Mississauga First Nation’s chief and council cancelled a scheduled assembly on July 31 and have shut down all band operations, applications and non-essential providers this week because of a “deliberate demonstration” over Robinson Huron settlement funds.
Chief Brent Niganobe addresses Mississauga First Nation in a video message on August 2, 2024, to clarify why he & council determined to cancel a gathering & droop providers. (Mississauga First Nation/Fb)
In a video posted to the First Nation’s social media web page on Friday, Chief Brent Niganobe stated that he understood that many members of the neighborhood have been coming to precise their opinion of the council’s strategy to the distribution of funds from the $10 billion Robinson Huron Treaty settlement negotiated with 23 northern Ontario First Nations final 12 months.
“(This) is their right to do as members of Mississauga First Nation, consistent with our tradition of open meetings,” he stated.
“However, after receiving a report from our constable about a credible threat we had to make the difficult decision as an individual had directly informed our constable that their intention was to seize control of the band office, confiscate all documents and electronics and forcibly remove council from the building.”
Niganobe added that given the person’s historical past and upon the advice of the constable and Ontario Provincial Police the band workplace was closed and rapid actions have been taken to make sure the security of the neighborhood.
In a press release posted to social media by the First Nation, the council stated:
“This same individual has been involved in this same type of political violence in the past and so this had to be accepted as a credible threat. Based on the recommendation of the Ontario Provincial Police, immediate steps were taken to ensure the safety of our staff and community.
While these may be the words of an individual, we had to take action against the entirety of the protest. This was the rationale of the cancellation of the meeting and the closure of Mississauga First Nation Operations.”
Band council not too long ago resolved that registered band members would every be paid $125,000 from the Robinson Huron Treaty settlement funds for previous compensation and a discover to that impact was posted to social media on Wednesday.
The Chief stated since that call was made small variety of individuals have made threats that necessitated the closure of the band workplace and all non-essential providers – together with day camps and the meals financial institution.
“To protect our staff and community we closed the band office and suspended non-essential services. Staff transitioned to remote work to continue essential services and security measures were heightened with the assistance of the OPP,” stated Niganobe.
“All computers, windows, and doors were secured and the OPP was engaged to handle any attempts to breach security,” reads the council’s assertion.
Council describes a number of incidents of “disturbing behaviour” by a person inside the neighborhood – together with verbal aggression on the First Nation’s girls’s shelter, a disturbance on the native day camp involving youth staff and youngsters and an unwelcome intrusion into an elder’s residence.
A transparent message
“I would like to send a clear message to all of those individuals involved in these acts,” stated Niganobe, in his video message.
“We will not tolerate any form of intimidation or harassment directed at people.”
Any members of the First Nation neighborhood who expertise harassment are requested to report the incidents to the OPP on their non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122 or dial 911 for rapid help with a risk.
Settlement funds
Members of Mississauga First Nation participated in a peaceable protest on Parliament Hill on September 20, 2023. (Mississauga First Nation/Fb)
Chief Niganobe stated the problem with some neighborhood members are having is with the quantity cash that the band council has determined might be put apart and used for future wants.
No cash has flowed to the members or First Nation from the settlement at the moment. The primary instalment might be paid to members later this 12 months, with a second future installment going towards the neighborhood fund.
Council stated it has not but determined how the neighborhood fund might be used, however that might be decided by open conferences accessible by all members.
“We encourage community members to voice their concerns and share any information that may help in resolving this situation constructively,” reads council’s assertion.
Resumption of service
Applications and providers are scheduled to renew Aug. 6 with extra security measures being enforced.
Mississauga First Nation check in June 2023. (Google Maps/Sami Khan)
These people requiring the help of the meals financial institution are requested to contact the First Nation’s social providers director at 705-261-0371 or by e mail to make preparations.
The beforehand scheduled open council assembly that was canceled on Wednesday will now happen as a part of the subsequent frequently scheduled assembly on Aug. 14 at 6 p.m.
“We understand the impact these events may have on our community, and we are committed to ensuring your safety and well-being,” stated council.
Niganobe stated anybody with questions, issues or who wants help in inspired to contact himself or different members of council.
