After interim licenses, First Nations group calls for long-term license to manage forest in traditional lands – CBC

The Ogoki Forest is located within the traditional lands of Aroland, Eabametoong and Marten Falls

Sep 28, 2020

A First Nations-owned resource management group in northwestern Ontario is calling on the provincial government to grant them a long-term license to manage a forest that is located within their own traditional lands.

The Agoke Development Corporation (Agoke)—which is jointly owned by the Aroland, Eabamentoong and Marten Falls First Nations—has been managing the Ogoki Forest on an interim basis since 2018, when they were granted a two-year contract. Earlier in 2020, the group had their two-year interim agreement renewed.

The group’s business advisor Jason Rasevych said the interim agreements were put in place to allow the newly formed management group build relationships and develop capacity. But Rasevych said Agoke is now ready to take the next step and receive a long-term license, and is calling on Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Minister John Yakabuski to make that happen.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/ogoki-forest-longterm-license-1.5739693