Post by Okwes on Sept 24, 2007 9:04:06 GMT -5
Manitoba chiefs want cellphone revenue
Last Updated: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 | 9:41 AM CT
CBC News
Manitoba First Nations are seeking compensation from Manitoba Telecom
Services for every cellphone signal that passes through First Nations land,
saying the airspace should be considered a resource like land and water.
At a recent economic development summit, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
resolved to negotiate revenue sharing with MTS for transmissions signals
that cross the land, water and air space of their reserves and traditional
territories.
"[The request is] based on the understanding that we do have some
fundamental rights as indigenous people to land, water and airspace," said
Chief Ovide Mercredi of the Grand Rapids First Nation.
"When it comes to using airspace, it's like using our water and simply
because there's no precedent doesn't mean that it's not the right thing to
do," he said.
Mercredi says that signals over a significant area of the province would be
affected, noting that the Cree Nations claim rights to a large portion of
the north.
Proposal may inspire more negotiations
Anna Hunter, a University of Saskatchewan professor of political studies
specializing in aboriginal governance, says the AMC's request is unique but
she says other First Nations groups across the country will likely follow
suit.
"On a provincewide basis, this is definitely an innovative approach but I
think it's an approach that other provinces' First Nations groups will
probably take forward," she said.
MTS officials have declined to comment on the issue until they see the
group's proposal.
Last Updated: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 | 9:41 AM CT
CBC News
Manitoba First Nations are seeking compensation from Manitoba Telecom
Services for every cellphone signal that passes through First Nations land,
saying the airspace should be considered a resource like land and water.
At a recent economic development summit, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
resolved to negotiate revenue sharing with MTS for transmissions signals
that cross the land, water and air space of their reserves and traditional
territories.
"[The request is] based on the understanding that we do have some
fundamental rights as indigenous people to land, water and airspace," said
Chief Ovide Mercredi of the Grand Rapids First Nation.
"When it comes to using airspace, it's like using our water and simply
because there's no precedent doesn't mean that it's not the right thing to
do," he said.
Mercredi says that signals over a significant area of the province would be
affected, noting that the Cree Nations claim rights to a large portion of
the north.
Proposal may inspire more negotiations
Anna Hunter, a University of Saskatchewan professor of political studies
specializing in aboriginal governance, says the AMC's request is unique but
she says other First Nations groups across the country will likely follow
suit.
"On a provincewide basis, this is definitely an innovative approach but I
think it's an approach that other provinces' First Nations groups will
probably take forward," she said.
MTS officials have declined to comment on the issue until they see the
group's proposal.