives from the women with respect to resource development.

Youth Council or Representatives - (Co chairs - Leonard Beaver & Randy Sopea)

Meetings will take place with/at the high school for students/Youth of Webequie to participate and build capacity. They will be exposed to the current activities taking place such as TEK data collection and community based land use planning.

Trappers and Land Users Council - (Chair Harry Wabasse)

Will meet monthly to discuss upcoming issues in the CBLUP and EA projects. There will also be Data Collection Exercises with the elders to assist in the redefinition of the Community Traditional Territory and current and past activities on the land.

Community Based Land Use Planning Advisory team:

• This team supports the planning team by providing information, analysis and advice on all planning subjects as needed. The team can support consideration of broader social, cultural, spiritual, economic and environmental matters.
• Provincial advisors are identified as needed to assist the planning team and community with assembly of information and understanding of policy and provincial interests for planning subjects.
• MNDM’s Mines and Minerals Division will provide information related to geology, mineral potential, and mineral exploration and mining; advise on the application of this data to identify areas that may offer opportunities in the planning area; and assess proposals for land use designations.

Technical support:

Webequie and MNRF will provide the capacity to address GIS support and needs.

In addition to the structured teams noted above, Webequie supports planning and community engagement through:

• Spiritual Advisor: to provide direction and the meaning of the water, trees, plants and animals, and critters to understand our responsibility to everything and everyone who uses the land. Will facilitate discussion on the holistic process so the planning team can understand this and take into consideration these elements in the planning process. Spiritual advisor will also provide support and guidance to the sub committees when reviewing land use planning decisions.
• Translation: The translator will have the responsibility of providing two-way translation. It is vital for the translator to understand the CBLUP process to be completely effective. A description of words and phrases (a ‘lexicon’) to support dialogue on planning will be developed while planning proceeds. This lexicon will help increase community participation in the dialogue and support translation of documents.

4.3 Approvals

A consensus-based approach to decision making supports the preparation of the plan, including endorsement to proceed with each step, reflecting:

• Webequie’s custom process; and
• MNRF internal consensus and consensus-building with other agencies (e.g. MNDM)

The Far North Act identifies the requirements and authority for formal joint Webequie–Ontario approvals, including for:

• Terms of Reference; and
• Final Land Use Plan.

Joint approvals for each of the above are required by:

• Webequie First Nation Chief and Council; and
• Minister of Natural Resources

Approval of the final plan will be by Minister’s Order under the Far North Act and by First Nation Band Council Resolution.

Prior to approval of the plan, and with joint endorsement, the planning team will request that the planning area be designated under the Far North Act via Minister’s Order.

Webequie First Nation and MNRF will implement these Terms of Reference for a land use plan in good faith. During the planning process new information and/or emerging direction may require an amendment to the Terms of Reference. In this event the planning team would prepare a recommended amendment. Requirements for amendments and approvals are set out in the Far North Act.

4.4 Dispute resolution

Webequie First Nation leads the timing and engagement in the process. The land use planning process is a consensus-based dialogue, structured to incorporate on-going dialogue and feedback throughout the process. This offers a means to resolve issues and disputes concerning planning matters before recommendations for the final land use plan are developed, while recognizing that there may be disputes and/or issues not resolved through discussions with the planning team, Webequie First Nation would like to maintain its traditional approach to resolving potential disputes during the land use planning process as the first step in the process. This traditional approach will consist of a community representatives’ group including Elders, Youth, Women and others (to be determined by the community on a case by case basis) to share perspectives, understand the issue(s) identified, maintain respectful dialogue and recommend appropriate options. If no resolution can be made then the conventional dispute resolution process identified below would be used.

The conventional dispute resolution process would involve the Chief of Webequie First Nation and the MNRF Nipigon District Manager. Parties bringing forward a dispute will provide it in writing to the Chief and District Manager (copying the joint Webequie–MNRF land use planning team) with any proposed resolution.

The Webequie Chief (or designated member of council), will meet with the MNRF District Manager in an effort to reach an agreement on a resolution. If required, community and MNRF representatives may be required to assist to provide support. A response to the dispute will be provided in writing in an agreed upon timeframe following the review of the dispute or issue with the joint Webequie–MNRF planning team.

5. Information management

The planning process will require consideration of all available information to help support and inform joint planning discussions while respecting and protecting Indigenous Knowledge. A joint protocol between the community and MNRF will be established that will outline what information will be brought forward by each party and how it will be used in the community based land use planning process.

All community information used to support the planning process will remain with the community unless the community deems it shareable with the Province of Ontario.

Ontario will provide and support the planning team with the best available information and data, to be used for the purpose of community based land use planning.

In addition, the joint planning team will identify appropriate information management strategies for the information used to support the development of the CBLUP.

MNRF will work with the joint planning team to ensure compliance with requirements for information under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Archives and Recordkeeping Act. Notices required for public consultation purposes under the Environmental Bill of Rights will be the primary responsibility of the MNRF. The subjects and results of all consultation will be considered by the planning team and incorporated into the planning process.

The joint planning team will oversee communications and delegate as required, including developing and ensuring public notices are submitted as required, compile the appropriate mailing list, initiate mail out of planning phase information, provide notice of meetings, and any other information deemed appropriate.

All formal input and comments received during the planning process will be documented and available as an official planning record. Copies of all formal input and comments received during the process will be provided to the joint planning team.

Contacts

Harry Wabasse, Band Councillor
Travis Spence, Community Land Use Plan Coordinator Webequie First Nation
P.O. Box 268
Webequie, ON POT 3AO
Tel: 807-353-6531
Fax: 807-353-1218

Steve Winsor, Northwest Region Far North Planner Sioux Lookout District
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
49 Prince Street
Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1A6
807-737-5039
807-737-1813