Northern Ontario’s First Nations Voice: http://wawataynews.ca/
In response to what it claims are shortfalls with Ontario’s new mining act, Muskegowuk tribal council says it has started discussions with the province on the creation of a unique mining plan for the Mushkegowuk region.
Mushkegowuk Grand Chief Stan Louttit said it may be time for Ontario to implement specific legislation and policies giving First Nations consent over mining and exploration activities in the Mushkegowuk region.
Louttit said a clear regional plan would add certainty for industry and First Nations alike.
“We believe the recent changes to the Mining Act still do not fully acknowledge the rights of First Nations,” Louttit said in a press release. “Government, the mining companies and the public have to wake up to the harsh reality that First Nations are here.”
“We are unique, we are different, we have Treaty Rights and (government and industry) should know that consultation and consent are critical and mandatory for any activity on our homelands,” Louttit added. “Yes, there may be 133 different approaches to consultation but the cold reality is: nothing will happen until governments and companies realize this.”
Phase two of Ontario’s new mining act started to take effect on Nov. 1. Under the changes the province will inform all affected First Nations when a claim on traditional lands has been staked, and companies are required to consult First Nations identified by Ontario.