LUBICON COMMISSION LAUNCHED
Ray Martin, MLA
Leader of the New Democrat Opposition
Ray Martin, leader of the Official Opposition, today announced a
Commission of Review of the negotiations between the federal
(government), provincial (government) and the Lubicon Lake Indians.
"This is an independent, non-partisan Commission that I was asked to
organize by the Lubicons," Martin said. "Negotiations on this issue have
been stalled since 1989, so it is time to try to break the impasse."
The 11 member Commission will assess the relative merits of the latest
proposals on the negotiating table.
"I do not expect this Commission to settle the Lubicon issue," Martin
said. "But I do expect the work of the Commission to provide a new start
for the negotiations."
Members of the Commission are participating on their own time and with
their own resources or the resources of their organizations.
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For more information:
Ray Martin
422-9265
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(NOTE: The following is a separate release by the Commission itself)
LUBICON SETTLEMENT COMMISSION OF REVIEW
May 21, 1992
Edmonton
The Lubicon Settlement Commission of Review met for the first time on May
20, 1992.
"As a group of concerned and interested citizens of Canada, we are
looking for a way to bring this problem to an end," Father Jacques
Johnson, Provincial Superior of the Missionary Oblates, and co-chair of
the Commission, said at a press conference here.
"All members of the Commission have an interest or concern in this
situation and are bringing their diverse backgrounds to search for ways
to move the negotiating process along," Father Johnson said.
"We are looking for input from all participants in the process so that
sufficient good will can be generated to allow meaningful negotiations to
resume."
Father Johnson stressed that the commission is independent of any
political parties and is not prejudging motives any of the parties to the
negotiations.
"Over the course of the next two months, we hope to inform the public
through open hearings with all the parties to the negotiations," Johnson
said.
A list of the members of the Commission is attached.
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For more information:
Father Jacques Johnson
488-4767
Jennifer Klimek
425-2041
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LUBICON SETTLEMENT COMMISSION OF REVIEW
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Whereas negotiations between the federal government and the Lubicon Lake
Indians have been stalled without progress since January 1989;
And whereas talks between the Lubicon Lake Indians and the provincial
government of Alberta collapsed in June of 1990;
And whereas the public interest requires an independent, objective review
of both the federal government proposal and the Lubicon Lake Indian
proposal for settlement of Lubicon Lake land rights;
And whereas the federal government's most recent offer of March 1992 has
not advanced the negotiations;
And whereas because of the lack of progress Lubicon society continues to
deteriorate at an alarming rate;
Now therefore, this Commission of Review that has been convened will have
responsibility to investigate, compare, assess and report publicly on:
1. The federal government's January 1989 offer as modified by the
public exchange between federal representatives and Lubicon
representatives in September 1989 and further modified by federal
proposals presented in March 1992 and any subsequent proposals.
2. The proposed Lubicon comprehensive draft settlement agreement.
3. The relative merits of each proposal, including the likelihood
that each proposal would allow the Lubicons to once again become
economically self-sufficient.
4. Any other matters pertaining to the proposed settlements which
the commissioners may deem necessary or relevant in assessing the
proposals.
The report of the Commission shall be completed and released before the
July 31, 1992.
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LUBICON SETTLEMENT COMMISSION OF REVIEW MEMBERS
1. Jennifer Klimek, co-chair, environmental lawyer, partner in Karoles,
Mintz, Majeski, Edmonton. Ms. Klimek has practiced law for seven years;
prior to this, she nursed for seven years in Alberta and Northwest
Territories.
2. Father Jacques Johnson, o.m.i., co-chair, Provincial Superior of
Missionary Oblates, Grandin Province, Edmonton. Missionary among
Northern Alberta native peoples, Provincial Superior of 145 missionaries
working in Alberta and Northwest Territories.
3. Wilfred Barranoik, president and general manager Northtown Paint and
Wallcoverings Centre, past president Alberta Chamber of Commerce,
Edmonton.
4. Michael Asch, professor of anthropology, University of Alberta.
Professor Asch worked on the Dene claim in Northwest Territories and
testified before the MacKenzie Valley Pipeline Commission. Author of
"Home and Native Land". Edmonton.
5. Regena Crowchild, president, India Association of Alberta, member of
the Sarcee nation, resides at Enoch Reserve.
6. Menno Wiebe, Director: Native Concerns, Mennonite Central Committee
(Canada), Winnipeg. Mr. Wiebe is a member of the Aboriginal Rights
Council (Project North).
7. Don Aitken, president, Alberta Federation of Labour, Edmonton.
8. Normand Boucher, president, Boucher Bros. Lumber Ltd., Nampa. The
Boucher brother's mill has operated for 35 years in the Peace country.
9. Theresa McBean, petroleum industry consulting engineer, Calgary. Ms.
McBean's engineering experience includes 14 years with majors, minors and
consulting engineers both domestically and internationally. She is a
member of the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and
Geophysicists of Alberta.
10. Colleen McCrory, Valhalla Society, New Denver, British Columbia.
Ms. McCrory has worked at the grassroots level, organizing and educating
the public on conservation issues for 17 years. Recipient of the
Governor General's Award, 1983, Equinox Award, 1989, Global 500 Award and
the Goldman Environmental Prize (1992), which is awarded to one
individual on each continent.
Ms. McCrory is sharing her duties as co-commissioner with:
Sandy Day, owner earthcycle paper corp., co-owner, You Make A Difference
Company, High River. Member of advisor board, Canada Trust's "Friends of
the Environment Foundation", founding member, Foothills Recycling Society
and Recycling Council of Alberta.
11. John G. MacMillan, president, MacMillan Construction Northern Ltd.,
Peace River. Mr. MacMillan is a third generation resident of the Peace
Country. His company has provided seismic and oilfield construction
services for 43 years.