Four First Nations close to the Ring of Fire chromite deposits have signed a 'landmark' agreement amongst themselves to pursue an east-west transportation, infrastructure and service corridor through their traditional territories.
In a joint release from the Eabametoong, Neskantaga, Nibinamik and Webequie First Nations, representatives say they've been working since March of 2010 on a strategy for a corridor that will service the communities and mining activity in the Ring of Fire.
In an Aug. 31 statement, Chief Cornelius Wabasse of Webequie said the communities are “taking control of our traditional homelands and are becoming a force to be reckoned with.”
Chief Peter Moonias of Neskantage said the agreement ensures the communities are “actively involved in the planning, development and operation” of the corridor and that they benefit socially and economically from the development.
The chiefs say the mitigation of environmental impacts was a significant factor for choosing the east-west route.
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