Aboriginal and Inuit Mining and Oil/Gas – Page 229

Mining company [Taseko Mines] asks government not to consider aboriginal spirituality in environmental probe – by Peter O’Neil (Postmedia News – April 30, 2012)

May 1, 2012

http://www.canada.com/index.html

OTTAWA — A Vancouver company pushing the Harper government to reconsider a controversial gold-copper mining project in the B.C. Interior has privately urged Ottawa to ignore aboriginal requests to consider native “spirituality” as a factor in their determination, according to a letter the company sent to Environment Minister Peter Kent.

A new federal environmental review panel “does not have any right to attribute significance to the spirituality of a place per se,” wrote Taseko Mines Ltd. president Russell Hallbauer in a letter obtained under the Access to Information Act and provided to the Vancouver Sun by B.C. independent provincial representative Bob Simpson.

Taseko, which failed in its 2010 bid to get federal approval after a “scathing” federal review, also asked Ottawa to not permit aboriginal prayer ceremonies at pending hearings on the revised proposal.

And children’s plays should also be banned, Hallbauer told Kent in his November letter.

Give Sudbury [Ring of Fire] smelter, redefine Crown land – by Reino L. Viitala (Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal – April 30, 2012)

April 30, 2012

The Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal is the daily newspaper of Northwestern Ontario. This commentary came from the Chronicle-Journal’s Letters to the Editor section.

Mining guidelines for Northwestern Ontario should include important conditions for development of environmentally sensitive areas — not simply the ambitions of companies, politicians and native leaders.

For example, why do we want a smelter and slag dump in the Ring of Fire project area? Worst possible choice. It would pollute the entire Northwestern region. Our rainfall is associated with the Hudson Bay moisture system, therefore any air-borne pollutants will affect our rainfall and further acidify it. We are the cleanest climactic region in Ontario and a jewel for the entire world to enjoy. Why risk this with a smelter and a slag dump?

Secondly, open-pit mining will drain wetlands in that area. Only underground mining should be permitted. Otherwise, the sensitive hydrological balance between the Hudson Bay Lowlands and the Lake Nipigon Basin will be affected. The Ring of Fire mining companies are on the right track to ship the ores to Falconbridge for smelting.

Direct action threat shows fragile peace on Nishnawbi Aski land [Northern Ontario First Nations] – by Shawn Bell (Wawatay News – April 26, 2012)

April 28, 2012

This article came from Wawatay News: http://www.wawataynews.ca/

Remember back in January when all sides were talking about the new relationship between the federal government and First Nations? Phrases like resetting the relationship, unlocking the potential and realizing the promise were being bandied about by everyone involved.

Those days seem like a long time ago. Since then a number of major resource projects have taxed the federal government-First Nations relationship. Paramount is the Northern Gateway pipeline that would bring oilsands bitumen to BC’s west coast, for transport by supertanker to Chinese refineries. Over 50 First Nations oppose that project, including nations with traditional lands all along the pipeline’s route.

Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver lumped together opponents to the pipeline, including First Nations, environmentalists and labour organizations, as “radicals” out to stop all development. He stated publically that these radical groups are being funded by foreign money in order to “undermine Canada’s national economic interest.”

Strictly Legal: Creating Cree Corp. makes perfect sense – by Kathryn Leger (Montreal Gazette – April 27, 2012)

April 27, 2012

http://www.montrealgazette.com/index.html

When Cree Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come visited law firm Lavery LLP’s offices recently for a packed encounter with local mining entrepreneurs, his talk began with the up-close and personal.

“I am a son of a hunter, a fisher and a trapper,” said Coon Come, 56, the head of the Grand Council of the Crees, the political body representing Quebec Cree.

“My dad lived on the land and so did my mother. I am a father to five children. I have three daughters and two sons. I am a husband to Mary Ann Coon Come. We have been married for 35 years and I am also a grandfather to two children.”

With that informality out of the way, which he later said is essential to relationship building with the Cree, Coon Come proceeded to enthrall those in attendance as he explained the aboriginal perspective on Quebec’s Plan Nord.

NEWS RELEASE: MacDonald Mines Signs Exploration Agreement with Kasabonika Lake First Nation

April 26, 2012

MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd. (TSX.V: BMK) (“MacDonald” or “the Company”) is very pleased to announce the signing of an Exploration Agreement with the Kasabonika Lake First Nation (“KLFN”).

In accordance with the Government mandate to advise and consult, MacDonald Mines continues its history of reaching accords with First Nation Communities. The company firmly believes that strong and fair working relationships between the mining exploration sector and First Nation’s traditional beliefs and objectives is the cornerstone of a harmonious interface between both parties.

Kirk McKinnon, President & CEO, commenting “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chief Eno H. Anderson and the Kasabonika Council for their time and desire to reach a fair and responsible agreement with MacDonald Mines. During this negotiating process, we at MacDonald Mines saw and understood the important relationship that the Kasabonika Lake First Nation has and enjoys with their traditional lands.

It is this appreciation of the relationship to their traditional lands that gave MacDonald Mines the necessary understanding to work to find a fair resolution to our negotiations. I am especially gratified at the role the elders, Mr. Geordie Semple and Mr. Harry Semple, played in reaching this agreement in cooperation with Chief & Council. Their comments and passion relating to their traditional lands provided great insight and understanding for MacDonald through this process.”

Nibinamik First Nation working with Noront on skills training – by Shawn Bell (Wawatay News – April 24, 2012)

November 3, 2015April 24, 2012

This article came from Wawatay News: http://www.wawataynews.ca/

Nibinamik First Nation is the fourth First Nation to sign a training agreement with Noront Resources that intends to help band members get mining jobs if the Ring of Fire goes ahead as planned.

Nibinamik chief Johnny Yellowhead signed the agreement with Noront during the community’s mining week, held from April 10-13.

“If mining is done with inclusion and respect for people on the land, everyone will win,” Yellowhead said during the signing ceremony. “That’s our main purpose with the 4-nation partnership is to try to work together and try to understand each other.”

Nibinamik, Webequie, Neskantaga and Eabametoong First Nations signed the 4-nations partnership during the Prospectors and Developers Association conference in Toronto in March. The bands’ initial move was to throw their support behind the East-West transportation corridor that would connect each of the communities to the southern road and power line network.

Now each of the four Matawa First Nations have agreed to work with Noront on pushing the federal government for skills and education training to prepare band members for jobs at the mine.

‘Corporate Canada’ should embrace First Nations as full partners in resource development: Chief Shawn Atleo – by Adrian Humphreys (National Post – April 23, 2012)

April 24, 2012

The National Post is Canada’s second largest national paper.

“We are not opposed to development, but we must be involved at the outset.
First Nation rights and responsibilities demand that we are full partners
in discussions about exploration, ownership, participation in production,
and long-term sustainability of our environment, our communities and our
futures.” (Shawn Atleo, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations)

TORONTO — The National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations brought a metaphorical carrot and stick to deliver his message of reconciliation to corporate Canada, saying the country faces “an aboriginal tsunami” and mending its relationship with the “newcomers” can only be achieved if they “smashed the status quo.”

But if any of the evocative language by Shawn Atleo caused concern among the audience of what he called “the suits of Toronto,” it seemed to be mollified by the entreaty he offered in return.

Co-operation with First Nations will avoid intractable disputes over hugely valuable resource development projects across the country, he said.

“Currently, First Nations are often the last to know about major resource development. This relegates our communities to few options, usually resulting in confrontation.

OMA member Osisko strengthens mining industry-Metis relations

April 20, 2012

This article was provided by the Ontario Mining Association (OMA), an organization that was established in 1920 to represent the mining industry of the province.

Ontario Mining Association member Osisko Mining has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Metis Nation of Ontario (MNO) concerning the development of its Hammond Reef gold project in Northwestern Ontario. The MOU defines how the parties will be consulted and commits both parties to work together to address potential impacts of the mineral development project on Metis rights, interests and way of life.

“The signing of the MOU is the result of a respectful consultation process between the signatories,” said Sean Roosen, Osisko President and Chief Executive Officer. “The agreement represents a milestone in our continuing working relationship with all the local communities in the region and underscores Osisko’s commitment to continue developing a strong relationship with Aboriginal people.”

“This agreement is an important step in building a mutually respectful and sustainable relationship between the Metis community and Osisko Hammond Reef. It sets out a consultation process through which Osisko Hammond Reef can engage with the Metis Community at the local and regional levels in order to better understand Metis rights and interests that may be impacted in the local area around the project,” said Gary Lipinski, President of the MNO.

A regulatory burden lifted but opposition remains – by Gary Mason (Globe and Mail – April 19, 2012)

April 19, 2012

The Globe and Mail is Canada’s national newspaper with the second largest broadsheet circulation in the country. It has enormous influence on Canada’s political and business elite.

Governing is so much more fun with a majority, as Prime Minister Stephen Harper reminds us every day. Opposition parties can yell and scream all they want, but the Conservatives don’t have to listen. They can kill the long-gun registry and bring in an omnibus crime bill and simply plug their ears when Liberals and New Democrats get up in the House of Commons to complain.

The latest move by the federal government to upset the Opposition is a plan to streamline – some would say neuter – the environmental assessment process. The Conservatives have been telegraphing this one for a while.

Mr. Harper has staked the economic future of the country on the resource riches of The West, and why not? In particular, the Prime Minister is focused on helping Alberta get its crude to market as quickly as possible. Future federal budget surpluses depend on it.

In the Prime Minister’s home province of Alberta, they still talk about the Mackenzie Valley gas pipeline project, which ultimately died, in part because of a burdensome regulatory assessment process that dragged on for years.

Ottawa needs to reassure Canadians that its new environmental review policies are sound – Toronto Star Editorial (April 19, 2012)

April 19, 2012

The Toronto Star, has the largest circulation in Canada. The paper has an enormous impact on federal and Ontario politics as well as shaping public opinion.

If Canadians could trust Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government to manage both our oil- and mineral-rich economy and the environment that surrounds it, it would be easy to welcome Ottawa’s plan for simpler, faster and more coherent environmental assessments. The current system is undeniably flawed.

But given Harper’s past hostility to green causes, it’s only natural to question his motives and worry about the impact of his reforms.

It’s easy to illustrate how the system falls down now. Even picayune projects need assessments, like adding more office space inside a federal building, replacing an old military generator, or washing fruit on a blueberry farm.

Meanwhile, federal assessments for major work can take years to launch, and years to finish. One Alberta oil sands project took almost six years before approval was granted. Uncertainty and delays on this scale could discourage investors and sacrifice Canadian jobs at a time when we can’t afford to lose either.

Power Ring of Fire with hydro, chiefs say – Shawn Bell (Wawatay News – April 18, 2012)

April 19, 2012April 19, 2012

This article came from Wawatay News: http://www.wawataynews.ca/

First Nations and municipal leaders from northwestern Ontario are banding together with a list of demands to ensure long-term benefits of the Ring of Fire stay in the region.

The demands include powering the mines with hydropower, connecting remote communities to a hydro grid and road network and building Cliffs Resources’ chromite smelter in Greenstone.

“The companies want to come in and exploit the resources and leave nothing behind for local long standing benefits such as electric grid connection and road access, both a boost to the local economy,” said Marten Falls First Nation Chief Elijah Moonias.

Marten Falls was joined by Aroland, Constance Lake and three Lake Nipigon First Nations at the summit, held in Greenstone on April 17. Mayors of four municipalities, including Greenstone and Thunder Bay, were also signatories to the Ring of Fire resolution signed at the summit.

NEWS RELEASE: NAN WARNS PROPOSED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CHANGES COULD LEAD TO UNREST

April 18, 2012

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) is warning that changes to the environmental regulatory process will lead to direct confrontation on the ground. Yesterday, the federal government released details of a plan to overhaul the environmental review process for major projects as announced during the recent federal budget.

Currently, Environmental Assessment processes are underway in the Ring of Fire region within NAN, and more major projects are expected to take place. In November 2011, First Nations in the Matawa region, within the Ring of Fire, filed a judicial review against the Environment Minister’s decision to proceed with a comprehensive environmental assessment process for the proposed Cliffs Chromite Project, as opposed to a joint panel review they had called for. This judicial review is expected to be heard in the fall of 2012.

“Consultation and accommodation, let alone consent, have not been met with First Nations. I am concerned with how regulatory reform will affect First Nations, including their ability to meaningfully participate in an environmental assessment process that is proposed to be fast-tracked and unchanged in funding capacity,” said Grand Chief Stan Beardy.

Federal budget: Critics blast Ottawa’s plan to overhaul environmental review process – by Michael Woods (Toronto Star – April 18, 2012)

April 18, 2012

The Toronto Star, has the largest circulation in Canada. The paper has an enormous impact on federal and Ontario politics as well as shaping public opinion.

Critics cried foul Tuesday over the federal government’s decision to overhaul its environmental assessment process, calling it a bid to fast-track big oil and gas projects at the expense of the environment.

And environmentalists say there’s no better cautionary tale than the proposed Prosperity mine near Williams Lake in Interior B.C., which the province approved in 2010 but the federal government later disallowed.

The Conservative government’s planned changes, announced Tuesday but first mentioned in last month’s federal budget, would hand over environmental oversight for many projects to the provinces and reduce the number of federal review organizations and departments from more than 40 to three.

Minister of Natural Resources Joe Oliver said the assessment process needs streamlining because the current one is duplicative and cumbersome, and small projects that pose no risk to the environment are delayed. The government says new rules would provide predictability for investors.