Current Problems: Treaties and Land Claims
Exploring Stakeholder: "Government of Ontario"
Updates on this page: 110
April 12, 2024
Cree lawyer says cows and plows settlements don’t reflect spirit of treaty clause
‘It didn’t just mean cows, plows, agriculture. It meant livelihood,’ says Deanne Kasokeo CBC Indigenous: A Saskatchewan-based lawyer says “cows and plows” settlements do not reflect the spirit and intent of treaties from an Indigenous perspective. Under treaties 4,5,6 and 10, the Crown promised agricultural benefits — livestock and farming equipment — to the First Nations that signed. That promise...
April 2, 2024
Public Notice – Restrictions to Mining Exploration
NationTalk: This is a public notice that Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (NN) and Biigtigong Nishnaabeg (BN) have identified areas north of Lake Superior that are off-limits to mining exploration and development. These areas are of high cultural value where mineral exploration and development would be damaging to the communities. This information has been routinely shared with the government of Ontario. These core...
March 27, 2024
‘The Gold Rush is over’: First Nations chiefs celebrate mining exploration court decision
APTN News: Leaders from the Gitxaała and Gitanyow First Nations are celebrating a historic victory after the Supreme Court of British Columbia ruled the province’s laws on mining stakes did not meet the Crown’s duty of consultation. The court challenge opposed the laws that let exploration companies stake claims without prior consent, often for as...
March 20, 2024
Ontario and Quebec have major plans for mineral extraction, but First Nations there say they are not being properly consulted and are taking the provincial governments to court.
B.C. Mining Advocates Urge Indigenous Engagement as Projects Face Legal Action in Quebec and Ontario NationTalk: Resource Works (EnergyNow.ca) – The Quebec government’s Northern Action Plan/Plan Nord promises that a total of $2.6 billion will be invested in “the sustainable development of the territory north of the 49th parallel.” Premier François Legault declared that, in this...
March 6, 2024
Injunction pauses road to gold in northern Ontario
Chief Russell Wesley in Cat Lake First Nation. Photo by Matteo Cimellaro / Canada’s National Observer Listen to article Canada’s National Observer: Cat Lake First Nation has won an injunction against a provincially approved winter road project that would lead to a proposed gold mine in northern Ontario. Chief Russell Wesley told reporters at a press conference at...
March 5, 2024
Province shuts down Chiefs of Ontario’s request for a moratorium on staking mining claims
The Chiefs of Ontario say a moratorium would offer some breathing room to catch up on claims First Peoples Law Report: CBC News -The office of Ontario Mines Minister George Pirie says a one-year moratorium on staking mining claims in Ontario is off the table. The Chiefs of Ontario were in Toronto on Tuesday to...
March 4, 2024
Demanding a proper say, Cat Lake First Nation’s injunction pauses First Mining Gold’s road work for project
‘First Mining continues to listen to the concerns of Indigenous communities,’ says CEO CBC Indigenous: Cat Lake First Nation has been granted an injunction pausing a gold-mining company’s construction of a temporary winter road leading to an exploration camp for a proposed open-pit mine in northwestern Ontario. In documents filed in divisional court, the Ojibway First...
February 23, 2024
Cat Lake First Nation Files Court Injunction to Stop First Mining Gold
First Peoples Law Report: NetNews Ledger – Cat Lake First Nation (CLFN) has filed for an injunction in the Divisional Court of Ontario seeking to stop First Mining Gold (FMG) from constructing a new access road using Permits issued by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry (OMNRF). This is against the wishes of...
February 13, 2024
When First Nations push back against mining
Chief Chris Moonias of Neskantaga First Nation speaks during a rally raising concerns about mining in the Ring of Fire region in northern Ontario. Photo by Cole Burston/Canadian Press Canada’s National Observer: In Episode 5 of The Road, Isaac Phan Nay examines how some First Nations are pushing back against Ring of Fire development. In September...
February 6, 2024
What should consultation with Indigenous Peoples look like?
Ontario Indigenous Affairs Minister Greg Rickford said the province is meeting its duty to consult First Nations on the Ring of Fire. Photo by Alex Tétreault Listen to article Canada’s National Observer: For more than a decade, leaders of Ontario’s three main political parties have vowed to open the Ring of Fire up to mining. But it...
February 1, 2024
First Nations mull legal action, plan protests over Ontario’s online mining claims system
Provincial government rejected request for pause in 2022, won’t say if position has changed CBC Indigenous: First Nations leaders say they’ll up their protests and consider legal action if the Ontario government refuses to address their concerns with the province’s online system for staking mining claims. A 2018 move to digitize this process, which previously...
January 29, 2024
‘The mining rush for green energy’: Why Ontario chiefs are asking for a moratorium on claims
Chief Chris Moonias of the Neskantaga First Nation is photographed in Neskantaga, Ont., Friday, Aug. 18, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young Listen to article Canada’s National Observer: Today, anybody can make a mining claim on the Ontario government’s website as long as they have a few minutes, a computer and $50. The mineral claims process happens...
January 24, 2024
Ontario First Nations want a year-long pause on mining claims. Will the Ford government listen?
Thousands of online mining claims are being made on the territories of First Nations without their consent — and often they aren’t even told about it Alex Moonias of Neskantaga First Nation alongside members of Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows), Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (Big Trout Lake), Wapekeka, Neskantaga and Muskrat Dam First Nations in September 2023. As...
December 12, 2023
Mining claims jump in northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire as EV battery interest grows
More than 31,000 mining claims are now registered in the area, says advocacy group Sarah Law · CBC News · CBC News: Posted: Dec 07, 2023 3:47 PM EST | Last Updated: December 12 Mining claims staked in northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire area have risen by 30 per cent since last year, according to provincial data analyzed...
November 29, 2023
SON asking Supreme Court to weigh in on Bruce Peninsula claim
First Peoples Law Report: The Owen Sound Sun Times – Saugeen Ojibway Nation wants the Supreme Court to consider whether the Crown owed a fiduciary duty to them and whether it was breached when the Crown didn’t stop settlers from moving into the Bruce Peninsula, which was promised to SON. It’s asking the Supreme Court...
November 27, 2023
Cat Lake First Nation is ready to take on Doug Ford’s government over unsustainable mining development
A portrait of Chief Russell Wesley in Cat Lake First Nation. Photo by Matteo Cimellaro / Canada’s National Observer Listen to article Canada’s National Observer: When the chief of Cat Lake First Nation gave a button to Ontario’s minister of Indigenous Affairs and Northern Development, he apologized. “This is what the activities up until now have...
November 9, 2023
Supreme Court of Canada hears case on broken treaty promises with up to $126-billion award on the line
The case involving First Nations in northern Ontario could redefine what Canada and Ontario owe to Anishinaabe treaty beneficiaries. Toronto Star: OTTAWA—A landmark case heard by the Supreme Court of Canada this week could leave the federal and provincial governments on the hook for a $126-billion award to First Nations in northern Ontario for failing...
November 7, 2023
Supreme Court of Canada hears Ontario’s appeal of landmark Robinson Huron treaty annuities case
The province is appealing an Ontario Court of Appeal decision in 2021 CBC Indigenous: More than six years since its first day in court, the Robinson-Huron treaty annuities case is being heard in the Supreme Court of Canada today and Wednesday. At the centre of the landmark case is a promise that annuities to Indigenous communities would increase...
November 7, 2023
Robinson Huron First Nations disappointed with Ontario’s appeal of Robinson Huron Treaty annuities case
NationTalk: Ottawa, ON— On November 7 and 8, 2023, the Supreme Court of Canada will hear the Government of Ontario’s appeal to the decision made by the Ontario Court of Appeals \ONCA\ on matters related to the Robinson Huron annuities case. In 2021, the Government of Ontario appealed Justice Hennessy’s Stage 1 and 2 decisions....
November 2, 2023
Treaty Rights at the Supreme Court of Canada: Restoule Appeal: First People’s Law Report
In the following post, my colleagues Kate Gunn and Cody O’Neil provide an overview of the upcoming Restoule appeal at the Supreme Court of Canada and its implications for First Nations defending and advancing their Treaty rights across the country. I hope you find it informative and helpful. You can also read it on our website. Best, Bruce Treaty Rights...
October 23, 2023
Thousands protest, demanding Ontario government stop mining on First Nations’ lands
More than 6,000 protesters call for end to “free entry” mining system NationTalk: The Varsity – Over 6,000 people protested against the Ontario government’s policies allowing companies to mine on some First Nations’ traditional lands as part of the March for the Land, which took place in Toronto on September 27. The First Nations Land...
October 10, 2023
Inside the battle over the Ring of Fire in northern Ontario
The Globe and Mail: NESKANTAGA FIRST NATION, ONT. – On a rock-covered beach in the heart of the Ring of Fire in northern Ontario, Alex Moonias gazes east, then north. All he sees is undisturbed land, water and air. Some 100 kilometres from where he stands, the province plans to build a road as part...
October 6, 2023
Ontario Mining Minister George Pirie is about to get a lot more powerfu
The Doug Ford government’s new amendments to the Mining Act will have politicians assess project safety and closure plans, rather than technical experts Through Bill 71, Ontario Mining Minister George Pirie, centre, will gain new powers to review exploration and mine closure plans. Photo: Carlos Osorio / The Narwhal The Narwhal: A year after being named...
September 26, 2023
Several First Nations from Ring of Fire region demand meeting with Premier Doug Ford
Ford wanted to send Indigenous affairs minister but the offer was refused. Members of the Land Defence Alliance, left to right, Chief Rudy Turtle of Grassy Narrows First Nation, Sol Mamakwa MPP, Elder Alex Moonias from Neskantaga First Nation and Cecilia Begg from Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation hold a press conference at Queen’s Park in...
September 22, 2023
First Nations in northern Ontario seek over $100B to honour treaty promise
APTN News: The Canadian Press -A legal battle playing out in a northern Ontario courtroom this month has seen an alliance of First Nations argue they are owed upwards of $100 billion for the Crown’s failure to honour a 173-year-old treaty promise, while the federal and provincial governments claim they are either owed far less,...
September 12, 2023
Final arguments begin in a lawsuit that could award Ontario Indigenous groups billions
The Globe and Mail: First published September 11 – It has the potential to be the biggest litigation award in Canadian history and it all hinges on a clause scrawled 173 years ago. First Nations located around the resource-rich northern shore of Lake Superior are asking for $126-billion in compensation for the Crown’s failure to pay...
August 29, 2023
Ontario First Nations leaders reiterate opposition to Greenbelt land swap in unanimous vote
Chiefs of Ontario says province didn’t adequately consult First Nations on Greenbelt decision CBC News: First Nations leaders from across Ontario are demanding the provincial government return environmental protections to land it recently removed from the Greenbelt to build housing. The Chiefs of Ontario, an organization that advocates for 133 First Nations in the province,...
August 29, 2023
First Nations chiefs demand return of Greenbelt land, call for criminal investigation of Ford government
By Abdul Matin Sarfraz | News | August 29th 2023 Following their Emergency Chiefs Assembly, the leaders also called for a criminal investigation into the province’s removal of Greenbelt land for housing development. Photo submitted by Chiefs of Ontario Communications Sector from a previous event Listen to article Canada’s National Observer: First Nations leaders in Ontario are demanding the Ford government...
August 22, 2023
Marten Falls chief wants housing and water issues fixed ahead of Ring of Fire mining
Bruce Achneepineskum and community won’t be satisfied with the ‘bare minimum’ in consenting to James Bay development NationTalk: Northern Ontario Business – The chief of Marten Falls First Nation isn’t opposed to mine development, he’s just cautious about what should be included in any future agreement connected to the Ring of Fire. Bruce Achneepineskum wants...
August 3, 2023
First Nation calls mining stakes ‘unlawful, invalid’ as it challenges Ontario’s free-entry system
Chief warns of legal action if community’s concerns aren’t addressed by province, Ottawa NationTalk: A First Nation in northwestern Ontario has issued a public notice to warn mining prospectors away from its traditional territory, and says the province’s free mine staking system is putting a potential treaty settlement at risk. The notice by Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (KZA),...
July 31, 2023
Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek Resolves to Protect Its Treaty Rights Against Unconstitutional Mining Claim Registration
NationTalk: GULL BAY, ON – Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay First Nation) (KZA) has publicly affirmed its resolve to protect its treaty rights against unconstitutional mining claim registration. In recent weeks, there has been a rush of new mining claim registration in the close vicinity of KZA’s reserve at Gull River. “The Mining Act permits...
July 21, 2023
Members from several First Nations rally against northern Ontario mining plans
By Nairah Ahmed The Canadian Press NationTalk: Global News – TORONTO — 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...
July 13, 2023
First Nation takes Ontario to court over Ring of Fire road
Former Neskantaga First Nation chief Wayne Moonias, seen at the far end of the boat. Photo submitted Listen to article Canada’s National Observer – 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...
July 11, 2023
Nuclear waste issue must be resolved before new facility can be explored, says Saugeen Ojibway Nation
The Bruce Nuclear Station was built in the 1960s without the consultation or consent of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. An aerial shot of the Bruce Power facility on the eastern shore of Lake Huron. Photo: Bruce Power. APTN News: The Saugeen Ojibway Nation is not making any commitments on the proposed expansion of the Bruce...
July 3, 2023
Ontario is still appealing the Robinson Treaties case to the Supreme Court, despite proposed settlement
The province’s appeal will be heard in the fall CBC News: An out of court settlement agreement has been reached with one group of plaintiffs, but litigation in the Robinson treaties case is far from over. The Supreme Court of Canada is slated to hear Ontario’s appeal in November. The case concerns a promise made...
May 30, 2023
‘Get off the bulldozer’ and come to the table, Matawa chief tells Premier Ford
“Any activity in our territory without our consent is cultural genocide. Because, you know what? We are Cree. We’re not separate and apart from the land.” — Constance Lake First Nation Chief Ramona Sutherland WindSpeaker: Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he’s ready to jump on the bulldozer and build the access road to the Ring...
May 19, 2023
‘It needs to be a day of reckoning:’ Parliamentary committee studying land back
‘I think this study will really explore the connection of Indigenous people to land in a way that people don’t naturally equate to property.’ A school bus rests on the road at 1492 Land Back Lane Blockade in Caledonia, Ont. Photo: APTN file APTN News: The standing committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs is undertaking...
May 18, 2023
Garden River First Nation launches new lawsuit against Ontario and Canada
Chief Andy Rickard says “it’s time to right the wrongs of the past” CBC News: Members of the Garden River First Nation traveled hundreds of kilometers to go to Queen’s Park on Thursday and announce a lawsuit against Ontario and Canada for breaching the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850. The community, which is home to...
May 12, 2023
‘We’re building that Ring of Fire,’ says Doug Ford
Premier said Far North mine and road development will elevate standard of living in remote communities Listen to this article00:03:32 First Peoples Law Report: Northern Ontario Business – Threats of litigation and conflict aside, Ontario Premier Doug Ford isn’t backing down from his government’s commitment to develop mines in the James Bay lowlands. “We’re building...
April 27, 2023
Atikameksheng Anishnawbek issues a formal response to Ontario government’s proposed Bill 71, Building More Mines Act
We do not support Bill 71 and call for a complete review of the Ontario Mining Act in collaboration with First Nations in Ontario NationTalk: AnishinabekNews.ca – ATIKAMEKSHENG ANISHNAWBEK – After careful review and consideration of the impacts that Ontario’s Bill 71, Building More Mines Act, 2023, will have on the traditional territories of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek,...
April 27, 2023
Changes to Mining Act expose cracks in Ontario’s duty to consult with First Nations
Ministry of Mines says it engaged with First Nations after Bill 71 was introduced First Peoples Law Report: CBC News: A First Nation chief was sitting at his desk when he received an email from the Ministry of Mines informing him that the government was working to amend the Mining Act. This was the first...
April 26, 2023
First Nations leaders in Treaty 9 say their message is clear — no development without us as partners
Chiefs from 10 communities in the region launch lawsuit, arguing Crown can’t make unilateral land decisions Treaty 9 First Nations leaders say their message is clear, no development without us as partners To view the above video click on the following link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/first-nations-lawsuit-ring-of-fire-development-1.6822920 CBC News: First Nations leaders in northern Ontario are ramping up political...
April 26, 2023
10 First Nations sue Ontario and Canada over resource extraction and broken Treaty 9 promises
Arguing that resource extraction has violated Indigenous jurisdiction for over a century, the case could stall the Ontario government’s plans to mine the Ring of Fire The Narwhal: Ten northern First Nations launched a lawsuit against the Ontario and federal governments Wednesday, arguing that resource extraction on their territories has infringed upon their jurisdiction for...
April 26, 2023
Can the Crown make land decisions without First Nations consent? Treaty 9 lawsuit argues no
Lawyer calls lawsuit ‘frontal attack’ on colonial idea governments have ‘supreme right to rule’ CBC News: Several First Nations have announced their intention to take the Ontario and Canadian governments to court, in a lawsuit their lead lawyer says could fundamentally change the way resource and land management decisions are made in the Treaty 9 area. Leaders...
April 17, 2023
Indigenous leaders, conservation charity not huge fans of Mining Act changes
Critics object to lack of consultation with First Nations, fear long-term damage to the environment Northern Ontario Business: Cutting bureaucratic red tape at Queen’s Park to expedite the process of putting more mines into production isn’t flying with Indigenous leadership across Ontario. The Chiefs of Ontario are throwing their support behind the Matawa Chiefs Council and their...
April 14, 2023
AFN Affirms Support for First Nations’ Assertion of Rights in Treaty 9 Legal Action on Cumulative Impacts
NationTalk: Ottawa, ON – On Tuesday, during its Special Chiefs Assembly, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) adopted a Resolution in support of litigation launched by Chapleau Cree First Nation, Missanabie Cree First Nation, and Brunswick House First Nation (the Treaty 9 Nations). The litigation challenges the Government of Ontario’s failure to uphold the Crown’s obligations...
April 12, 2023
Trudeau says premiers’ claims about natural resources power grab have ‘no grounding in truth’
Premiers criticized justice minister for saying Ottawa will look at resource agreement CBC News: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing the premiers of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba of misinterpreting remarks by a federal minister on whether Ottawa might review agreements that give those provinces control of natural resources. “Let me be very clear. The minister of...
April 12, 2023
The Chiefs of Ontario Express Support for Matawa Chiefs Council Response Against Ontario’s Bill 71: Building More Mines Act
NationTalk: (Toronto, ON) The Chiefs of Ontario express their full support of the Matawa Chiefs Council and their statement regarding their formal response to Ontario’s proposed Bill 71: Building More Mines Act. “The Chiefs of Ontario entirely support and stand with the Matawa Chiefs Council in their statement regarding Ontario’s lack of meaningful consultation, environmental oversight,...
April 11, 2023
Western premiers blast Lametti for suggesting Ottawa might ‘look at’ provinces’ power over natural resources
Lametti told an AFN meeting he would examine calls to rescind Natural Resources Transfer Act CBC News: Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and three western premiers are calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to disassociate his government from comments made by his justice minister — who promised last week to “look at” a decades-old law that...
April 8, 2023
Canada is sitting on a critical minerals motherlode. But is it ready for the new gold rush?
Proponents say Canada must do more to turn aspiration into action CBC News: Drive two hours north of Ottawa, put on a hard hat and bright orange vest, descend into a pit — and you find yourself on the frontline in the fight to be part of the new, green economy. A mining project might not...
April 4, 2023
Saugeen First Nation wins treaty ruling on century-old land dispute in Sauble Beach
Town of South Bruce Peninsula says it’s reviewing Ontario court’s decision CBC News: Saugeen First Nation has won a boundary dispute with a municipal government over a stretch of beach that’s a popular tourist destination in Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula. On Tuesday, the First Nation said Superior Court Justice Susan Vella ruled Monday that a strip...
April 3, 2023
Matawa Chiefs Council issue formal Response to Ontario Government’s Proposed Bill 71 – Building more Mines Act
Ontario prepares itself to Boom on Mining and Critical Minerals while minimizing Environmental Oversight and Avoiding Crown Responsibilities to First Nations across the North NationTalk: MATAWA TRADITIONAL TERRITORIES AND HOMELANDS: As the Matawa member First Nations have taken time to review and consider the impacts of Ontario’s Bill 71 – Building More Mines Act introduced...
March 30, 2023
‘No consent, no Ring of Fire’: Far North First Nations take mining battle straight to Ontario legislature
First Nations leaders kicked out of Queen’s Park, after dozens of people travelled thousands of kilometres to oppose development without Indigenous consent The Narwhal: In a balcony at the Ontario legislature, overlooking rows of lawmakers sparring over mining in the Far North, Chris Moonias rose to his feet. The Chief-elect of Neskantaga First Nation was...
March 29, 2023
First Nations protesting Ontario’s accelerated mining development plans
The Globe and Mail: Five First Nations communities are planning to stare down Doug Ford in the Ontario Legislature Wednesday, alleging that the Premier is railroading through mining development without their consent. Leaders of Neskantaga, KI, Grassy Narrows, Wapekeka and Muskrat Dam First Nations said in a statement they are converging on Queen’s Park with...
March 29, 2023
First Nations leaders walk out of Queen’s Park after heated exchange over mining proposals
First Nations alliance won’t allow mining without first giving free, prior, informed consent CBC News: Leaders of five First Nations who are pushing for their voices to be heard when it comes to proposed mining projects walked out of the Ontario Legislature on Wednesday after a heated exchange. Ahead of question period in the Legislature, the...
March 14, 2023
Haldimand Tract Litigation New Website and Update
NationTalk: Six Nations of the Grand River Band, under the direction of Elected Council, is suing the governments of Canada and Ontario in a court case that started in 1995. The Band says that under the 1784 Haldimand Proclamation, which it considers a treaty, the British Crown set aside about 950,000 acres of lands along...
March 14, 2023
Billions have been made on Robinson Huron Treaty lands. First Nations could finally get a fair share
For 173 years, Canada has failed to truly share profits from nickel, copper, uranium, lumber and fish. Now, courts will weigh in on fair payback for First Nations in northeastern Ontario The Narwhal: In northeastern Ontario, a treaty dispute over 170 years in the making might finally be coming to a close. A legal trust...
March 7, 2023
Neskantaga First Nation says it wasn’t adequately consulted in key Ring of Fire environmental study
First Peoples Law Report: The Globe and Mail: Neskantaga First Nation says it wasn’t adequately consulted in a key Ring of Fire environmental study, and is warning Ring of Fire Metals, the Australian mining company bent on developing the region, that it will have to use force against members of the First Nation before they...
March 2, 2023
Doug Ford government wants to speed up mining permits in Ontario
Changes to Mining Act aim to boost production of critical minerals, essential for EV batteries CBC News: Premier Doug Ford’s government will propose on Thursday changes to the laws governing approval of mining projects to boost Ontario’s production of minerals essential to electric vehicle batteries and other technologies, CBC News has learned. The changes would speed up permits...
February 7, 2023
First Nations owed over $100B under 1850 Ontario treaty: Nobel-winning economist – National Post
Joseph Stiglitz is testifying in a Sudbury, Ont., courtroom why First Nations may have been short-changed under a revenue-sharing treaty signed in 1850 NationTalk: National Post – He is a Nobel prize winner, former vice president of the World Bank and one of the globe’s most famous economists. And this week Joseph Stiglitz is testifying...
February 2, 2023
Ontario says it doesn’t owe First Nations seeking compensation for broken treaty
The Globe and Mail: Indigenous communities are in court seeking billions of dollars in compensation after almost 150 years of receiving small annual payments in return for ceding an area the size of France. But the Ontario government is arguing they are owed nothing, or at most $34-million. The wide divergence in claims was on...
February 1, 2023
Grassy Narrows hosts Historic Alliance to protect lands and waters from mining exploration companies enabled by Ford Government’s pro-industry stance
We are proud to share with you that yesterday leadership from Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI, or Big Trout Lake First Nation), Wapekeka, Neskantaga, and Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows) met in Grassy Narrows to sign a Mutual Cooperation Agreement. The four strong First Nations are forming an alliance to protect their lands and waters in the face...
January 18, 2023
Canada, Ontario, and Robinson Huron Treaty Leadership Announce two-week mediation
Robinson Huron leadership assembled at a closed-door Special Chiefs Meeting in Sudbury, Ont., on Jan. 16 to confer with their legal team from Nahwegahbow Corbiere Genoodmagejig Barristers & Solicitors in preparation for the historic mediation NationTalk: ANISHINANBEKNEWS.ca: SUDBURY — Canada and Ontario were in a tight corner: staring down a dispassionate, nonpartisan court set to...
December 15, 2022
Matawa Chiefs’ Council Call on the Government of Canada to Stop the Colonial Backroom Deals and Establish a Dedicated Federal Crown Table to Prepare for the Development of the Ring of Fire Region and Critical Minerals
NationTalk: THUNDER BAY, ON: At their meeting today, the Matawa Chiefs Council issue the following statement related to the activities of the Governments of Canada, Ontario, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), the Chiefs of Ontario (COO) and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) who are compromising the positions of Indigenous rights holders: “We have watched...
December 12, 2022
For generations, Grassy Narrows residents have used the land for hunting. Now, it’s in the middle of a lawsuit between Canadian mining corporations
Ontario has created a mess by granting mining claims on land Grassy Narrows aims to make protected Indigenous territory, First Nation’s leaders say. Toronto Star: Barrick Gold Corp. is embroiled in a $100-million lawsuit against two junior mining companies, as an exploration deal between the firms fell apart over a decision to pause work to...
November 23, 2022
Chiefs of Ontario and First Nations Oppose Bill 23: More Homes Built Faster Act
NationTalk: The Chiefs of Ontario express their full support for First Nations Leadership in their opposition to Bill 23: More Homes Built Faster Act due to its clear violation of First Nations constitutionally protected, inherent and Treaty rights and its inevitable adverse environmental impacts on First Nations ancestral and traditional territories. “The Government of Ontario’s...
November 17, 2022
Matawa chiefs push back against U.S. military agenda in the Ring of Fire
First Nation leaders demand a big say over any industrial development on their James Bay homelands First Peoples Law Report: Northern Ontario Business Staff Nov 17, 2022 1:00 PM Toronto media reports about talks between the U.S. military, mining interests and government about funding development in the Ring of Fire has angered Indigenous communities in Ontario’s...
November 8, 2022
Robinson-Huron Treaty annuities case: Ontario seeks stay – lawyer
Robinson-Huron Treaty Litigation Fund says Ontario has asked for a stay in final stage of court case while it appeals previous court decision on treaty annuity payments Sootoday.com: The third and final stage of an ongoing court case over treaty annuity payments launched by signatories to the Robinson-Huron Treaty is slated to begin early in...
September 12, 2022
1492 Land Back Lane dispute over proposed development near Caledonia and Six Nations returns to court
NationTalk: Newmarket Today – The legal saga around a two-year occupation of a proposed development site by a group of Indigenous people returned to an Ontario court on Monday with another attempt to remove the protesters. The company behind the planned housing development near Caledonia, Ont., and Six Nations of the Grand River is again...
August 30, 2022
Federal and Ontario governments settle decades-long flooding claim with First Nation
Globe And Mail: More than a century after a small First Nation in Northwestern Ontario was flooded by a dam on the Rainy River, the community has reached an $84-million land claim settlement with the federal and provincial governments. Chief Janice Henderson of Mitaanjigamiing First Nation said the recent settlement is life-changing for her community,...
June 23, 2022
Robinson-Huron Superior treaty annuity payments appeal heading to Supreme Court
Supreme Court to hear Ontario case on treaty payments to Anishinaabe APTN: The Supreme Court of Canada says it will hear a legal battle over Crown payments to beneficiaries of two Robinson treaties which cover the upper Great Lakes in Ontario and 21 Anishinaabe bands. The Ontario government sought to challenge a ruling by the...
June 13, 2022
Matawa Chiefs’ Council work towards solidifying approach to Ring Of Fire Regional Environment Assessment
NationTalk: TORONTO, ON: Chiefs of the Matawa First Nations of Northern Ontario announced today they are working towards solidifying a regional approach to the federal Impact Assessment (IA) in the Ring of Fire. This announcement was made during the Matawa Chiefs Council’s participation in the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada’s 2022 convention which was...
April 20, 2022
Robinson-Huron and Superior Treaties, 1850
NationTalk: Robinson Huron Treaty Territory — The Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund (RHTLF) leadership, Ontario and Canada officials have established a negotiation table to find common ground for resolving the annuities litigation outside of court. The Robinson Huron Treaty First Nations have outstanding litigation against both Canada and Ontario relating to treaty annuities. There is...
March 16, 2022
Opposition to Ottawa’s Ring of Fire Environmental Assessment
Mar. 16, 2022: Timmins Today – A coalition of conservationists, environmentalists and lawyers want Ottawa’s Ring of Fire environmental assessment process to be broadened in size and scope to include industrial centres like Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury. In a March 15 letter sent to three federal cabinet ministers, the group is calling for a...
February 23, 2022
Matawa Chiefs Council Opposition to the Regional Assessment for the Ring of Fire
Feb. 23, 2022: The Matawa Chiefs Council and Matawa First Nations Management (MFNM) – representing (9) member First Nations call on Canada to begin the collaboration, negotiations and investment process – in partnership with Matawa member First Nations – to maximize the benefits of the development of the north. The land Ontario refers to as the Far...
January 21, 2022
Natural Laws of the Creator
Northern Ontario Business – On Wednesday, Jan. 19, Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, Neskantaga, Kashechewan and Eabametoong First Nations chiefs sent a joint letter to federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault. According to the letter, the chiefs met virtually with Guilbeault on Jan. 17 and expressed concerns about the terms of reference (TOR) for...
January 16, 2022
Flood compensation after 134 years
CBC – More than a decade after they began, negotiations on flood claim settlements between several First Nations in southeastern Manitoba and northwestern Ontario and the federal and provincial governments appear to be drawing to a close. But some are wondering what those settlements will mean for the First Nations affected — and why it’s...
January 7, 2022
Robinson-Huron and Superior Treaties, 1850
CBC – Ontario will appeal the Robinson Huron Treaty Annuity Case to the Supreme Court. The case was upheld by both the Ontario Superior Court and then the Ontario Court of Appeal. The 21 First Nations involved said that amount needs to be re-negotiated, and the courts have agreed....
November 30, 2021
Neskantaga FN sues government
CBC – Neskantaga First Nation is taking Ontario to court looking for “ground rules” on how the province should consult and accommodate Indigenous communities that are in a state of crisis. For example: Forced evacuation of entire reserve in October 2020 (300 people) due to tainted water Under boil water advisory for 26 years State...
November 15, 2021
Grassy Narrows Land Declaration
Toronto Star – The government was knowingly using an outdated and inaccurate map (30 years old), members of First Nations charge, green-lighting drilling and excavation areas where the residents say they go for moose hunting, picking berries and camping. The First Nations says it has provided the government with an updated map of the area...
November 5, 2021
Robinson-Huron and Superior Treaties, 1850
The Manitoulin Expositor – The Ontario Court of Appeal releases judgment on Ontario’s Stage 1 and 2 in Robinson–Huron Treaty Annuities Case that affirms much of the trial decision and only disagrees with the trial judgment on a limited number of issues. As we explain, we unanimously reject the majority of the arguments raised on...
October 1, 2021
Supreme Court validates Honour of the Crown
Métis Nation of Ontario, Métis Nation of Alberta – The Supreme Court of Canada released its decision in City of Toronto v Ontario (Attorney General). This case was about the fairness of a municipal election in one city, but the decision also raised the issue of how Canada’s Constitution is to be interpreted and the...
August 16, 2021
Robinson-Huron and Superior Treaties, 1850
Wawa News – The Government of Canada has completed their mandating process and are prepared to negotiate and settle the ongoing annuities case. Canada has stated that the negotiation and settlement process requires participation from the Government of Ontario. “Now, we need the province to come to the table to make this settlement happen,” said...
July 29, 2021
Saugeen First Nation Treaty 72 signed 1854
Saugeen Ojibwat Nation – Ontario Superior Court ruled on SON’s claims: an Aboriginal title claim to parts of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay and a claim that the Crown breached its promise to protect forever parts of the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula for SON. The claim to “waters” was denied based on a lack of evidence...
July 16, 2021
1492 Land Back Lane
Brantford Expositor – In late June, the developers sent letters to about 180 homebuyers saying that, having exhausted their legal options and with no prospect of the occupation ending, the company was scrapping the planned subdivision and cancelling all purchase agreements. The company has filed a $200-million class-action lawsuit against the Attorney General of Canada,...
April 28, 2021
Robinson-Huron and Superior Treaties, 1850
Wawa News – the Ontario Court of Appeal concluded its hearing of the Government of Ontario’s appeal of the Stage 1 decision in the Robinson Treaties annuities case. The Court of Appeal has reserved its decision on the Stage 1 appeal, which it will likely release in the months following its hearing of the Stage...
April 12, 2021
Grassy Narrows Land Declaration
Toronto Star – The Ontario government has allowed up to 4,000 mining claims in Grassy Narrow territory ignoring the “the land declaration that Grassy Narrows enacted in 2018 to ban industrial or mining activities on their territories?” Since the land declaration “the area covered by mineral claims has expanded fourfold, spreading across forest, rivers and...
April 5, 2021
Natural Laws of the Creator
NationTalk – Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, and Neskantaga First Nations in the James Bay lowlands have declared a moratorium on April 1 on any development in or to facilitate access to the Ring of Fire mining area in accordance with: Our Indigenous Laws including the Natural Laws of the Creator; Our Inherent Rights (arising from the...
March 30, 2021
1492 Land Back Lane
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) spent $16.3 million in just half a year policing the 1492 Land Back Lane protests. Funds covered salaries, round-the-clock overtime, food, hotels, travel costs, supplies, equipment, building rentals and other related expenses between July 2020 and January 2021....
March 16, 2021
Batchewana First Nation exercises treaty rights for logging
Sault Online – Open Letter from Batchewana First Nation – outlining numerous grievances with the government of Ontario for their ongoing failure to uphold the “honour of the crown” by continuing intrusions of our inherent sovereignty and unextinguished jurisdictions over the lands in Eastern Lake Superior and the lands in direct proximity. In direct response...
February 24, 2021
Neskantaga FN sues government
CBC – A state of emergency has been declared by Neskantaga First Nation after a number of its members living off-reserve tested positive for COVID-19. Chief Chris Moonias says six per cent, or 12 of the 217 members living off-reserve, have tested positive for the virus. That includes one person in critical condition at the...
February 18, 2021
Failure to consult First Nations around Mining projects in their territories
WindSpeaker – “It must be acknowledged that the 15 proposed mining projects that are planned for the next decade are on the ancestral, inherent, customary, traditional lands of many First Nations in Northwestern Ontario and that their free, prior, informed consent will be required before any development proceeds.” — Jason Rasevych, president of the Anishnawbe...
January 14, 2021
Bill 197 (COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2019) violates Treaty Rights
NationTalk – Following the declaration of a second state of emergency on Jan. 12, 2021 due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Matawa Chiefs Council are issuing a public statement that the Matawa Chiefs Council reject the Ontario government-imposed deadline of Thursday January 14, 2021 for comments related to Ontario’s proposed revisions of the Far North...
December 17, 2020
Failure to extend consulting period
CBC – Five First Nations in Northern Ontario – Neskantaga, Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, Kashechewan and Weenusk First Nations – sent a letter on Dec. 10, 2020 to the federal Impact Assessment Agency demanding more time for the consultation process announced on Nov. 12, 2020 with a deadline of Jan. 21, 2020. They wanted the date...
October 22, 2020
1492 Land Back Lane
Toronto Star – Ontario court issues a permanent injunction in favour of Foxgate and Haldimand County against the Haudenosaunee protesters. The Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council, Six Nations traditional government, does not recognize the jurisdiction or authority of the Six Nations’ Elected Council, the colonial construct of The Indian Act The Six Nations Elected Council has...
October 15, 2020
Saugeen First Nation Treaty 72 signed 1854
NationTalk – SON’s claim is that the Crown could have protected the Peninsula and misled SON in the negotiations of a surrender of the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula. SON’s claim is that this was a breach of the Crown’s fiduciary duty. What SON is seeking is a declaration the Crown breached this duty. If successful, in...
September 25, 2020
Saugeen First Nation Treaty 72 signed 1854
Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) and Grey County – The Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation reached an agreement settling Grey County’s involvement in SON’s long-standing legal action in relation to parts of the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula. The agreement settles a claim launched by SON approximately 25 years ago...
September 17, 2020
1492 Land Back Lane
EyeOpener – Protesters have occupied so-called Mackenzie Meadows, bordering the town of Caledonia and the Six Nations reserve, since July 19 in opposition to the housing development of the neighbourhood by Foxgate Developments Inc. The site is under the sovereignty of the Haudenosaunee First Nation as one of their last unceded territories under the 200-year-old...
September 12, 2020
1492 Land Back Lane
Toronto Star – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) armed with a court injunction arrested 26 people including 2 journalists and an Indigenous academic researcher....
September 7, 2020
Bill 197 (COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2019) violates Treaty Rights
Law Times – Environmental groups and First Nations are challenging the Ontario Government’s changes to environmental legislation contained in Bill 197 The COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act. The amendments are a violation of s. 35 of the Charter, which recognizes and affirms existing Aboriginal and Treaty rights....
August 28, 2020
Bill 197 (COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2019) violates Treaty Rights
The Matawa Chiefs Council – who represent 9 First Nations, issued this statement today rejecting the Ontario Crown’s tactics to unlawfully access the wealth of the north. The Ontario government has used the cover of COVID-19 to make legislative, regulatory and policy changes that attempt to diminish the obligations of Ontario to honour the constitutionally-protected Inherent...
August 10, 2020
Bill 197 (COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2019) violates Treaty Rights
The Timmins Daily Press – Mushkegowuk Council is calling on the province to honour the treaty it signed 115 years ago. Treaty 9 was signed between First Nations leaders and Canadian political figures to establish guidelines around resources and projects on First Nations land. Grand Chief Jonathan Solomon called Bill 197 a “major step back”...
July 24, 2020
Bill 197 (COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2019) violates Treaty Rights
NationTalk – Bill 197 (COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2019), an omnibus bill introduced on July 8 and passed just 13 days later on July 23 with little legislative debate and no Standing Committee consideration, and without public consultation on the changes to the Environmental Assessment Act (EAA) despite warnings from Ontario’s Auditor General that this...
July 8, 2020
Robinson-Huron and Superior Treaties, 1850
Manitoulin Expositor – Since the Ontario Government launched their appeal of the Dec. 24, 2018 decision, the Superior Court has sided with the Anishinabek Nation in two of three challenges: Phase 1: Established that the original treaty created a ‘sui generis fiduciary relationship’ (meaning the colonial government was required to manage the lands and act...
June 9, 2020
Using COVID to deny Duty to Consult
CBC – Nine faculty members at York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School are calling on the provincial government to press pause on mineral staking and permitting processes on Indigenous territory in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter addressed to Greg Rickford, the province’s minister of energy, northern development and mines state that continued...
May 22, 2020
Using COVID to deny Duty to Consult
Policy Options – “Pandemic shouldn’t impede meaningful Indigenous engagement on Ring of Fire”. Ontario government announced that “a regional assessment of potential mining operations for the Ring of Fire will be undertaken”. The announcement only posted on the agency website severely impacts the ability of First Nations to meaningfully engage in the consulting process. Only...
April 5, 2020
Using COVID to deny Duty to Consult
NationTalk – Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, and Neskantaga First Nations in the James Bay lowlands have declared a moratorium on April 1 on any development in or to facilitate access to the Ring of Fire mining area in accordance with: Our Indigenous Laws including the Natural Laws of the Creator; Our Inherent Rights (arising from the...
August 7, 2019
Saugeen First Nation Treaty 72 signed 1854
CBC – In 2014, a tentative agreement between the First Nation and the Town of South Bruce Peninsula was proposed that would have recognized Saugeen’s ownership of the strip of beach. During the municipal election that fall, former councillor Janice Jackson unseated the previous mayor, running on a platform that the town would not settle...
January 22, 2019
Robinson-Huron and Superior Treaties, 1850
The Government of Ontario appealed the Robinson-Huron and Robinson Superior Treaties Superior Court decision around Annuities claims while at the same time negotiating with the 21 First Nations making up the Anishinabek people in northern Ontario. In her December ruling, Justice Patricia Hennessy wrote the annuities described in the treaties — which hadn’t been raised...
June 5, 2017
Saugeen First Nation Treaty 72 signed 1854
Globe and Mail, Aug. 30, 2015, Updated June 5, 2017 – Resorting to the courts to resolve a long-standing land claim issue. The federal government supports the Saugeen First Nation claim which dates back to Treaty No. 72, signed in October, 1854. Surveying documents made at the time validate that the eastern boundary should have...
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