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 Business Professional Association (ABPA).

Rasevych points out the CEDC consulted with 25 organizations while preparing its strategy report. Yet only one Indigenous organization, the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund, was asked for its input. “Too often, First Nation’s socio-economic interests are an afterthought, resulting in delays in mine permitting, regulatory processes and ultimately the social license of Indigenous peoples,” he said. “There is also constitutionally protected rights and Treaties that must be honoured to respect the Indigenous peoples that have lived off the land since time immemorial.”

Rasevych was disappointed that First Nations, tribal councils and even the ABPA were not sought out to provide advice. “We would have thought we’d be a no-brainer to be a part of this study,” said Rasevych of his association, which was founded in 2019. Besides consulting with Indigenous communities, Rasevych said it is vital that any mining projects also include opportunities for Indigenous people to have active roles with their development. “First Nations require direct economic benefits in mining, and many are seeking a greater role in ownership of mines, power generation, and transmission projects to supply not only the mining site but also close the loop on legacy issues and their First Nation’s community needs,” he said.