First Nations say they're left out of Far North mine planning

The Matawa First Nations say they are being neglected in the decision-making process by mining companies operating in the Ring of Fire.

The Matawa First Nations, comprised of a group of nine chiefs, held an emergency meeting to discuss the lack of government and industry consultation in the planning and development processes taking place in the James Bay Lowlands.

“To our knowledge, there is not one single advanced exploration or mining agreement in place between any of our First Nations and any mining company that is exploring in the Ring of Fire area,” said Neskantaga First Nation Chief Roy Moonias in a Jan. 13 statement.

Aroland First Nation Chief Sonny Gagnon said while larger communities are competing to host a proposed chromite smelter facility and construction of a transportation route into the Far North, “our First Nations...have not yet been invited to the table to even initiate discussions over community impacts.”

Aroland has signed an agreement with the Municipality of Greenstone to jointly lobby for the mineral processing facilities for ore mined in the Ring of Fire.

Matawa's claims are being supported by the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), a political organization representing 49 First Nation communities in the James Bay region.

NAN Chief Les Louttit said mutually beneficial agreements must be in place to ensure First Nations benefit from the wealth derived from development in their homelands.

“We will no longer accept any external decisions that exclude NAN First Nations from participating equally in all our development activities in our territory.”