Ten minutes of face time with Premier Dalton McGuinty is not enough for Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) chiefs to air their grievances on natural resources development in the Far North.

In a May 17 release, the NAN chiefs refused to participate in the 7th annual First Nations meeting where the premier meets individually with groups from across Ontario over the course of a day.

“We will not meet with the premier and talk about our issues in the allotted time frame they give us,”said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy. “We don't want to be involved with the revolving door process of lining up to meet with the province on their schedule.”

Instead, the chiefs are extending an invitation to McGuinty to attend the annual Keewaywin Chiefs Conference in August in Kashechewan.

“The purpose of this initial encounter will be to begin real engagement on lands and resources, resource revenue sharing, and free, prior and informed consent.”

http://www.northernontariobusiness.com/Around-the-North/120521/Chiefs-won-t-speed-date-with-premier.aspx