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Cision Canada
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Marten Falls and Webequie First Nations Hold Ceremony to Mark Next Step in Indigenous-Led Development at Ring of Fire
THUNDER BAY, ON, July 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation have held a joint ceremony to take down a ceremonial teepee they erected last year. The act symbolizes a new phase in their partnership and a shared commitment to an Indigenous-led development process for the Ring of Fire, a significant mineral-rich region in Northern Ontario. Led by their respective Chiefs, Councils, Elders, and community members, the ceremony highlighted the joint and mutually respectful process required between the First Nations and development proponents. Leaders and staff from mining company Wyloo also attended to observe and note the need to continue strong consultation and engagement with both First Nations. The ceremony underscored the fundamental principles guiding the First Nations' approach: Acknowledgment of the traditional and ancestral lands they have stewarded since time immemorial. The necessity for deep and meaningful consultation that includes co-planning and co-development of the area, in accordance with the laws and governance of both First Nations. The fulfillment of the Crown's duty to consult, which brings both provincial and federal governments to their territory as partners. Bruce Achneepineskum, Chief of Marten Falls First Nation spoke of his Nation's deep connection to the land: "Our people have occupied the Muketei River area near Esker camp since time immemorial, which we call Wawangwajing. Canada has come to know the area as the Ring of Fire. This area is important to both of our communities. Marten Falls has worked on land use planning in this area for the past 15 years mapping sacred sites, birth sites, burial sites, culturally significant sites related to moose harvesting and fishing and other ecological sensitive areas that are known to our people. We want to see development that recognizes our special connection to this land and involves us in all aspects of the work. We want to ensure that future opportunities benefit our people, and that any work done in our ancestral lands happens with our complete involvement, in compliance with our ways and our laws." Chief Cornelius Wabasse of Webequie First Nation echoed this vision for self-determination: "We share a common vision with Marten Falls to change how development occurs in our traditional territory. Today, we are leading the planning and assessment of the road projects in the region to ensure that environmental risks to our traditional ways of life are thoroughly assessed and mitigated, and that opportunities for First Nations people are maximized. Our people have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial, and that will not change through this process or the development of the Ring of Fire. We continue to lead the Environmental Assessments because we know that no one is in a better position than us to make informed decisions that protect our lands, our waters, and our inherent and traditional rights. We do this by leading with the voice of our community, our Elders, and through the use of our traditional knowledge and governance." The collaboration between Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation represents a landmark approach to resource development in Canada, prioritizing Indigenous sovereignty, environmental stewardship, and shared prosperity. Just as they lead development of projects in their territory through which they have been leading consultation and conversations with neighbouring First Nations, the 2 First Nations also respect the inherent and treaty rights of First Nations across their neighbouring territories and continue to look for ways to collaborate in inclusive processes led by First Nations. About Marten Falls First Nation: Marten Falls First Nation (MFN) is an Anishinaabe First Nation located in northern Ontario, along the confluence of Albany River and Ogoki River. MFFN is committed to protecting its lands and waters while pursuing opportunities for economic self-sufficiency and community well-being for its members.
CBC
25-06-2025
- General
- CBC
Hundreds of wildfire evacuees from Webequie First Nation return home from Barrie, Ont.
Evacuees from Webequie First Nation in northwestern Ontario are on flights home after spending two weeks in Barrie due to a wildfire near their community. The remote Ojibway First Nation declared a state of emergency on May 29 due to Nipigon 5, a wildfire that has since grown to 10,800 hectares. More than 400 of the community's most vulnerable were sent hundreds of kilometres south to Barrie, about a one-hour drive north of Toronto, where they had been staying in hotels. Webequie's Chief Cornelius Wabasse has confirmed 200 people were repatriated on Monday, with 200 more expected to arrive back in Webequie on Tuesday. "The fire has decreased in activity. It has moved away from the community and we have fire crews over there maintaining it," Wabasse told CBC News early Tuesday afternoon. "The air quality has improved." It's expected all of the Webequie evacuees will be home by Thursday, he said, which means they'll be back in time to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD) on Saturday with singing, drumming, a community cookout and other activities. "People are very happy to go back to their community," Wabasse said. However, hundreds of people from other First Nations in the region remain displaced due to northwestern Ontario's largest wildfire, Red Lake 12, which measures 177,000 hectares. More than 2,000 people from Sandy Lake First Nation are staying in several communities in southern Ontario after the Canadian Armed Forces were called in to assist efforts with Hercules aircraft last week. Members of Keewaywin First Nation have also been evacuated, according to tribal council Keewaytinook Okimakanak. Evacuation efforts have been paused in North Spirit Lake for now. Meanwhile, roughly 800 people from Deer Lake First Nation have been in Toronto for more than two weeks. It's up to community leadership to determine when they're ready to repatriate their members. Deer Lake's Chief Leonard Mamakeesic says he'll be meeting with MNR officials on Wednesday to discuss next steps for his people. Keeping people, resources together Despite the stresses at hand, Mamakeesic says Deer Lake's evacuation has been going well. ISN Maskwa, an Indigenous-led emergency operations centre, has been providing security services and other support with assistance from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). Deer Lake, Webequie First Nations communities evacuate as wildfires spread nearby 23 days ago Duration 1:37 The main priorities have been keeping people fed, distributing donations and making sure everyone is safe, he said. A doctor, a dentist and community nurses have been rotating through Deer Lake's accommodations in Toronto, "so nobody is missing their appointments." Deer Lake members were sent to Cornwall two years ago because of wildfires. Mamakeesic says it's been important for him to keep everyone in the same host community instead of having them scattered in hotels across multiple locations. "I pretty much moved my whole community here, all the resources and all the departments," he told CBC News on Tuesday. "I think we're doing great." As of Monday night, the wildfire hazard was mainly high across northwestern Ontario, with scattered patches of moderate and extreme hazard in some areas.
Toronto Sun
16-06-2025
- General
- Toronto Sun
Ring of Fire road to bring prosperity to First Nation, problems for caribou: Report
Published Jun 16, 2025 • 5 minute read A map of the Ring of Fire. Photo by Juno Corp. / Postmedia Network files A proposed road to the mineral-rich Ring of Fire in northern Ontario will bring economic prosperity to Webequie First Nation, though it may endanger caribou in the region, a newly released assessment finds. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Webequie First Nation is leading an environmental and impact assessment of the Webequie Supply Road that would connect to mining exploration activities in the Ring of Fire. That road will connect to two other proposed roads that would link the remote First Nation to the provincial highway system hundreds of kilometres south. 'This is a critical milestone for our people and our project,' Chief Cornelius Wabasse said in a statement. 'We are proud of this important work and the respectful approach taken to get it done. We are also grateful for all those who support Webequie's journey to self-determination, economic self-reliance and a better future for our people.' The work and subsequent draft report were done under the province's Environmental Assessment Act and the federal Impact Assessment Act. The report is thousands of pages long and has been shared with 22 other First Nations in northern Ontario for a 60-day review period, which will be followed by a final report filed to both levels of government. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The assessment examined how the natural and socioeconomic environments, Indigenous land use and traditional knowledge of the area would be affected by building the supply road. The 107-km, two-lane road will take four to six years to complete once construction begins and will need six bridges and 25 culverts to cross various bodies of water, the report said. The proposed road will run northwest-southeast for 51 km from the First Nation's airport to the next segment that will run 56 km east-west to McFaulds Lake and the Eagle's Nest mineral exploration site. The proposed mine is owned by Wyloo, an Australian mining company with its Canadian operations based in Toronto. The road is expected to last 75 years, after which major refurbishments will be needed. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The projected construction costs to the province are $663 million, though it's unclear yet who will own the road and who will be allowed to use it. The First Nation said those details will come in future negotiations with Ontario. 'Our vision for the Webequie Supply Road is an economic development road that creates real opportunities for our young people and future generations to drive to work and back,' Wabasse said. 'This project offers possibilities to provide skills training for our youth, create new jobs and business opportunities, and strengthen Webequie's economic future while remaining deeply connected to our land and traditions.' The report assumes construction would start in the winter of 2028 and be complete by the summer of 2032, though a start date has yet to be announced. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The report comes amid great debate about mining in northern Ontario. Premier Doug Ford's government recently passed Bill 5 into law with the aim to speed up development of mining and other projects. The new legislation has been met with outrage and resistance from First Nations. The government has given itself the power to suspend provincial and municipal laws through the creation of so-called 'special economic zones' for projects it chooses. The province intends to designate the Ring of Fire the first such zone, though it has said it will not do so until it consults with First Nations in the region. Details about how that would actually work are sparse. The Webequie Supply Road is expected to have a significantly positive effect on the First Nation's economy during construction and beyond, the assessment found. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Community members have emphasized the issues of unemployment and the lack of growth and learning opportunities,' the report said. 'With the anticipated road access connectivity from the project, potential economic growth is expected, leading to job opportunities for community members, allowing them to work closer to home.' The province has pledged some $70 million to help train Indigenous workers for jobs in development and mining. Wyloo also trains its workers who are conducting mineral exploration at the Eagle's Nest site. Other mining and forestry opportunities are likely to arise once the road is built, the report found. By and large, the threats to animals and plants from road construction are not considered significant, except for a few species at risk that include the boreal caribou. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. There are about 5,000 caribou left in the province, the vast majority of them in northern Ontario. Webequie First Nation and the proposed road are within that animal's range. The species is considered threatened in Ontario, which means it could become endangered if protective steps are not taken. Construction and operation of the road is 'expected to provide predators such as wolves increased access to the caribou, particularly where the road traverses natural movement corridors,' the report said. 'Overall, caribou injury or death due to changes to predator-prey dynamics from the project is considered a significant adverse effect based on current vulnerability of the population,' the report found. The construction of the road will also change the caribou's habitat, it said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Road construction will also affect wolverines, another threatened species, the report found. There are only two known mature female wolverines in the entire study area. One den is within 400 metres of the proposed road site and 'will likely lose function as denning habitat due to the indirect effects of clearing activities.' About half of the proposed road is in the James Bay Lowlands, which is dominated by peatlands, a weak material to build a road upon. Engineers have decided a 'floating road' is the best option, done by 'carefully loading materials over peat, allowing time for it to consolidate and increase in strength.' While building the road will have an effect on all parts of the environment, much of that will be negligible with proper mitigation efforts, the report found. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. For example, the report said fish and their habitat will not be significantly affected as crews build the six bridges and 25 culverts because construction barriers will be temporary. The First Nation is also concerned the road will bring more alcohol and illicit drugs to the community, and said it will try to limit access to outsiders during construction as much as possible. 'Webequie First Nation remains committed to an Indigenous-led approach that supports responsible development while upholding our environmental stewardship responsibilities,' its chief said. Read More Toronto Maple Leafs Columnists Toronto Maple Leafs Canada Toronto & GTA
Global News
16-06-2025
- Business
- Global News
Ring of Fire road to bring prosperity to First Nation, problems for caribou: report
A proposed road to the mineral-rich Ring of Fire in northern Ontario will bring economic prosperity to Webequie First Nation, though it may endanger caribou in the region, a newly released assessment finds. Webequie First Nation is leading an environmental and impact assessment of the Webequie Supply Road that would connect to mining exploration activities in the Ring of Fire. That road will connect to two other proposed roads that would link the remote First Nation to the provincial highway system hundreds of kilometres south. 'This is a critical milestone for our people and our project,' Chief Cornelius Wabasse said in a statement. 'We are proud of this important work and the respectful approach taken to get it done. We are also grateful for all those who support Webequie's journey to self-determination, economic self-reliance and a better future for our people.' Story continues below advertisement The work and subsequent draft report were done under the province's Environmental Assessment Act and the federal Impact Assessment Act. The report is thousands of pages long and has been shared with 22 other First Nations in northern Ontario for a 60-day review period, which will be followed by a final report filed to both levels of government. The assessment examined how the natural and socioeconomic environments, Indigenous land use and traditional knowledge of the area would be affected by building the supply road. The 107-kilometre, two-lane road will take four to six years to complete once construction begins and will need six bridges and 25 culverts to cross various bodies of water, the report said. The proposed road will run northwest-southeast for 51 kilometres from the First Nation's airport to the next segment that will run 56 kilometres east-west to McFaulds Lake and the Eagle's Nest mineral exploration site. The proposed mine is owned by Wyloo, an Australian mining company with its Canadian operations based in Toronto. The road is expected to last 75 years, after which major refurbishments will be needed. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The projected construction costs to the province are $663 million, though it's unclear yet who will own the road and who will be allowed to use it. The First Nation said those details will come in future negotiations with Ontario. Story continues below advertisement 'Our vision for the Webequie Supply Road is an economic development road that creates real opportunities for our young people and future generations to drive to work and back,' Wabasse said. 'This project offers possibilities to provide skills training for our youth, create new jobs and business opportunities, and strengthen Webequie's economic future while remaining deeply connected to our land and traditions.' The report assumes construction would start in the winter of 2028 and be complete by the summer of 2032, though a start date has yet to be announced. The report comes amid great debate about mining in northern Ontario. Premier Doug Ford's government recently passed Bill 5 into law with the aim to speed up development of mining and other projects. The new legislation has been met with outrage and resistance from First Nations. The government has given itself the power to suspend provincial and municipal laws through the creation of so-called 'special economic zones' for projects it chooses. The province intends to designate the Ring of Fire the first such zone, though it has said it will not do so until it consults with First Nations in the region. Details about how that would actually work are sparse. The Webequie Supply Road is expected to have a significantly positive effect on the First Nation's economy during construction and beyond, the assessment found. Story continues below advertisement 'Community members have emphasized the issues of unemployment and the lack of growth and learning opportunities,' the report said. 'With the anticipated road access connectivity from the project, potential economic growth is expected, leading to job opportunities for community members, allowing them to work closer to home.' The province has pledged some $70 million to help train Indigenous workers for jobs in development and mining. Wyloo also trains its workers who are conducting mineral exploration at the Eagle's Nest site. Other mining and forestry opportunities are likely to arise once the road is built, the report found. By and large, the threats to animals and plants from road construction are not considered significant, except for a few species at risk that include the boreal caribou. There are about 5,000 caribou left in the province, the vast majority of them in northern Ontario. Webequie First Nation and the proposed road are within that animal's range. The species is considered threatened in Ontario, which means it could become endangered if protective steps are not taken. Construction and operation of the road is 'expected to provide predators such as wolves increased access to the caribou, particularly where the road traverses natural movement corridors,' the report said. Story continues below advertisement 'Overall, caribou injury or death due to changes to predator-prey dynamics from the project is considered a significant adverse effect based on current vulnerability of the population,' the report found. The construction of the road will also change the caribou's habitat, it said. Road construction will also affect another threatened species, wolverines, the report found. There are only two known mature female wolverines in the entire study area. One den is within 400 metres of the proposed road site and 'will likely lose function as denning habitat due to the indirect effects of clearing activities.' About half of the proposed road is in the James Bay Lowlands, which is dominated by peatlands, a weak material to build a road upon. Engineers have decided a 'floating road' is the best option, done by 'carefully loading materials over peat, allowing time for it to consolidate and increase in strength.' While building the road will have an effect on all parts of the environment, much of that will be negligible with proper mitigation efforts, the report found. For example, the report said fish and their habitat will not be significantly affected as crews build the six bridges and 25 culverts because construction barriers will be temporary. The First Nation is also concerned the road will bring more alcohol and illicit drugs to the community, and said it will try to limit access to outsiders during construction as much as possible. Story continues below advertisement 'Webequie First Nation remains committed to an Indigenous-led approach that supports responsible development while upholding our environmental stewardship responsibilities,' its chief said.
Winnipeg Free Press
16-06-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Ring of Fire road to bring prosperity to First Nation, problems for caribou: report
TORONTO – A proposed road to the mineral-rich Ring of Fire in northern Ontario will bring economic prosperity to Webequie First Nation, though it may endanger caribou in the region, a newly released assessment finds. Webequie First Nation is leading an environmental and impact assessment of the Webequie Supply Road that would connect to mining exploration activities in the Ring of Fire. That road will connect to two other proposed roads that would link the remote First Nation to the provincial highway system hundreds of kilometres south. 'This is a critical milestone for our people and our project,' Chief Cornelius Wabasse said in a statement. 'We are proud of this important work and the respectful approach taken to get it done. We are also grateful for all those who support Webequie's journey to self-determination, economic self-reliance and a better future for our people.' The work and subsequent draft report were done under the province's Environmental Assessment Act and the federal Impact Assessment Act. The report is thousands of pages long and has been shared with 22 other First Nations in northern Ontario for a 60-day review period, which will be followed by a final report filed to both levels of government. The assessment examined how the natural and socioeconomic environments, Indigenous land use and traditional knowledge of the area would be affected by building the supply road. The 107-kilometre, two-lane road will take four to six years to complete once construction begins and will need six bridges and 25 culverts to cross various bodies of water, the report said. The proposed road will run northwest-southeast for 51 kilometres from the First Nation's airport to the next segment that will run 56 kilometres east-west to McFaulds Lake and the Eagle's Nest mineral exploration site. The proposed mine is owned by Wyloo, an Australian mining company with its Canadian operations based in Toronto. The road is expected to last 75 years, after which major refurbishments will be needed. The projected construction costs to the province are $663 million, though it's unclear yet who will own the road and who will be allowed to use it. The First Nation said those details will come in future negotiations with Ontario. 'Our vision for the Webequie Supply Road is an economic development road that creates real opportunities for our young people and future generations to drive to work and back,' Wabasse said. 'This project offers possibilities to provide skills training for our youth, create new jobs and business opportunities, and strengthen Webequie's economic future while remaining deeply connected to our land and traditions.' The report assumes construction would start in the winter of 2028 and be complete by the summer of 2032, though a start date has yet to be announced. The report comes amid great debate about mining in northern Ontario. Premier Doug Ford's government recently passed Bill 5 into law with the aim to speed up development of mining and other projects. The new legislation has been met with outrage and resistance from First Nations. The government has given itself the power to suspend provincial and municipal laws through the creation of so-called 'special economic zones' for projects it chooses. The province intends to designate the Ring of Fire the first such zone, though it has said it will not do so until it consults with First Nations in the region. Details about how that would actually work are sparse. The Webequie Supply Road is expected to have a significantly positive effect on the First Nation's economy during construction and beyond, the assessment found. 'Community members have emphasized the issues of unemployment and the lack of growth and learning opportunities,' the report said. 'With the anticipated road access connectivity from the project, potential economic growth is expected, leading to job opportunities for community members, allowing them to work closer to home.' The province has pledged some $70 million to help train Indigenous workers for jobs in development and mining. Wyloo also trains its workers who are conducting mineral exploration at the Eagle's Nest site. Other mining and forestry opportunities are likely to arise once the road is built, the report found. By and large, the threats to animals and plants from road construction are not considered significant, except for a few species at risk that include the boreal caribou. There are about 5,000 caribou left in the province, the vast majority of them in northern Ontario. Webequie First Nation and the proposed road are within that animal's range. The species is considered threatened in Ontario, which means it could become endangered if protective steps are not taken. Construction and operation of the road is 'expected to provide predators such as wolves increased access to the caribou, particularly where the road traverses natural movement corridors,' the report said. 'Overall, caribou injury or death due to changes to predator-prey dynamics from the project is considered a significant adverse effect based on current vulnerability of the population,' the report found. The construction of the road will also change the caribou's habitat, it said. Road construction will also affect another threatened species, wolverines, the report found. There are only two known mature female wolverines in the entire study area. One den is within 400 metres of the proposed road site and 'will likely lose function as denning habitat due to the indirect effects of clearing activities.' About half of the proposed road is in the James Bay Lowlands, which is dominated by peatlands, a weak material to build a road upon. Engineers have decided a 'floating road' is the best option, done by 'carefully loading materials over peat, allowing time for it to consolidate and increase in strength.' Wednesdays Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture. While building the road will have an effect on all parts of the environment, much of that will be negligible with proper mitigation efforts, the report found. For example, the report said fish and their habitat will not be significantly affected as crews build the six bridges and 25 culverts because construction barriers will be temporary. The First Nation is also concerned the road will bring more alcohol and illicit drugs to the community, and said it will try to limit access to outsiders during construction as much as possible. 'Webequie First Nation remains committed to an Indigenous-led approach that supports responsible development while upholding our environmental stewardship responsibilities,' its chief said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 16, 2025.
