Ministry Of Natural Resources Alhydesept2006

Kichesipirini Algonquin First Nation

Sept. 29, 2006 Mr. E. A. Hyde District Manager Ministry of Natural Resources 31 Riverside Drive Pembroke, On K8A 8R6 Via e-mail Dear Mr. Hyde I, on behalf of the Kichesipirini Algonquin First Nation, Kichi Sibi Anishnabe, would like to take this opportunity to clarify our concerns regarding a number of important issues affecting the Algonquins in Ontario at this time.  Firstly we would like to state that we, the Kichesipirini Algonquin First Nation, are in no way associated with the Constitutional challenges presented by Mr. Michael Swinwood currently before the courts.  The Kichesipirini Algonquin First Nation is in no way associated with the “Sovereignty Circle” or any other form of alternative governance model created, supported, or associated with the Mr. Michael Swinwood or the related Constitutional challenges.  The Kichesipirini Algonquin First Nation does not recognize the authority of any alternative justice system or model initiated, created or supported by Mr. Michael Swinwood, the Sovereignty Circle or any related entity.  The Kichesipirini Algonquin First Nation does not recognize William Commanda as having any formal jurisdiction within our territory.  Denis Vaillancourt and Grant Tysick are no longer members or representatives of the Kichesipirini Algonquin First Nation. It should be noted that the Kichesipirini Algonquin First Nation is committed to the principles of honesty, accountability and transparency. Extensive historical research demonstrates that the Kichesipirini, Kichi Sibi Anishnabe, the traders, had exclusive control, through numerous amalgamations with other bands, including the Kinounchepirini, 1650, of a vast territory stretching from the North Bay /Nipissing area down to near the capital of region. The Kichesipirini exercised extensive trade and kinship networks far beyond, and these activities are carefully documented and verified.

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As part of our commitment to governance excellence and historical accuracy the Kichesipirini  Algonquin First Nation, Kichi Sibi Anishnabe, are actively participating in the prestigious  Indigenous Governance Project. The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada  (SSHRC) is investing $2.5 million in a five­year project to develop models for Aboriginal  governance that draw on the best in both modern scholarship and ancient traditions. The project will  be led by Canada’s largest Aboriginal law research group, which will join forces with researchers in  constitutional studies, economics, anthropology, philosophy, and political science, and with  numerous Aboriginal groups in Canada.  Pierre Noreau, professor in the faculty of law at the Université de Montréal and director of the  Centre de recherche en droit public (Public Law Research Centre), leads the “Indigenous Peoples  and Governance” project. Consisting of 39 researchers from 21 Canadian universities, the research  team will work with the Law Commission of Canada, the Royal Society of Canada, and several  Aboriginal associations to propose models for Aboriginal governance and for relationships between  sovereign peoples. Together, they will explore the unique characteristics of Aboriginal governance  in a Canadian context. Involved in the project are noted experts John Borrows, Darlene Johnson,  Kent McNeil and Michael Asch. Paula LaPierre, Principal Sachem of the Kichesipirini Algonquin First Nation, and an associate  representing the broader Algonquin community participated in the first annual conference June  28,29, and 30, 2006 located at Mnjikaning First Nation, Ontario. It is hoped that

such participation will bring legitimacy to the current Algonquin situation. As previously stated Kichesipirini Algonquin First Nation is open to make all information available. Information can also be accessed from our community website http://www.esnips.com/web/kichesipirini . Sincerely, Paula LaPierre Principal Sachem Kichesipirini Algonquin First Nation Cc; Ken McWatters, Bob Potts, Brian Crane, Robin Aitken, Kichesipirini Algonquin First Nation members Kichesipirini Algonquin First Nation

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By Honouring Our Past We Determine Our Future [email protected]

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