A group of four first nations in the Kenora area are meeting with the Ministry of Transportation on the twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway.
Shoal Lake #40 along with The Dalles, Rat Portage and Washagamis Bay have gathered for what they call a unity agreement.
Erwin Redsky is chief of Shoal Lake #40 and says by working together they hope they can help kick start the project.
“If this project is going to move forward in a respectful way everyone needs to get involved”, says Redsky.
“Especially our first nations in the territory. Because we know the territory. Our elders, our communties know the territory. Where the respectful sacred items are, where our respective practices are. We need to share them.”
Redsky says the unity agreement will ensure that first nation rights are respected and economic development can be co-ordinated and promoted at the same time.
“I’ve learned that more collaborative approach and the more people you have involved at the outset of any project, it will be supported.”
