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Assembly of First Nations national chief Perry Bellegarde waded carefully into the debate around Windmill’s Zibi development Thursday. He praised the kind of partnerships between First Nations and industry the controversial project represents, but added that he didn’t want to be “perceived as taking a side.”
The $1.2-billion development project on former Domtar lands and the nearby Quebec shoreline — unceded Algonquin territory — has divided local Algonquin communities.
Chief Kirby Whiteduck of Pikwakanagan First Nation near Golden Lake is working with Windmill Development on the project, which he called a “precedent-setting and landmark opportunity for a new model of collaboration.” It will be beneficial for current and future generations, Whiteduck said, as well as representing the “influence and presence” of the Algonquin Nation within the heart of the nation’s capital.
Other Algonquin communities in Quebec oppose the development, as do some individuals, including renowned First Nations architect Douglas Cardinal. Some First Nations tradespeople and others who toured the site recently and hope to work there say it is a dream come true.
Bellegarde called it a “tough issue” but said the disagreement over the development is something that should be resolved among the Algonquin people. “This is Algonquin territory, we have to respect that. As a national chief, I am careful not to choose sides.”
If asked to play a role in resolving the disagreement among Algonquin communities, Bellegarde said he would.
Bellegarde also said the federal government and National Capital Commission should step up to help guide development of Victoria Island in keeping with the vision of Algonquin elder William Commanda who saw it as a “place of peace and understanding.”
While hesitant to get in the middle of the disagreement about the Zibi development, Bellegarde praised the kind of partnerships between First Nations and industry being built around the project, saying they are part of a positive movement. He had spoken earlier Thursday at a breakfast sponsored by Mayor Jim Watson about closing the gap between indigenous people and the rest of the country.
The Zibi development, including condominiums, small businesses, restaurants, retail and green space, is touted as the most environmentally friendly and sustainable in the world.
Windmill has pledged to employ First Nations workers on the project, even negotiating with union and government officials to adapt restrictive trades rules in Quebec to bring more Algonquin workers on site. It will be the only location in the national capital with trilingual street signs – in English, French and Algonquin.
epayne@ottawacitizen.com
查看原文...
The $1.2-billion development project on former Domtar lands and the nearby Quebec shoreline — unceded Algonquin territory — has divided local Algonquin communities.
Chief Kirby Whiteduck of Pikwakanagan First Nation near Golden Lake is working with Windmill Development on the project, which he called a “precedent-setting and landmark opportunity for a new model of collaboration.” It will be beneficial for current and future generations, Whiteduck said, as well as representing the “influence and presence” of the Algonquin Nation within the heart of the nation’s capital.
Other Algonquin communities in Quebec oppose the development, as do some individuals, including renowned First Nations architect Douglas Cardinal. Some First Nations tradespeople and others who toured the site recently and hope to work there say it is a dream come true.
Bellegarde called it a “tough issue” but said the disagreement over the development is something that should be resolved among the Algonquin people. “This is Algonquin territory, we have to respect that. As a national chief, I am careful not to choose sides.”
If asked to play a role in resolving the disagreement among Algonquin communities, Bellegarde said he would.
Bellegarde also said the federal government and National Capital Commission should step up to help guide development of Victoria Island in keeping with the vision of Algonquin elder William Commanda who saw it as a “place of peace and understanding.”
While hesitant to get in the middle of the disagreement about the Zibi development, Bellegarde praised the kind of partnerships between First Nations and industry being built around the project, saying they are part of a positive movement. He had spoken earlier Thursday at a breakfast sponsored by Mayor Jim Watson about closing the gap between indigenous people and the rest of the country.
The Zibi development, including condominiums, small businesses, restaurants, retail and green space, is touted as the most environmentally friendly and sustainable in the world.
Windmill has pledged to employ First Nations workers on the project, even negotiating with union and government officials to adapt restrictive trades rules in Quebec to bring more Algonquin workers on site. It will be the only location in the national capital with trilingual street signs – in English, French and Algonquin.
epayne@ottawacitizen.com
查看原文...
