Chiefs of northern First Nations say the province is trying to override their Treaty rights by removing red tape with new environmental regulations.
The Matawa Chiefs Council is rejecting the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act passed in July.
They accuse the government of trying to make it easier for industry to access natural resources in the north without protecting First Nations’ interests and rights.
“We are deeply concerned about Crown government representatives making assurances to
industry that Ontario will ‘handle’ and manage the legislation, regulations and policy related to the development
of our traditional territories and homelands, intending only to extinguish our rights, disrespecting sacred sites and
exclude the interests of our people, our communities and our future,” says Sheri Taylor, Ginoogaming
First Nation Council.
The Tribal Council adds the province doesn’t have full authority to use the land, and doing so would require significant talks with First Nations.
Matawa First Nations Management and its Chiefs Council represent Aroland, Constance Lake, Eabametoong, Ginoogaming, Long Lake #58, Marten Falls, Neskantaga, Nibinamik, and Webequie First Nations.
