(Left-right): Niagara Peninsula Conservation
Authority is adding an Indigenous voice to its
Community Liaison Advisory Committee. Click here
for larger picture.
Submitted by: MNO Community Relations Coordinator Glen Lipinksi.
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority is adding an Indigenous voice to its Community Liaison Advisory Committee.
On May 17, 2017, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Niagara Region Métis Council (NRMC) had a member appointed to the Community Liaison Advisory Committee (CLAC) alongside two members from the public at large. The change comes as part of an amendment to the committee’s terms of reference.
The CLAC was formed as part of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA)’s 2014-2017 strategic plan with the goal of expanding public participation to support NPCA governance and to provide a collaborative local perspective, guidance and expert advice on the implementation of the strategic plan and any other issues the Board requests. The change in membership adds another voice to the committee, which represents a mix of stakeholders, including the environment, agriculture, landowners, development, industry and volunteer sectors.
MNO NRMC President Derrick Pont, said the agency and the Council have similar objectives. He said they are looking forward to adding their voice to the CLAC.
“We share a lot of common values. A lot of our way of life revolves around harvesting. For us it’s also medicine plants and wild berries and other foods we can harvest,” President Pont told Board members during the meeting. “We look out for protecting the waters and we watch to make sure there is no damage done to the lands.”
President Pont said the council wants to ensure due diligence on Indigenous issues takes place during any large projects being developed and added the Council wants to ensure there is no harm to the environment, way of life or impact to waters.
“The Métis Nation is honoured to be moving forward with a relationship with the NPCA,” said President Pont, who presented the Board of Directors with a sash, which will be displayed at the NPCA’s headquarters in Welland to signify their partnership with the MNO.
NPCA Chair Sandy Annunziata said the relationship with the Métis Council comes as a result of meeting with partners over the last several months. He said expanding the representation to include the Métis “allows for continuous dialogue and creates opportunities that will help strengthen our relationship.”
“The NPCA is committed to hearing from all of our partners’ voices,” Annunziata said during the meeting, adding the goal is to build further partnerships and maintain dialogue with all stakeholders. “We look forward to hearing your voice around the table.”
Posted: July 19, 2017