Public Notice Issued by the Williams Treaties First Nations
Alderville First Nation, Chippewas of Beausoleil First Nation, Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, Chippewas of Rama First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, and Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, (collectively “Williams Treaties First Nations”) unequivocally assert our rights, interests and stewardship over our traditional and treaty territories, which include our lands, waters and submerged lands covered by Treaties 5, 16, 18, 20, 27- 27 1/4, the Collins Treaty, the Crawford Treaty, the Gunshot Treaty and the Williams Treaties.
We wish to advise the public of the actions and representations of an individual named William Denby, who has been falsely representing himself as an Indigenous person and claiming to speak for a group called “Kawartha Lakes First Nation” and “Assembly of Kawartha First Nations.” Mr. Denby and members of his group falsely claim to be an Indigenous people, and illegitimately assert rights and authority over lands that fall within Treaty 18, Treaty 20 and the Gunshot Treaty, solemn agreements that were entered into between our ancestors and the Crown over which our First Nations have constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights and Mr. Denby and his group have no legitimate Aboriginal claims.
In addition, Mr. Denby has also made public statements claiming that he was delegated authority from Alderville First Nation. We wish to make it known emphatically that neither Mr. Denby nor any entity he purports to represent has been given any authority by Alderville First Nation or any other Williams Treaties First Nations to act or speak in any capacity on our behalf. The claims made by Mr. Denby are not only false but potentially disruptive to our rights to be consulted on activities that may adversely impact our Aboriginal and treaty rights within our territories, as protected under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
Mr. Denby and his group’s assertions of indigeneity and rights over our lands are made without any factual basis. They have no connection to any Indigenous community in the Kawartha Lakes region or beyond. These types of claims not only cause public confusion but also undermine the legitimate consultation processes to protect Indigenous peoples’ rights and interests. Making false claims to indigeneity and misrepresenting Indigenous perspectives in public meetings is detrimental to the reconciliation process.
We have demanded that Mr. Denby cease all misrepresentations regarding having any authority in relation to the lands and rights of the Williams Treaties First Nations. His attendance in our communities constitute trespass on our lands. His racist and misogynistic statements regarding our citizens will not be tolerated and Williams Treaties First Nations will take any necessary legal action to protect our citizens, rights and interests.
We thank the public and all stakeholders for their attention to this matter and for their continued respect and recognition of the legitimate rights holders of these lands and waters.
Issued by the Chiefs and Councils of the Alderville First Nation, Chippewas of Beausoleil First Nation, Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, Chippewas of Rama First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, and Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.