Jocko: Attacks on the Tewin development are unwarranted

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Virtually two years in the past, a transformational new residential venture named Tewin was authorised for improvement by Ottawa council.

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Owned by the Algonquins of Ontario and the Taggart Group of Corporations, Tewin shall be certainly one of Canada’s most modern and sustainable communities and represents a significant step within the financial empowerment of the Algonquin folks.

Not too long ago, Tewin has been within the information once more, however not due to our thrilling improvement plans, which really put reconciliation into motion. As an alternative, there was controversy a couple of determination to take away timber positioned on land adjoining to Tewin — land additionally owned by the Algonquins of Ontario and Taggart.

This land sits outdoors of the city boundary and isn’t designated for improvement. It was farmed till the Nineteen Nineties, after which some parts had been planted with plantation tree crops. Many of those plantation timber had been severely broken by the derecho storm that devastated the Nationwide Capital Area in Might, 2022.

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We determined not solely to clear the timber however to return the land to viable farming exercise for the foreseeable future. This was a easy determination from our standpoint, one which prioritized each security and agricultural sustainability.

Some close by residents expressed concern concerning the removing of timber, and we perceive and recognize their concern. Sooner or later, we shall be extremely proactive in speaking selections about adjustments to land that many have lived beside for generations.

However whereas justifiable concern is one factor, now we have been deeply disheartened by the indignant and aggressive response from a small, vocal minority of people who resist Ottawa’s city progress, misrepresent our intentions and use Algonquins as their punching bag.

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Much more disappointing is the lateral oppression proven by a few of our personal folks. As an alternative of supporting a rare step ahead for Indigenous enterprise, these people weaken the chance for all Algonquins to realize financial empowerment by publicly undermining our selections and sowing inside division.

We have now persistently adopted all bylaws and necessities in selections taken concerning the upkeep and way forward for our Tewin-adjacent land. We’re not simply accountable landowners; we’re the unique landowners. This whole area of Ontario is located on the normal, unceded territory of the Algonquin folks. This was our land till we had been pushed out by white settlers.

We can’t settle for that we should frequently defend our actions and our pursuits from those that appear to suppose we’re incapable of constructing efficient selections about our personal land. Worse, we should defend ourselves towards spurious claims that we’re someway not following correct rules, as if we’re both not good sufficient to observe the legislation, or we merely disregard it totally.

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Algonquins have been subjected to intensive, systemic discrimination and disrespect for many years. We’re endeavouring to say our rightful place in our territory, but we face efforts to curtail or query our selections and motivations at each flip.

The overwhelming majority of residents residing within the space the place Tewin shall be constructed have proven nothing however help and an open thoughts for this very important new venture, which can convey houses, jobs, transit choices and expertise, all rooted in a cautious strategy to sustainable progress. They’ve been equally encouraging of our option to convert vacant land again to agriculture at a time of skyrocketing meals costs.

And that’s the strategy we should embrace. Now’s the time for us to drag collectively, not tear one another aside. We’re all part of a brand new period, one which acknowledges the rightful function Indigenous folks should play in figuring out our personal futures. Paternalistic, colonialist, divisive and oppressive rhetoric that questions our skill to handle and perform main tasks on our personal land serves nobody and undermines all of us.

It’s time to construct the longer term. The Algonquins of Ontario are prepared, and we’re right here to remain.

Wendy Jocko is Chief of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation.