Current Problems: Treaties and Land Claims
Exploring Theme: "Duty to Consult/FPIC"
Updates on this page: 91
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 26, 2024
New battery plant will pave over important wetlands says Mohawk council
APTN News: The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake is denouncing Quebec and the federal government over a proposed battery plant outside Montreal. The plant is being built on a wetland that the council, and environmental groups say, is important and that neither government has been transparent about the project. “Right now, what we are deeply concerned...
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 20, 2024
Kaska chief says his nation ‘can’t support’ proposed mine after consultation
A Kaska chief says the revised decision document for a proposed mine in southeast Yukon has done little to change his view on the project. The document was posted on the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB) on March 8. “Once again, we’re not happy with the decision,” Chief Dylan Loblaw of the Ross River...
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 21, 2024
Mitchikanibikok Inik First Nation challenges Quebec over its free entry mining regime
Case heard in a Montreal courthouse this week CBC Indigenous: The Mitchikanibikok Inik First Nation, also known as the Algonquins of Barriere Lake, says Quebec’s mining act breaches the province’s duty to consult and is asking the Quebec Superior Court to deem it unconstitutional. The community located in the middle of La Vérendrye wildlife reserve in Quebec’s Abitibi-Témiscamingue region,...
February 18, 2024
7 First Nations in Alta. want answers on carbon capture and storage plans
1st phase budgeted at $16.5B, will stash up to 12M tonnes of carbon per year by 2030 CBC Indigenous: The Canadian Press – Seven Alberta First Nations have banded together to seek answers as industry and government move on billion-dollar plans to inject and store millions of tonnes of greenhouse gases underneath or adjacent to...
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 9, 2024
Ross River Dena Council appealing ruling on proposed Kudz ze Kayah mine
The Ross River Dena Council on behalf of the Kaska Nation is appealing a recent court decision on the proposed Kudz ze Kayah mining project in southeastern Yukon. BMC Minerals’ Kudz ze Kayah mining project, a proposed $381-million dollar mine located 115 km south of the Ross River Dena Council in Ross River, Yukon. Photo:...
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
AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak Urges Consultation with First Nations on Chalk River Radioactive Waste Facility
NationTalk: – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – Today, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief, Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, is expressing concern following the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s (CNSC) recent approval of a landfill site for nuclear waste at the Chalk River Laboratories (CNL), near the Ottawa River. “The CNSC decision to approve the...
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
MCK files Lawsuit against Quebec and Canada for Failure to Consult regarding Northvolt Project
NationTalk: (Kahnawake – 23, Tsothohrhkó:wa – The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that a lawsuit has been filed with the Quebec Superior Court to demand orders requiring the provincial and federal governments to engage in consultation with the Mohawks of Kahnawà:ke regarding the Northvolt battery plant project in the Montérégie...
January 10, 2024
Yukon judge sends Canada, Yukon and Kaska back to negotiating table over proposed mine
BMC Minerals’ Kudz ze Kayah project, a proposed $381-million dollar mine located 115 km south of the Ross River Dena Council (RRDC) in Ross River, Yukon. Photo: BMC APTN News: A Yukon judge says Canada and Yukon must go back to the negotiating table with the Kaska Nation over a proposed mine in the territory...
January 4, 2024
Hydro-Quebec plan for economic partnerships with Indigenous communities met with skepticism
APTN News: A new Hydro-Quebec plan to initiate partnerships with all First Nations in the province is being met with skepticism due to the Crown corporation’s history of environmental devastation on Indigenous lands. Innu Chief Jean-Charles Piétacho of the Ekuanitshit band council is one of those questioning the utility’s plan. “We had concerns about certain...
December 12, 2023
Amnesty International Says CGL and the RCMP Violated Indigenous Rights
The human rights group is calling for the company to cease operations in Wet’suwet’en territory. The Tyee: An investigation by human rights organization Amnesty International has found that Coastal GasLink, its private security firm, the RCMP and Canadian and B.C. governments all violated the Indigenous rights of Wet’suwet’en who oppose the pipeline project. “What emerges...
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
Sayona Mining Must Equitably Share with Indigenous Peoples
NationTalk: NITAKINAN, QC – The Anishinabeg Chiefs and Councils of Lac Simon and Abitibiwinni wish to announce that they will be attending (virtually) the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of Sayona Mining Limited “Sayona” (ASX: SYA) (OTCQB: SYAXF) taking place in Australia at 10:00am on November 30th (Brisbane time) in order to remind shareholders and...
November 27, 2023
First Nation in Yukon says its ‘disheartening’ that territory appealed ruling on Beaver River Watershed
APTN News: A First Nation in Yukon says it’s frustrated the territorial government is appealing a court ruling “:stopping a mining exploration project from proceeding in an untouched watershed on its lands. The Beaver River Watershed falls within the traditional territory of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun (FNNND) in north-central Yukon. The First Nation refers...
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 24, 2023
Mining Development: The AFNQL Joins Its Voice to those of the Abitibiwinni and Lac Simon First Nations
NationTalk: WENDAKE, QC – The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) supports the approach undertaken by the Conseil de la Première Nation Abitibiwinni and the Conseil de la Nation Anishnabe de Lac Simon aimed at denouncing the lack of consideration of the Australian mining company Sayona and the Quebec government concerning them. As the Québec...
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 13, 2023
Bloc Quebécois stands with Algonquin Nation against proposed nuclear waste site
From left: Lance Haymond, chief of Kebaowek First Nation; Dylan Whiteduck, chief of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg; and Savanna McGregor, grand chief of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation Tribal Council at a press conference in June. Photo by Matteo Cimellaro Listen to article NationTalk: Canada’s National Observer: The Bloc Québécois has thrown its support behind Algonquin First Nations...
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
B.C. Supreme Court rules province’s mining claims system violates Indigenous rights
Province ordered to replace system with one that ensures consultation with Indigenous communities CBC News: The B.C. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the province’s mining permit system is unconstitutional. The province’s current system, at issue in the case, automatically grants mineral claims to industry applicants who submit a request through a government website. Tuesday’s ruling found that process...
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...
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 27, 2023
First Nations have new weapon in traditional land disputes with Sask. government — maps
For the first time, Sask. First Nations can see extent of Crown land privatization in their territory CBC News: Saskatchewan First Nations say the provincial government is keeping them in the dark as it privatizes land within their traditional territories. “They started these land sales without our knowledge,” said Onion Lake Cree Nation’s Okimaw (Chief) Henry Lewis. Lewis and...
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 5, 2023
N.B. has set more land aside for the maple syrup industry. Not everybody is happy
Mi’kmaw communities say they were not consulted about province’s plan Alexandre Silberman · CBC News · Posted: Jul 05, 2023 6:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: July 5 CBC News: New Brunswick’s growing maple syrup industry will now have access to an additional 5,000 hectares of Crown land over the next five years, the first increase since 2015. The...
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 26, 2023
O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation sues Manitoba Hydro for ‘years of harm’
APTN News: O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation (OPCN), along with two associations located on South Indian Lake has filed a law against Manitoba Hydro for what it calls a “half century of harm” because of projects that were undertaken against their wishes. “How can we teach our children our traditional practices when our lands and waters are...
May 21, 2023
B.C. company denies misleading Bonaparte First Nation about rail terminal expansion plans
The Globe and Mail: Canadian Press – The owner of a rail terminal in British Columbia’s Interior says a lawsuit launched by the Bonaparte First Nation is a “collateral attack” on the company’s “numerous” grants, permits, and licenses to operate the expanding facility. The nation’s claim filed last month alleges the facility operated by Ashcroft...
May 18, 2023
‘When is it going to stop?’ Claims made on First Nations’ territories even as they fight century-old mining laws
In the B.C. Supreme Court, Gitxaała Nation and Ehattesaht First Nation argue the mineral rights process sidesteps the duty to consult The Narwhal: A new mineral claim was made in the heart of Gitxaała territory this month in a sacred area the First Nation is trying to protect. For Gitxaała Hereditary Chief Sm’ooygit Nees Hiwaas,...
May 15, 2023
Challenging colonial mining laws: First Nations fight for Indigenous consent
NationTalk: Canada’s National Observer – Over most of the past month, the B.C. Supreme Court has heard a challenge brought by the Gitxaała and Ehattesaht First Nations against the province’s decision to award multiple mineral claims in their unceded territories. This judicial review is essential to reforming the colonial-era Mineral Tenure Act (MTA), which permits mineral claims...
May 12, 2023
First Nations chiefs blast Higgs over report he is prepared to frack without their consent
Premier quoted as saying, ‘We gotta get on with it’ CBC News: Mi’kmaw and Wolastoqey communities in New Brunswick are slamming comments reportedly made by Premier Blaine Higgs indicating that he’s prepared to go ahead with fracking without their approval. They say his recent comments “again show his complete disregard” for the rights of First Nations....
May 12, 2023
An East Coast fight over fracking ‘could get ugly,’ First Nations warn
NationTalk: Canada’s National Observer – New Brunswick can count on a huge backlash if it follows through on its recent comments about fracking natural gas, six First Nations chiefs in the province say. “The issue could get ugly here,” Chief Allan Polchies Jr. of Sitansisk, St.Mary’s First Nation, told Canada’s National Observer. In the past few months,...
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...
May 3, 2023
Dozens of mineral claims made in First Nation territory as it fights to stop them in court
Two companies named in a B.C. Supreme Court case have made claims to Ehattesaht land — while the First Nation argues the province should stop automatically giving away mineral rights to its territory The Narwhal: Mining exploration companies continue to make claims in Ehattesaht First Nation territory, even as the First Nation fights in the B.C. Supreme Court...
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 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 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 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
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 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 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
Intervenors join Gitxaała in court to argue against BC’s mineral claim regime
NationTalk: Hearings in Gitxaała Nation’s landmark legal case began last week. Gitxaała hereditary and elected leaders, elders, and supporters walked into the courthouse on April 3, united “with one voice and in the Spirit of being of one heart,” as elected Chief Councillor Linda Innes described. “We owe it to our children, to those yet...
April 4, 2023
‘We owe it to our children, those yet unborn within the Gitxaała Nation’
Coastal First Nations; Brett Bear Initiative: The Gitxaała Nation is standing up to protect future generations by challenging BC’s process for granting mineral claims in their territories — a process originating in the gold rush era that leaders say breaks both Gitxaała and Canadian laws. The case will address the province’s “duty to consult” the...
April 3, 2023
This court case could change the future of mining in B.C.
The Gitxaała Nation and Ehattesaht First Nation want the province to change how it gives out mineral titles — and they’re taking their fight to the B.C. Supreme Court The Narwhal: Imagine finding someone you’ve never met digging through your backyard, looking for gold. You tell them it’s your property, but they don’t leave. Instead,...
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...
April 3, 2023
First Nations’ court challenge to B.C.’s mineral rights system begins today
Province says it is committed to modernizing the system in consultation with Indigenous people CBC News: A challenge by two First Nations against the way British Columbia grants mineral claims begins in B.C. Supreme Court on Monday morning, marking the first legal test of the province’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. The Gitxaałan and Ehattesaht First...
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 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 16, 2023
Yukon gov’t to appeal court decision quashing approval of mining project near Mayo
Supreme Court found that consultation with First Nation over Metallic Minerals’ project was inadequate CBC News: The Yukon government is appealing a court decision that quashes the approval of a mining project near Mayo, Yukon. It’s the latest in an ongoing dispute between the territorial government and the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun (FNNND) over a...
March 9, 2023
Chiefs ban RCMP’s ‘militarized’ squadron from Gitxsan lands in northern B.C.
Community-Industry Response Group not welcome on Gitxsan lands, say chiefs First Peoples Law Report: Clearwater Times – Gitxsan hereditary chiefs issued a notice this week prohibiting the RCMP’s ‘militarized squadron’ called the Community-Industry Response Group (C-IRG) from Gitxsan lands centred in the Hazelton area, effective immediately. “While we embrace safety measures for our community, the...
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
Indigenous leaders need to be part of Churchill Falls discussions, says Innu Nation grand chief
Grievances on past hydroelectric projects need to be addressed before more development, says Etienne Riche CBC News: When Quebec Premier François Legault met with Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey in St. John’s on Friday to discuss the Churchill Falls agreement, there were no Indigenous leaders from Labrador present — and that has the grand chief...
February 16, 2023
In the Courts: First Nation takes B.C. government to court over Brucejack mine
Petition stems from halted negotiations amid acquisition deal NationTalk: BIV – The Tsetsaut/Skii km Lax Ha Nation is taking the province to court claiming the government failed in its duty to consult with the First Nation regarding a mining company’s acquisition of a mine in its territory, and has failed to work with the mine’s new owners...
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...
November 22, 2022
Standing Committee on Public Accounts to Hold Public Hearing on Auditor General Report on Physical Mitigation of Muskrat Falls Reservoir Wetlands
“PHYSICAL MITIGATION…” CONCLUSION: The Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment did not appropriately communicate and monitor the timelines and deadlines of the Independent Expert Advisory Committee recommendation for physical mitigation of the Muskrat Falls reservoir wetlands. However, we did not find any evidence that government intentionally missed the wetland capping deadline. There were numerous missed...
November 14, 2022
Yukon Liberals spike NDP bill that would have required First Nations’ consent over oil and gas development
Yukon NDP has been fighting to reinstate the consent clause into territorial laws over the industry Julien Gignac · CBC News · Posted: Nov 14, 2022 4:00 AM CT | Last Updated: November 14 The Yukon Liberal government has trounced a bill that, if passed, would have required Yukon First Nations consent to oil and gas exploration and development...
February 25, 2022
Lawsuit against Québec government for failure in Duty to Consult to protect Caribou
Feb. 25, 2022: NationTalk – The Innu First Nation Council of Essipit and Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan (Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation), who have officially filed a lawsuit with the Superior Court for failure to fulfill its duty to consult on issues related to the protection of Atiku, the caribou. For more than two decades, Innus have been actively...
February 2, 2022
Alberta cuts off Métis Consultation Policy negotiations
Métis Nation of Alberta – MNA has appealed a recent Alberta court decision that concluded the Kenney Government’s decision to cut off negotiations with the MNA on the development of Métis Consultation Policy did not breach the honour of the Crown, including the constitutional duties and obligations Alberta owed the MNA after five years of...
February 1, 2022
Failure of Treaty Land Entitlements
Southern Chief’s Organization – SCO is calling on the provincial government to put an immediate end to the practice of auctioning off Crown lands without first consulting with First Nations. In January, the province stated it would hold online auctions this week to sell off agricultural Crown land leases and permits. SCO firmly believes that...
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...
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 24, 2021
Coastal First Nations vs Government of Alberta and 2 Métis organizations
Coastal First Nations – In the wake of the news that two Métis groups received funding from the Alberta Government to legally challenge the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, Coastal First Nations (CFN) will continue to fight to protect our waters, lands and resources from potential oil spills. “We will do whatever it takes to protect...
September 24, 2021
Muskrat Falls Mitigation Plan lawsuit
NL Government – The Parties have requested the Court defer releasing a decision on the injunction application to provide an opportunity for discussions to take place. The Parties will not be commenting further at this time....
September 23, 2021
Bill 66 ignores First Nations issues
Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) – AFNQL deplores the complete lack of consideration for the realities of First Nations as presented by the First Nations leaders. The new version of the defunct Bill 61 confirms Quebec’s lack of consideration, even indifference, for economic recovery that is First Nations specific. “First Nations issues must be...
August 12, 2021
Muskrat Falls Mitigation Plan lawsuit
The Independent – Innu in Labrador are suing Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador over a financial agreement they say violates their rights as Indigenous people. Leaders from Sheshatshiu and Natuashish filed the lawsuit at the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador in St. John’s against the settler colonial governments over the recently...
April 13, 2021
Ongoing failure to consult with Wolastoqey Chiefs
Wolastoqey Chiefs – Premier Blaine Higgs cancelled all tax revenue sharing agreements with New Brunswick First Nations that had been in place for over 25 tears. These agreements were established to offset the ongoing significant gap “in the per capita funding federal and provincial governments provide for education and social services for First Nations reserves’...
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...
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...
September 16, 2020
Métis Nation challenge to “2010 First Nation and Métis Consultation Policy Framework”
Métis Nation -Saskatchewan has filed a claim against the provincial government challenging the validity of the “2010 First Nation and Métis Consultation Policy Framework” that “doesn’t recognize Métis assertions of Aboriginal title to land and resources. Last year Métis in Saskatchewan and Alberta filed a massive land claim, seeking roughly 122,000 square kilometers in northwest...
July 15, 2020
Bill 17 ignores Duty to Consult
NationTalk -The Tŝilhqot’in Nation has been actively involved in the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources’ Comprehensive Review of BC Hydro, which contains many progressive ideas which, if intelligently implemented, would have positive impacts on energy policy benefiting all British Columbians. The changes contained in Bill 17 have never been raised during these engagements...
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 24, 2020
Keeyask Hydro Project Duty to Consult Failure
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Inc.- is issuing this statement along with the four Cree Nations that have entered into a partnership with Manitoba Hydro in the construction and operation of the Keeyask Generating Station in Northern Manitoba. The four First Nations are: Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Fox Lake Cree Nation, War Lake First Nation, and York...
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...
May 20, 2020
Keeyask Hydro Project Duty to Consult Failure
Amnesty International – Despite legal obligations, Manitoba Hydro has not worked collaboratively to obtain consent to this most recent decision to expand operations (Keeyask Hydro project) and is ignoring requests by the four partner First Nations (Fox Lake, War, York Factory) to limit work at the dam site because of public health concerns. “Every effort...
April 20, 2020
Opening mine in Nunavik without consulting Inuit
Makivik Corporation – who represent the Inuit of Nunavik, is strongly opposed to the resumption of mining activities in the Nunavik region. The decision was made unilaterally by the government of Quebec without consultation whatsoever with the Inuit and was further supported by a directive issued by the Nunavik’s Director of Public Health, and Nunavik’s...
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...
May 6, 2019
Treaty 6, 7, and 8 insist on FPIC
The Chiefs of Sovereign and Treaty Nations from Treaty 6, 7 and 8 have consistently told Canada, “Nations don’t make laws for other Nations”. Despite numerous attempts to work with the Federal Government, Canada continues to unilaterally develop laws and policies without our right to free, prior and informed consent. Alexander First Nation, Chief Kurt...
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