Conservation Through Indigenous Treaty Revival: Duffin’s Creek, Williams Treaties Area

Book chapter by Gary Pritchard (4 Directions of Conservation Consulting Services), and Sheila Boudreau, 2022. In: Landscape Approach: From Local Communities to Territorial Systems. Editors: Zander, H., McCartney, S., Solano, S., and Vangjeli, S. (Applied Research + Design Publishing)

This book will be released in spring of 2023, but given the threats to the ecologically important Ontario Greenbelt (protected natural areas) due to the Proposed Amendments to the Greenbelt Plan, I believe sharing it now is timely. The Government of Ontario needs to understand that it must honour its Treaty obligations (a constitutional requirement of the Crown). Ironically, last week was Treaty Recognitions Week in Ontario, and across the Province people are searching for guidance on what it means to respect treaties with First Nations and to be a good ally. Former Justice Minister for the Government of Canada, Jody Wilson-Raybould, recently published her book True Reconciliation: How to be a Force for Change (McClelland & Stewart). With the proposed removal of 15 areas of the Greenbelt to support Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022, the Provincial government has chosen a seriously damaging path where reconciliation is concerned. I implore you to read Gary’s words and those of the Chiefs of the Williams Treaties First Nations, and listen carefully to what they have to say. Please take the time to comment on the proposed legislative changes, and reach out to your MPP.