Statement supporting Algoma Métis loggers

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO COALITION OF ABORIGINAL PEOPLE

************************* Statement by Brad Maggrah, president for Ontario Coalition of Aboriginal People (OCAP)

"The Ontario Coalition of Aboriginal People supports the Algoma Métis Loggers' right to secure a licence to harvest timber on Crown lands.

"This is about economic self-reliance for aboriginal people.

"If aboriginal [people] can't make a living from the natural resources of Northern Ontario, then I challenge who has the right to make a living from these resources.

"I disagree with Tony Belcourt's statement: 'The MNO is the only legitimate body that can represent the collective interests of our people on these issues.'

"There are other ways of doing things than planning ill-conceived and perhaps illegal actions that may precipitate court action.

"Tony Belcourt forgets that Steve Powley's action to shoot a moose was perceived to be an illegal action years ago and in fact set precedent that Métis have the right to harvest across Canada on Métis rights.

"I also challenge Tony Belcourt's claim to speak on behalf of all Métis in Ontario.

"I suggest he read the Royal Commission on Aboriginal peoples which states groups as small as 10 can be a community of aboriginal peoples."

Brad Maggrah calls on all area Métis and off-reserve aboriginal people to support Brent McHale, Michel Blais, Lorne Ebare, and the other members of the Corporation of Métis Loggers by attending the cutting site or writing letters of support and to donate money for the upcoming legal defence.

The Ontario Coalition of Aboriginal People will conduct a legal defence drive to assist the economic and rights aspirations of this aboriginal group.

The Ontario Coalition of Aboriginal People (OCAP) was founded by a core group of very concerned Métis, non-status and standalone aboriginal persons from across Ontario.

The Ontario Métis Aboriginal Association (OMAA) has closed down because of alleged financial irregularities and had funding cut, forcing the staff to be laid off. Since this crisis came to light, past elected OMAA leaders, present OMAA leaders, concerned OMAA citizens and talented aboriginal persons have consulted each other and mobilized to address dire community need.

This group has formed an organization and our president is Brad Maggrah of Wabigoon Ontario.

The Métis, non-status, and standalone aboriginal persons have some of the highest unemployment rates, combined with poor health, and significant social issues in the province of Ontario.

The Métis, non-status, and standalone aboriginal persons receive limited programs and services at best.

OCAP is organizing politically to champion all our aspirations, of a stronger community - economic, health, education, rights and land.

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