Claims and Negotiations Unit

The Claims and Negotiations Unit (CNU) is responsible for leading Sagamok’s work related to resource development and land claims within the traditional territory. This includes consultations with industry and government, negotiations on agreements, and advancing claims processes on behalf of the community. The CNU works in partnership with the Lands, Resources, and Environment (LRE) Department to ensure that while external development and claims are addressed, the community can also focus on protecting, managing, and stewarding its lands for future generations.
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Our vision is a fully resourced department within the administration of Sagamok Anishnawbek that ensures the Constitutionally protected rights, titles and interests of its citizens are safeguarded and all development occurring within Sagamok’s traditional territory is done in a manner that includes the recognition of land entitlement, stewardship and values, principles, and beliefs of Sagamok Anishnawbek whilst maximizing employment and training, procurement, and financial benefits for Sagamok Anishnawbek.

The CNU focuses on four key pillars in negotiations:
Environment, including plant and animal life;
Employment and training opportunities;
Business and procurement opportunities; and
Financial benefits.

The CNU works collaboratively with other departments, subject matter experts (SMEs), Sagamok Development Corporation, Z’gamok Enterprises Inc. and Z’gamok Construction LP to ensure these priorities are met and to maximize the benefits for Sagamok members and citizens.

Governance

Assists Leadership in making informed decisions that ensure the Constitutionally protected rights, titles and interests of Sagamok’s citizens are safeguarded and all development occurring within the traditional territory is done in a manner that includes the recognition of land entitlement, stewardship and values, principles, and beliefs of Sagamok Anishnawbek.

Ensures that the Crown’s Duty to Consult is upheld and that accommodations are made when there are potential or real impacts to the environment, or to the rights, titles, and interests of Sagamok Anishnawbek members and citizens.

Land Claims and Research

Collaborates with the LRE on the Lands Rights Research Project (LRRP), which encompasses research on the genealogy, oral history, archives, and archaeology for the purpose of advancing legal claims and building knowledge and understanding of Sagamok Anishnawbek.

Agreements and Negotiations

Coordinates, negotiates, and implements resource development agreements with proponents who are operating or proposing projects within the traditional territory.

Negotiations focus on 4 key pillars:
‍environment, including plant and animal life,
‍employment and training opportunities,
‍business and procurement opportunities
‍financial benefits.

Collaborates with other departments, subject matter experts, Sagamok Development Corporation, and Z’gamok Enterprises Inc. to ensure these priorities are met and to maximize the benefits for Sagamok members and citizens.

Communications (Community Consultation)

Provide information, and also seek feedback and guidance from the community on issues potentially impacting our community’s rights, titles, and interests. Examples include focus groups, open-houses, information booths, and ongoing communication through Sagamok’s digital/print distribution channels.

Meet the Team

Michelle Toulouse

Director of Claims and Negotiations

Cora Peters

Administration Assistant

Stephanie Allen

Community Consultation Coordinator

Nikki Toulouse

Implementation Coordinator

Jordan Bennett

Mineral Development Advisor

Michelle Toulouse - Director of Claims and Negotiations

Aanii kina weyaa! Ozaawaa memingwaa kwe miinwaa Michelle Toulouse ndizhnikaaz, Zgamook ndoongibaa. Ginoozhe doodem.

Hello everyone! I am happy to be back home, working for Sagamok Anishnawbek in my role as the Director of Claims and Negotiations. I was hired in November 2023 as a Coordinator to work with Director Paul Eshkakogan to build the Claims and Negotiations Unit. Since that time, Paul and I did developmental work including the creation of a vision and mandate, confirmation of funding, and developed of job descriptions for the department. I look forward to reconnecting with Sagamonians as we all embark on this new and exciting journey.

Cora Peters - Administration Assistant

Hello /Ahnee Sagamok Members! My name is Cora Peters (Toulouse). I was recently hired in the Claims and Negotiations Department as the Administrative Assistant. I am looking forward to this new job within my community and along with my fellow team members. Please stop by, we are located at the Old Education Office in MEC building. Miigwetch!

Stephanie Allen - Community Consultation Coordinator

Stephanie Allen joined the Sagamok Anishnawbek Claims & Negotiation Unit as the Community Consultation Coordinator in October. Stephanie is Kanyen’keha:ka (Mohawk) from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. Her children, Sequoyah and Maanii Oakes, are Sagamok Anishnawbek members and her granddaughter, Begoneyaasan Pitawanakwat, is a Sheshegwaning First Nation member.

Stephanie previously lived in Sagamok and worked for both Saulteaux Enterprises and the North Shore Tribal Council. Since then, she worked as the Senior Environmental Scientist with Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corp. for 13 years. After completing her Master of Environmental Science degree at the University of Toronto, she worked for Chiefs of Ontario developing a new First Nation Environmental Impact Assessment Toolkit focusing on the legal Duty to Consult and Free Prior and Informed Consent, as well as Indigenous Laws and Indigenous Knowledge.

Stephanie just completed two years of a PhD program in Environmental Science at the University of Toronto focusing on biodiversity and species at risk. Stephanie is excited to be joining the Claims & Negotiation Unit and bringing her experience back to serve the Sagamok Anishnawbek.

Nikki Toulouse - Implementation Coordinator

Aanii, my name is Nikki Toulouse. I have recently been hired with Sagamok Anishnawbek, as the Implementation Coordinator in the new Claims and Negotiations Department. I was previously working in the mining industry, as a heavy equipment mechanic apprentice. I look forward to working within our community and learning new knowledge in the new department. Miigwetch!

Jordan Bennett - Mineral Development Advisor

Aanii. I’m Jordan Bennett. I have accepted the position as Mineral Development Advisor in our new Claims and Negotiations Department. I was born and raised in Sagamok Anishnawbek. My wife and I are enjoying the opportunity to raise our son and daughter in our rich culture and heritage. I enjoy representing Sagamok in sports like baseball, hockey and golf. I assist with coaching roles at Biidaaban Elementary and minor hockey. I understand the importance in supporting our future leaders.

My previous work experience I was a Surface/Underground Mine Labourer. Having the opportunity to work in mining sector for nearly 20 years, I’ve always pushed to learn new things and take opportunities within the mining sector to better apply my skills and knowledge. The Mineral Development Advisor position allows me to work more within the community and I look forward to sharing my experience and to gaining new knowledge with this position.

Claims and Negotiations Unit

What we do:

Meet the Team

Z’gamok Enterprises Inc.

Community partners

social

Claims and Negotiations Unit

What we do:

Meet the Team

Z’gamok Enterprises Inc.

Community partners

social

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