"Natives Hail 'Major Milestone'"

TEMAGAMI, Ont. (CP) - Members of the Teme-Augama Anishnabai Indian band signed an agreement with the province Thursday giving them an equal say in the resource development of four nearby townships.

"It's a major milestone," said Chief Gary Potts. "To my knowledge this is the first time in the history of Canada that there has been a forum where the indigenous people have a continuous say in the management of their homelands."

The agreement establishes the Wendaban Stewardship Authority - a decision-making body to be involved in the management of all resources in the four townships.

It will consist of six members appointed by the band and six members appointed by the province.

However, the reeve of Temagami said he is "outraged" because the community has been left out of the planning process.

Ron Prefasi said the government has shown a "total lack of understanding and... complete disregard for the future of our community."