f.
AFN may decide that consideration of cumulative Impacts must be included in
any consultation process. Cumulative Impacts include not only those of the
Activity combined with other existing projects or Activities or residual impacts
from past activities, but with other planned Activities.
g.
It may be necessary for the Crown and/or Proponent to fund cumulative
impacts analyses, AFN land use and occupancy studies, participation in
environmental and Traditional Knowledge assessment processes and other
relevant studies to enable informed decision-making about any Activity.
h.
AFN expects to play a meaningful role in any Environmental Assessment ("EA")
or related process, including, if AFN requests, to have a role in establishing the
scope and terms of reference for such EAs and to appoint a member to any EA
panel review, and to review and comment on environmental impacts
statements, and any screening, study or like reports, but EAs and any role that
AFN might take in regard to these do not of themselves satisfy the Crown's or
any relevant Proponent's duty to consult with and accommodate AFN.
i.
AFN recognizes the need to identify and develop new and appropriate ways
through which aboriginal and non-aboriginal parties may create sustainable
development opportunities from the resources found within AFN's Traditional
Territory and/ or Treaty Territory. AFN's understanding of what is "sustainable" is
formed by AFN's traditional knowledge and laws. AFN's laws require AFN to
assess an Activity by anticipating its potential effects at least seven generations
into the future.
j.
Consultation processes and Accommodation agreements must be designed
and implemented with flexibility to reflect the nature and importance of the
AFN Right or Health or elements or conditions of the Environment that could be
affected by the Activity, and the seriousness of the possible Impact. AFN and
only AFN will decide in certain circumstances that it does not require
consultation and/or accommodation in respect of an Activity, and it may
determine the level of Consultation and Accommodation it considers necessary.
k.
It takes time to make sound decisions that consider all relevant matters, and to
build and maintain good relations, and sufficient time must be provided for
Consultation with and Accommodation of AFN by the Crown and Proponents.
l.
All parties to the Consultation process are expected to treat each other with
respect and act in good faith, in an honest, transparent and open manner.
Alderville First Nation Consultation Protocol — 9