Resolution: First Nations / Tribal Authorities and the Great Lakes Commission
Adopted on October 16, 2000

Whereas, the Great Lakes Basin Compact empowers the Great Lakes Commission with research, consultative and recommendatory responsibilities “to the party states and any other governments or agencies having interests in or jurisdiction over” the Great Lakes Basin and St. Lawrence River; and

Whereas, as a matter of policy, the Great Lakes Commission has embraced an inclusive approach to its mandate, resulting in an Associate Member program for Ontario and Québec and an Observer program for a multitude of government agencies and other publicly funded entities including tribal authorities; and

Whereas, First Nations/tribal authorities exercise resource management responsibilities as part of a larger Great Lakes-St. Lawrence governance framework; and

Whereas, First Nations/tribal authority participation within the Great Lakes Commission—through Observer status and various project-specific initiatives—has proved mutually beneficial and advanced the goals of the Great Lakes Commission.

Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission recognizes the current and prospective benefits of partnership with First Nations/tribal authorities on matters of mutual interest; and

Be It Finally Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission will explore and pursue opportunities to enhance the role and participation of First Nations/tribal authorities in its programs and activities.

Adopted by the unanimous action of the eight member states of the Great Lakes Commission at the 2000 Annual Meeting, Hamilton, Ontario, October 16, 2000.