CPAWS Wildlands League Congratulates Premier McGuinty and Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug on Boreal Awa

TORONTO, November 6 – Last night Premier Dalton McGuinty and the community of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) were honoured with awards for protecting the Boreal Forest at an annual gala in Ottawa held in the National Art Gallery. Award winners were recognized by a cross section of Canada’s leading community, business, and Aboriginal leaders, politicians and engaged Canadians. CPAWS Wildlands commends both the Premier and KI on their vision, diligence and commitment in Boreal protection.

The Boreal award for the Premier comes just months after his historic July 14, 2008 announcement to protect more than 225,000 square kilometres of the Far North Boreal region under the Far North Planning initiative. The Premier announced that First Nation and Métis communities and Scientists will collaborate to map and permanently protect an interconnected network of conservation lands across the Far North. He also said that permanently protecting these lands will also help a world wrestling with the effects of climate change, as they are a globally significant carbon reservoir.

“There are over 97 billion tonnes of carbon at risk in Ontario’s far north. We commend the Premier for relying on science when he designated a target of more than 50% for protection,” said Janet Sumner, Executive Director of CPAWS Wildlands League. “He deserves an award for such bold leadership. The planet needs more heroes.” The Premier was also applauded for his promise that community agreement through land use plans would be needed before mines can go forward. On hand to receive the award for Premier McGuinty was MNR Minister Donna Cansfield. The Minister spoke passionately about how this legacy was ‘for all our children’.

One of the communities honoured last night for outstanding contribution, KI, has also been a leader in Boreal conservation. Since 1998, KI has had a community-declared moratorium on their lands and has resisted drilling projects by exploration companies that would have impacted watersheds, sacred sites, medicinal plants and the community’s own hunting, trapping and fishing areas.

“As we saw on November 4, change came to our neighbours in the south and we believe change can happen here,” said Chief Donnie Morris at the gala in response to the antiquated laws governing mining in Ontario. “We look forward to working with the government towards common goals,” added the Chief. Both he, Jacob Ostaman, Land and Resources Director, and John Cutfeet, community member, were on hand in Ottawa to receive the award on behalf of their community.

“The community of KI drew national and international attention with its principled stand in protecting its traditional territory,” said Anna Baggio, Director, Conservation Land Use Planning for CPAWS Wildlands League.  “KI is a role model for us all and they have shown great leadership and vision in working with many allies to protect their lands,” Ms. Baggio added. CPAWS Wildlands has worked with KI since early 2006.

“It is really interesting that the Ontario government and Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug are both being recognized for efforts that have been made to ensure that proper planning is done for traditional territories by communities as well as land use planning in Ontario,” said John Cutfeet.

For more information please contact:

Janet Sumner, CPAWS Wildlands League 416-579-7370 cell
Chief Donnie Morris, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, 807-627-8753 cell