Fitting the Ring [of Fire] – Thunder Bay Chronile-Journal Editorial (October 8, 2013)

Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal is the daily newspaper of Northwestern Ontario.

IN declaring that the Ring of Fire mining belt is not a “magic bullet” for surrounding First Nations poverty, Bob Rae is not pouring cold water on the prospect of prosperity. Instead, the former politician hired to negotiate involvement of nine Matawa tribal council bands is confirming what needs doing to make the most of it. Mining riches will not simply “trickle down” to reserves, he told a Toronto conference. Rather, improved education, job training tailored to mining and better governance are essential.

If this sounds familiar, it still bears repeating. Some First Nations have jumped into mutually beneficial agreements with mining companies. Others remain wary, fearing a lop-sided sharing of spoils from a deposit of chromite and other minerals worth billions. First Nations and many Canadians have environmental concerns.

Apprehension is understandable given the North’s resource history of enriching companies while often ignoring First Nations.

Gradually, Canada’s approach has changed with court rulings that specify the need for consultation first. As Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle put it in an interview with Mining Weekly Online, “What we’re talking about is a smart, sustainable and collaborative development” that brings “multigenerational value.”

Hiring Rae was a good move by Matawa. In both provincial and federal roles Rae has taken an intense interest in aboriginal affairs. He announced early support for native Canadians’ “inherent right to self-government,” worked to help six bands in Northern Ontario gain reserve status and pushed for native rights in constitutional reforms. Rae brings credibility to any table, as does former Supreme Court justice Frank Iacobucci who negotiates for the province. Placing non-aboriginals in charge may seem counter-intuitive but it ensures that negotiations can proceed without the distraction of years of mistrust.

Former Assembly of First Nations national chief Phil Fontaine has said that a new era of trust must be earned both ways. Stressing the need for government and miners to understand the importance of cultivating relationships with First Nations, Fontaine advises companies to be patient with the process. “But they should be able to expect the same respect from the First Nations in return. This isn’t just a one-way street; if we require companies to be respectful, trusting and open, then First Nations communities should respond in kind.”

Rae said he understands why Cliffs Natural Resources, the Ring’s key player, has stepped back from the complex environmental assessment process until methods of dealing with First Nations are clarified. At the same time, Cliffs and other players are anxious to get First Nations involved in training for jobs. Rae says that while there’s an understanding that more opportunities for training and education need to be in place, “we also know that it will take time.”

Federal job training help, smooth provincial guidance of land and mining regulations and active First Nations involvement in all of the preparations are needed. Having it all happen at once is proving to be harder than anticipated but there is enough will among key players to make it happen.