The Friends of the Attawapiskat River (FAR) are a coalition of impacted community members and allies focused on stewarding and protecting the Attawapiskat River and its watersheds.
News related to the Ring of Fire in these last two weeks has illuminated how divided people really are around this issue, even in the government. Federal minister Jonathan Wilkinson spoke publicly on his opinion that the Ring of Fire is not the best place for new mining, calling it a “complicated” terrain. Minister Steven Guilbeault stated in a press release on July 17th that the regional impact assessment has not moved forward because “more conversations are needed” with First Nations to come to an agreement. Meanwhile, this week Doug Ford has been coming out stronger than ever in his public frustration at the slow pace of this process and his argument that mining the Ring of Fire is an essential economic endeavour, stating: “The world is watching us right now”.
On July 20th, a new alliance of First Nations and allies, including Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Wapekeka, Neskantaga, Grassy Narrows and Muskrat Dam First Nations, rallied at Queen’s Park in Toronto to demand an end to unwanted mining on their territories. This protest came after Neskantaga First Nation was in the Ontario Superior court last week, asking the court to issue orders to the province about its constitutional duty under the Environmental Assessment Act to consult and accommodate Indigenous peoples.
Doug Ford says this mining region is a top priority. Ottawa doesn’t necessarily agree.
“Federal Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson cast doubt on hopes for a mining bonanza in Ontario’s “Ring of Fire,” saying there are better projects that can be developed easier in areas closer to existing infrastructure. It’s the latest sign the Trudeau government isn’t yet convinced the region in the province’s vast, environmentally sensitive northern peatlands is the best place for new mining, even as it tries to make Canada an international powerhouse in critical minerals needed to power the global shift to a greener, low-carbon economy.” Read more here…
July 12, 2023 (Global News):
Doug Ford says ‘world is watching’ plans to mine Ring of Fire to build EV batteries
“Premier Doug Ford says a controversial push to mine a mineral-rich area of northern Ontario is being carefully watched around the world. The Ford government is facing a legal challenge from some local First Nations communities who say they have not been properly consulted on plans to develop the Ring of Fire. […] “This will bring prosperity and growth to communities right across the north and help First Nations communities,” Ford said, listing new roads and access to health care as benefits during a meeting of Canada’s premiers in Winnipeg.” Read more here…
July 12, 2023 (Northern Ontario Business):
‘Our environmental assessments are second to none’: Ford
The premier said he was frustrated by Ottawa ‘duplicating’ studies
“Premier Doug Ford said he’s frustrated by a lack of progress on the Ring of Fire project as the federal government also conducts an environmental assessment in the region. ‘What bothers me about the Ring of Fire, they’re duplicating environmental assessments,’ Ontario’s premier said, adding that the province’s assessments are ‘headed up by the First Nations community.'” Read more here…
July 13, 2023 (Sudbury.com):
Ford says he wants to chat with Trudeau as feds wobble on Ring of Fire
Ford also said he isn’t in favour of the latest Bank of Canada hike
“Premier Doug Ford said he’ll have his people talk to Justin Trudeau’s people about the Ring of Fire. Ford’s government has hyped the large mining project in Ontario’s north as a key part of its electric vehicle manufacturing strategy — the first part of a closed-loop system from minerals to manufacturing. But the remote region will require lots of infrastructure to develop, including roads for mining equipment to reach it.While some First Nations are working with the province to make it happen, others say they haven’t been adequately consulted. A lawsuit to that effect was filed in April, though Ford said he’s “not at all” worried about it. And then there’s Ottawa.” Read more here…
July 17th, 2023 (Financial Post):
Ring of Fire development stalled due to lack of dialogue with First Nations, Guilbeault says
‘We haven’t been able to agree yet’
“Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault says the lack of progress in mining projects in the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region in Northern Ontario can likely be attributed to a lack of discussions with Indigenous nations. […] ‘For any development to happen in the Ring of Fire, Indigenous nations will need to be part of the discussion in decision making process,’ he said. ‘That hasn’t happened, which is why I think we are not seeing any development.'” Read more here…
July 17, 2023 (Kenora Online):
Groups await Ontario decision for Ring of Fire assessment
“While the Ontario government chomps at the bit to get development of the Ring of Fire underway Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault says there is still a lot to be done. He was questioned by reporters on the subject, while attending a climate conference in Brussels. He says talks remain ongoing on a framework between the feds, the province and the Indigenous communities who would be closely affected by the development. ‘Unfortunately we haven’t been able to agree yet, but we are still working on a proposal for a regional impact assessment.'” Read more here…
July 18, 2023 (Fort Frances Times):
First Nation takes ontario to court over Ring of Fire road
“On Thursday and Friday, Neskantaga First Nation will face off in court against the Ontario government over what the nation argues was a flawed consultation on a road that will link the province’s road infrastructure with the Ring of Fire mining region. Neskantaga First Nation, a remote, fly-in community located over 400 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, maintains the provincial government’s consultation process for the project’s environmental assessment was inadequate. The nation also claims the assessment on the road would set a precedent and cause “significant consequences” for future projects in the region, like the proposed Eagle’s Nest Mine, court documents obtained by Canada’s National Observer show.” Read more here…
July 20, 2023 (Reuters):
Canada First Nations protest Ontario’s ‘Ring of Fire’ mining plans
“A group of five First Nation communities of Canada on Thursday marched against the Ontario government’s decision to allow mining in a mineral-rich region without proper consultation over environmental concerns and potential land encroachment by mining companies. The protest by some 100 people, including representatives of the five communities and others opposing the project, marched outside the provincial government’s ministry of mines building in Toronto raising slogans of ‘no more mining.'” Read more here…
July 20, 2023 (APTN News):
First Nations protest access to mining claims in Ring of Fire
July 20, 2023 (CBC):
Leaders of northern First Nations rally at Queen’s Park against Ontario’s mining push
First Nations Land Defence Alliance urges halt to mining exploration on traditional lands
“People from five northern First Nations rallied outside Queen’s Park on Thursday to call for a halt to provincial mining explorations on traditional lands, saying the Ontario government has not fulfilled its obligation to consult. Leaders of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Wapekeka, Neskantaga, Grassy Narrows and Muskrat Dam First Nations — members of the First Nations Land Defence Alliance — were among those who gathered outside the Ministry of Mines building in Toronto. ‘Ontario has a duty to accommodate our First Nations,’ Wayne Moonias, former chief of Neskantaga First Nation, said during the rally.” Read more here…
July 20, 2023 (Global News):
Members from several First Nations rally against northern Ontario mining plans
“Members of several northern OntarioFirst Nations are rallying outside Ontario’s legislature to raise concerns about the provincial government’s plans to expand mining operations in the so-called Ring of Fire region. They say they weren’t consulted on the plans and argue their land rights are being violated.” Read more here…
July 20, 2023 (The Globe and Mail):
Ontario First Nations group protests against Doug Ford’s mining policies, alleging shoddy consultation
Unfortunately this article is behind a paywall. If you have a Globe and Mail subscription, the link is here.
July 21, 2023 (The Sault Star):
First Nations don’t dig Ring of Fire
“Members of several First Nations rallied outside the Ontario legislature Thursday to raise concerns about mining exploration they say is happening on their lands against their will. Indigenous leaders and community members said they weren’t consulted as mining prospectors staked claims on their territories. They also pushed back against the province’s plans to expand mining in the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region, about 500 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay. ‘We want our land to stay pure. We are not just doing this for us today, we are doing it for future generations so they will be able to continue to do our traditional practices and way of life,’ said Grassy Narrows First Nation Chief Rudy Turtle.” Read more here…
July 21, 2023 (Northern Ontario Business):
No Ring of Fire mining without consent, First Nations alliance demands
At a rally near Queen’s Park, First Nations leaders, supported by labour and advocacy groups, called on the province to meaningfully consult on the Ring of Fire
“The chief of a northern First Nation is calling B-S on the province’s claim that his community has been adequately consulted on the plans for mining in the Ring of Fire. Neskantaga Chief Chris Moonias was one of the key speakers at a rally held by an alliance of First Nations outside of the Ministry of Mines in Toronto on Thursday to demand the government not proceed with mining projects without full, prior and informed consent of Indigenous peoples. It comes after the First Nation was in court last week, asking the Ontario Superior Court to issue orders to the province concerning its duty to consult and accommodate Indigenous peoples under the Environmental Assessment Act (“EAA”). ‘The Ford government says Ontario has met its legal obligations to consult Neskantaga during the pandemic, but those are lies,’ Moonias said. ‘That’s, to be honest, bullshit.'” Read more here…
News related to the Ring of Fire in these last two weeks has illuminated how divided people really are around this issue, even in the government. Federal minister Jonathan Wilkinson spoke publicly on his opinion that the Ring of Fire is not the best place for new mining, calling it a “complicated” terrain. Minister Steven Guilbeault stated in a press release on July 17th that the regional impact assessment has not moved forward because “more conversations are needed” with First Nations to come to an agreement. Meanwhile, this week Doug Ford has been coming out stronger than ever in his public frustration at the slow pace of this process and his argument that mining the Ring of Fire is an essential economic endeavour, stating: “The world is watching us right now”.
On July 20th, a new alliance of First Nations and allies, including Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Wapekeka, Neskantaga, Grassy Narrows and Muskrat Dam First Nations, rallied at Queen’s Park in Toronto to demand an end to unwanted mining on their territories. This protest came after Neskantaga First Nation was in the Ontario Superior court last week, asking the court to issue orders to the province about its constitutional duty under the Environmental Assessment Act to consult and accommodate Indigenous peoples.
Another Land Defence Alliance rally is planned for September 27th — sign up here to let the organizers know you’re coming!
July 11, 2023 (Toronto Star):
Doug Ford says this mining region is a top priority. Ottawa doesn’t necessarily agree.
“Federal Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson cast doubt on hopes for a mining bonanza in Ontario’s “Ring of Fire,” saying there are better projects that can be developed easier in areas closer to existing infrastructure. It’s the latest sign the Trudeau government isn’t yet convinced the region in the province’s vast, environmentally sensitive northern peatlands is the best place for new mining, even as it tries to make Canada an international powerhouse in critical minerals needed to power the global shift to a greener, low-carbon economy.” Read more here…
July 12, 2023 (Global News):
Doug Ford says ‘world is watching’ plans to mine Ring of Fire to build EV batteries
“Premier Doug Ford says a controversial push to mine a mineral-rich area of northern Ontario is being carefully watched around the world. The Ford government is facing a legal challenge from some local First Nations communities who say they have not been properly consulted on plans to develop the Ring of Fire. […] “This will bring prosperity and growth to communities right across the north and help First Nations communities,” Ford said, listing new roads and access to health care as benefits during a meeting of Canada’s premiers in Winnipeg.” Read more here…
July 12, 2023 (Northern Ontario Business):
‘Our environmental assessments are second to none’: Ford
The premier said he was frustrated by Ottawa ‘duplicating’ studies
“Premier Doug Ford said he’s frustrated by a lack of progress on the Ring of Fire project as the federal government also conducts an environmental assessment in the region. ‘What bothers me about the Ring of Fire, they’re duplicating environmental assessments,’ Ontario’s premier said, adding that the province’s assessments are ‘headed up by the First Nations community.'” Read more here…
July 13, 2023 (Sudbury.com):
Ford says he wants to chat with Trudeau as feds wobble on Ring of Fire
Ford also said he isn’t in favour of the latest Bank of Canada hike
“Premier Doug Ford said he’ll have his people talk to Justin Trudeau’s people about the Ring of Fire. Ford’s government has hyped the large mining project in Ontario’s north as a key part of its electric vehicle manufacturing strategy — the first part of a closed-loop system from minerals to manufacturing. But the remote region will require lots of infrastructure to develop, including roads for mining equipment to reach it.While some First Nations are working with the province to make it happen, others say they haven’t been adequately consulted. A lawsuit to that effect was filed in April, though Ford said he’s “not at all” worried about it. And then there’s Ottawa.” Read more here…
July 17th, 2023 (Financial Post):
Ring of Fire development stalled due to lack of dialogue with First Nations, Guilbeault says
‘We haven’t been able to agree yet’
“Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault says the lack of progress in mining projects in the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region in Northern Ontario can likely be attributed to a lack of discussions with Indigenous nations. […] ‘For any development to happen in the Ring of Fire, Indigenous nations will need to be part of the discussion in decision making process,’ he said. ‘That hasn’t happened, which is why I think we are not seeing any development.'” Read more here…
July 17, 2023 (Kenora Online):
Groups await Ontario decision for Ring of Fire assessment
“While the Ontario government chomps at the bit to get development of the Ring of Fire underway Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault says there is still a lot to be done. He was questioned by reporters on the subject, while attending a climate conference in Brussels. He says talks remain ongoing on a framework between the feds, the province and the Indigenous communities who would be closely affected by the development. ‘Unfortunately we haven’t been able to agree yet, but we are still working on a proposal for a regional impact assessment.'” Read more here…
July 18, 2023 (Fort Frances Times):
First Nation takes ontario to court over Ring of Fire road
“On Thursday and Friday, Neskantaga First Nation will face off in court against the Ontario government over what the nation argues was a flawed consultation on a road that will link the province’s road infrastructure with the Ring of Fire mining region. Neskantaga First Nation, a remote, fly-in community located over 400 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, maintains the provincial government’s consultation process for the project’s environmental assessment was inadequate. The nation also claims the assessment on the road would set a precedent and cause “significant consequences” for future projects in the region, like the proposed Eagle’s Nest Mine, court documents obtained by Canada’s National Observer show.” Read more here…
July 20, 2023 (Reuters):
Canada First Nations protest Ontario’s ‘Ring of Fire’ mining plans
“A group of five First Nation communities of Canada on Thursday marched against the Ontario government’s decision to allow mining in a mineral-rich region without proper consultation over environmental concerns and potential land encroachment by mining companies. The protest by some 100 people, including representatives of the five communities and others opposing the project, marched outside the provincial government’s ministry of mines building in Toronto raising slogans of ‘no more mining.'” Read more here…
July 20, 2023 (APTN News):
First Nations protest access to mining claims in Ring of Fire
July 20, 2023 (CBC):
Leaders of northern First Nations rally at Queen’s Park against Ontario’s mining push
First Nations Land Defence Alliance urges halt to mining exploration on traditional lands
“People from five northern First Nations rallied outside Queen’s Park on Thursday to call for a halt to provincial mining explorations on traditional lands, saying the Ontario government has not fulfilled its obligation to consult. Leaders of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Wapekeka, Neskantaga, Grassy Narrows and Muskrat Dam First Nations — members of the First Nations Land Defence Alliance — were among those who gathered outside the Ministry of Mines building in Toronto. ‘Ontario has a duty to accommodate our First Nations,’ Wayne Moonias, former chief of Neskantaga First Nation, said during the rally.” Read more here…
July 20, 2023 (Global News):
Members from several First Nations rally against northern Ontario mining plans
“Members of several northern Ontario First Nations are rallying outside Ontario’s legislature to raise concerns about the provincial government’s plans to expand mining operations in the so-called Ring of Fire region. They say they weren’t consulted on the plans and argue their land rights are being violated.” Read more here…
July 20, 2023 (The Globe and Mail):
Ontario First Nations group protests against Doug Ford’s mining policies, alleging shoddy consultation
Unfortunately this article is behind a paywall. If you have a Globe and Mail subscription, the link is here.
July 21, 2023 (The Sault Star):
First Nations don’t dig Ring of Fire
“Members of several First Nations rallied outside the Ontario legislature Thursday to raise concerns about mining exploration they say is happening on their lands against their will. Indigenous leaders and community members said they weren’t consulted as mining prospectors staked claims on their territories. They also pushed back against the province’s plans to expand mining in the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region, about 500 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay. ‘We want our land to stay pure. We are not just doing this for us today, we are doing it for future generations so they will be able to continue to do our traditional practices and way of life,’ said Grassy Narrows First Nation Chief Rudy Turtle.” Read more here…
July 21, 2023 (Northern Ontario Business):
No Ring of Fire mining without consent, First Nations alliance demands
At a rally near Queen’s Park, First Nations leaders, supported by labour and advocacy groups, called on the province to meaningfully consult on the Ring of Fire
“The chief of a northern First Nation is calling B-S on the province’s claim that his community has been adequately consulted on the plans for mining in the Ring of Fire. Neskantaga Chief Chris Moonias was one of the key speakers at a rally held by an alliance of First Nations outside of the Ministry of Mines in Toronto on Thursday to demand the government not proceed with mining projects without full, prior and informed consent of Indigenous peoples. It comes after the First Nation was in court last week, asking the Ontario Superior Court to issue orders to the province concerning its duty to consult and accommodate Indigenous peoples under the Environmental Assessment Act (“EAA”). ‘The Ford government says Ontario has met its legal obligations to consult Neskantaga during the pandemic, but those are lies,’ Moonias said. ‘That’s, to be honest, bullshit.'” Read more here…
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