Press Release: AFNQL Chiefs’ Assembly Calls on Canada & Quebec to Honour Agreements on Resource Management and Revenue Sharing with Algonquins of Barriere Lake

(Kitiganik, Algonquin Territory/February 5, 2015) The Algonquins of Barriere Lake welcome

the recent showing of support by the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL) of our First Nation’s on-going struggle to have Quebec and Canada honour signed agreements on the co-management of our territory and revenue sharing. A week ago, on January 28, 2015, the AFNQL adopted the attached resolution of support which calls on Canada and Quebec to honour agreements signed in 1991 and in 1998, and further urges the Quebec government to follow through on its commitment, made under Premier Couillard, to negotiate resource revenue sharing with Barriere Lake.

“Approximately $100 million is generated from our territory annually but our First Nation has never seen a cent. We remain one of the poorest communities in Canada,” explains Interim Director-General Tony Wawatie. “We are hopeful that the support from the AFNQL will encourage Quebec to live up to its promises so that we can move together towards a sustainable future that supports all users of our land."

-30-




For More Information Contact:

Chief Casey Ratt Cell: (819) 441-8002
Tony Wawatie, Interim Director-General Cell: (819) 355-3662
Michel Thusky (French) Spokesperson Telephone: (819) 435-2171 & (819) 334-4099