Matawa chiefs willing to go the ‘diplomatic’ route with province on Bill 5

The Indigenous leadership representing a handful of influential communities in northwestern Ontario and the Ring of Fire said they will resort to “political and diplomatic channels” to flesh out of the details of the Ford government’s controversial Bill 5.

While other Indigenous and environmental organizations are suggesting the province’s ambitious plans to fast-track mines and other strategic projects into construction will be met with protests and blockades this summer, the Matawa Chiefs Council signalled on June 9 that it’s willing to work with the province on developing the regulations surrounding Bill 5. 

That begins, the group said, with an  “urgent” meeting with Premier Doug Ford and the beginning with direct government-to-government talks and meaningful engagement.

The Matawa Chiefs Council is comprised of the nine chiefs that represent the communities in the Matawa First Nations. They meet regularly to discuss issues of collective importance and provide direction to the tribal council management. 

The chiefs represent both remote and road–accessed communities in northwestern Ontario and the Far North. The group includes the proposed Ring of Fire and community access road proponents of Marten Falls and Webequie.

“Unfortunately, killing Bill 5 now, after it received Royal Assent on June 4, 2025, will take a legal challenge which could be protracted by years or decades,” said the Matawa chiefs in a release.

The chiefs council said they are “united” that the passage of Bill 5 is but a “short-term setback, and we believe our overall objectives can still be achieved in the long run. 

“We believe there is still a way to work together in partnership to plan for the development of the Matawa territories and homelands, including the Ring of Fire.”

The news release didn’t specifically call for a rejection of Bill 5, but a spokesperson  for Matawa said clarified that all the chiefs are in support of the May 22 Nishnawbe Aski Nation resolution rejecting Bill 5.

Though not pleased with the Ford government’s approach to fast-track the bill through the Ontario legislature, the Matawa chiefs said they are aware that this “accelerated” process that took place “was/is not designed to be in our favour."

At least one Matawa chief, Sonny Gagnon of Aroland, released a statement this week accusing Premier Doug Ford of making “misleading” comments that his community was a willing partner in approving of mining in the James Bay region.