The NDP’s Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation critic is growing frustrated over the lack of consultations with First Nations regarding the massive Ring of Fire Project in northern Ontario.
Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa says Matawa Chiefs sent a welcoming letter to Doug Ford on July 9th asking to re-engage in vital regional negotiations, however no meetings have been set.
In Queen’s Park, Mamakwa referred to Treaty 9, which was signed in 1905, with additions made in 1929.
He noted that “the basis of that treaty is how together we manage and share the benefits from the land and do so in a way that is mutually beneficial”.
Mamakwa is asking the government to begin the dialogue today so future mines can go forward in a way that they honour the Treaty and be mutually beneficial for all parties.
He says a recent court decision ruled that the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines failed to properly carry out consultations.
