To the Expositor:
Further to his letter dated September 19, ‘First Nations inheritance was supposed to be protected by an honourable Crown,’ page 5, Rolland Pangowish is a land claims negotiator at Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve. The CBC’s World Report for Monday, June 19, 2006 notes that Rolland Pangowish does not support the Kelowna Accord.
Former National Chiefs Ovide Mercredi and Matthew Coon Come supported the Accord. They pointed out that the accord would benefit all Canadians, not just aboriginal peoples.
The Manitoulin Treaty of 1862, as well as the preceeding Manitoulin Treaty of 1836, both pre-Confederation, are treaties that were legal and binding, not withstanding Mr. Pangowish’s contention that they were illegal. They were both made on behalf of the English Crown. The 1836 Treaty by assent of King William IV (August 21 1785-June 20 1837) and the 1862 Treaty by assent of Queen Victoria (June 20 1837-January 22 1901).
What is done is done. Time to move on.
William Ritching
Little Current
PS: The Treaties themselves are quite lengthy. Anyone wanting the full texts can contact: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, infopubs@aadnc-aadnc.gc.ca or phone (toll free) 1-800-567-9604.
