Kichesipirini Algonquin First Nation

June 27, 2007

Open Letter to
Michel Roy
Assistant Deputy Minister
Claims and Indian Government
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Via e-mail
Mr. Roy,
Thank you for your most recent correspondence dated May 30, 2007 regarding the submission of the
Kichesipirini Algonquin First Nation position paper/land claim “Lasting Treaties, Living Covenants”
dated February 2007. While we are also appreciative of the meeting between members of our
community leadership and Mr. Crane and Mr. Aitken I must again clarify that your statement that the
Kichesipirini Algonquin First Nation’s “position that it is not interested in participating in the current
Algonquins of Ontario land claims process” is not accurate. We are interested in participating in a
manner that does not abrogate or derogate our constitutionally protected rights.
The Kichesipirini has repeatedly and consistently asserted our right to be included in the process,
however, we have also repeatedly stated that we wish to be included apart from the existing model
currently chosen by those communities at the table. We are very interested in working together, in a
joint negotiations process, respecting our distinct history, jurisdiction and structure. We do not perceive
such accommodation as contradictory to the Algonquins negotiating as one voice as the federal and
provincial governments dictate, but believe that such accommodations could be easily accomplished
and would actually facilitate a more inclusive and productive negotiations process.
We are very aware of the history of the development of the existing table, and would request that those
specifics be made accessible for public examination and that all persons of Aboriginal ancestry affected
within the territory be given equal access to that information.
While we respect federal policy and the choices made by certain Algonquin groups to adhere to such
policy regarding the negotiations process we are also committed to ensuring that such policy does not
abrogate or derogate our constitutionally protected rights, which has certainly been the historical
experience of the Kichesipirini Algonquins, and that negotiations reconcile any conflict between policy
and the application of law. It our understanding that land claim negotiations, as treaty negotiations,
should be considered as an opportunity to reconcile the fiduciary obligations of the Crown with the
Aboriginal rights of the First Peoples of Canada. Whereas you state that “Canada does not dictate how
the Algonquins structure themselves internally for the purposes of these negotiations” it is our
understanding that Crown responsibility cannot be delegated, and that downloading responsibility, or
liability, to the current Algonquin community cannot be considered a legitimate option cancelling the
Crown’s obligations regarding the Kichesipirini.
It must be noted that although the federal government, or your ministry, may claim that they are not
responsible for the actions of the Algonquin community it must be noted that the access to the financial
resources needed to present a claim are not made equally available to all potentially affected
communities that can demonstrate legitimacy based on established legal requirements but are only
available to those communities compliant to federal policy, and are therefore, indirectly, controlled by
the Crown. Where there seems to be irreconcilable differences between policy and law it may be
necessary that the matters be addressed before the courts.
Also, contrary to your letter we have not made any formal claim assertions in Quebec, however
considering Kichesipirini territory and jurisdiction we do find ourselves uniquely situated in both
provinces. We have only made assertions regarding the current Algonquin claim in Ontario, but we
would be more than happy to assist the Algonquins in Quebec, who you state are in various stages of
research, in any way.
Judging from our periphery exposure to the Comprehensive Land Claim Policy and process as it
applied to the Algonquin situation in Ontario I would think that you would be “always looking to
improve the efficiency and transparency of negotiations processes” as you state and I appreciate your
invitation for my input into the Algonquins of Ontario claim. While I agree with you that there is most
definitely a need for improvement we feel that the process is in need of far more than improved
efficiency and transparency. So, while I appreciate your invitation I also believe that I have volunteered
enough time, energy and resources in an attempt to ensure that the process is more legitimate, and
therefore more able to provide the foundations of lasting certainty that are in the long term favourable
to the “national interests”. Our submitted proposal did allow for minimal compensation for the losses
incurred by the Kichesipirini Algonquin First Nation through our unjust exclusion from the process and
we feel it is unfortunate that you see necessary to reject such opportunity for consultation, participation
and compensation.
I have already sent a detailed letter to Honourable Jim Prentice outlining our concerns about the
process and our recommendations for improvement. We have not received a response, which we find
highly inappropriate.
We appreciate your correspondence.
Sincerely,
Paula LaPierre
Principal Sachem
Kichesipirini Algonquin First Nation
c.c. Paul Lamothe, Ottawa Algonquin First Nation, Jim Prentice, Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal
Council, Algonquin Nation Secretariat
By Honouring Our Past We Determine Our Future
Kichesipirini Algonquin First Nation

algonquincitizen@hotmail.com