Neskantaga Stands Firmly In Path Of Road
Not everyone is on board with a new Northern Link Road to the Ring of Fire.
Neskantaga Chief Chris Moonias says “You can expect opposition if Ontario, or any road proponent, tries to put a shovel in the ground of our territory without our consent.”
Moonias says the proposed all-weather road bisects the core of their territory and crosses the Attawapiskat River, the lifeblood of their culture and way of life.
He notes the days of “courtesy call” Indigenous consultation are long over, noting he found out about the road announcement in a last minute phone call from Ontario Indigenous Affairs Minister Greg Rickford.
Moonias adds the Ring of Fire is a symbol of Premier Ford’s “jump on a bulldozer” agenda, stressing Indigenous peoples have the right to “free, prior, and informed consent” on any developments on their lands.
He stresses Ontario is a ‘day late and a dollar short’ with the announcement and warns of project delays and court injunctions.
