Wednesday May 9, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) said today’s announcement to build a $1.8-billion chromite processing facility near Sudbury and ignoring First Nations is not the way to build a relationship with the First Nations.
“I am disappointed with today’s announcement as it is obvious that Cliffs and the Government of Ontario are not listening to and not respecting First Nations affected by development in the Ring of Fire,” said NAN Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose.
“The affected First Nations have put forward comprehensive proposals and are trying to work with government on a constructive basis to play a major role in the development of the Ring of Fire. This is a classic case of moving forward without First Nation consultation again. We are not starting off on the right foot.”
Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kathleen Wynne made the announcement at a news conference in Thunder Bay today announcing that Cliffs Natural Resources intends to build a $1.8-billion chromite processing facility in Capreol, near Sudbury, instead of Greenstone near Aroland First Nation.
“This is not the way to begin a tri-partite relationship by making unilateral decisions without consulting the First Nations. This is unacceptable,” said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy.
The announcement was made concurrently with a news conference held in Sudbury by Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci.
“The province’s commitment that it will continue to work with First Nations is disingenuous when major decisions are being made without their participation. Ontario must have had discussions with Cliffs beforehand for the construction of roads and infrastructure, so why were First Nation leaders not at the table before any announcement was made,” said Waboose.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation is a political territorial organization representing 49 First Nation communities in James Bay Treaty No. 9 and Ontario portions of Treaty No. 5 – an area covering two thirds of the province of Ontario. www.nan.on.ca
For more information please contact: Jamie Monastyrski, A/Director of Communications – Nishnawbe Aski Nation (807) 625-4978 or cell (807) 630-7087 email jmonastyrski@nan.on.ca