By Raven Katsit\u2019siio Edwards Brown, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Eastern Door Quebec\u2019s proposed Bill 97, which would see complete reform of how forests are managed, has ignited a wave of opposition from First Nations leaders, environmental advocates, and community groups. Critics say the legislation undermines treaty rights, promotes land privatization, and lacks meaningful Indigenous inclusion sparking walkouts, protests, and calls for a complete legislative overhaul. Earlier in the summer, the Assembly of First Nations Qu\u00e9bec-Labrador (AFNQL) formally withdrew from the government\u2019s high-level consultation table, citing a lack of commitment to a legitimate, co-constructed process. In a press release, the AFNQL\u2019s described the suspension as necessary after the Quebec government, despite public statements of openness, refused to commit to three non-negotiable principles: Respect for ancestral and treaty rights under the… <\/p>\n
By Raven Katsit\u2019siio Edwards Brown, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Eastern Door Quebec\u2019s proposed Bill 97, which would see complete reform of how forests are managed, has ignited a wave of opposition from First Nations leaders, environmental advocates, and community groups. Critics say the legislation undermines treaty rights, promotes land privatization, and lacks meaningful Indigenous inclusion sparking walkouts, protests, and calls for a complete legislative overhaul. Earlier in the summer, the Assembly of First Nations Qu\u00e9bec-Labrador (AFNQL) formally withdrew from the government\u2019s high-level consultation table, citing a lack of commitment to a legitimate, co-constructed process. In a press release, the AFNQL\u2019s described the suspension as necessary after the Quebec government, despite public statements of openness, refused to commit to three non-negotiable principles: Respect for ancestral and treaty rights under the... <\/p>\n