Latest news with #Neskantaga
Globe and Mail
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Globe and Mail
Two First Nations setting up encampment near proposed bridge to Ring of Fire
A political decision one thousand kilometres from Jeronimo Kataquapit's home in a remote First Nation near James Bay set the course for his summer. Now, the 20-year-old from Attawapiskat First Nation, his father, mother and older brother are headed upriver in two 24-foot freighter canoes on a 400-kilometre journey to 'reassert First Nations' presence' near the Ring of Fire region in northern Ontario. The family hopes to make it to their final stop, near a proposed bridge over the Attawapiskat River, by Saturday. There, they will meet a contingent from Neskantaga First Nation as the two communities unite to build a quasi-permanent encampment — and make a political statement. 'This is our home. This is our own territory, not just Attawapiskat's, but every nation in the area,' Kataquapit said in a recent phone interview with The Canadian Press, speaking from under a tarp in his canoe as his father navigated small rapids. They brought more than 200 litres of gasoline to run the 25-horsepower motors on their canoes. A generator also powers their Starlink kit that gives them access to high-speed internet from anywhere in order to document their travels on social media and stay connected to the outside world. 'Nothing's off the table': AFN warns of potential legal action if Bill C-5 passes Ontario's Bill 5 has passed. Here's why it has sparked conflict with First Nations The family left Attawapiskat on June 16 for the journey Kataquapit has dubbed 'Here We Stand,' which he said is a call to action to First Nations to show the federal and provincial governments they want to be consulted before any further development and mining in the mineral-rich Ring of Fire. The idea crystallized for Kataquapit in late May when Ottawa introduced Bill C-5, which Prime Minister Mark Carney's government said is designed to speed up major projects deemed to be in the 'national interest.' That bill, which was fast-tracked through the House of Commons and is now before the Senate, came on the heels of the similar Bill 5 that was rammed through the provincial legislature at Queen's Park in Toronto. A part of that legislation gives Ontario's cabinet the power to suspend provincial and municipal laws in so-called special economic zones in order to speed up projects such as mines. Premier Doug Ford has said the Ring of Fire would be the first such zone. Both pieces of legislation prompted outrage and protests at Queen's Park and Parliament Hill by First Nations who say the bills trample their rights and ignore their concerns. First Nations across the country, particularly those in northern Ontario, have warned they could turn to blockading roads, railways and mines if the legislation is not repealed. 'There's no way the governments can amend those bills,' Kataquapit said. 'Get rid of it, then maybe we can discuss other things.' House approves Bill C-5 to fast-track projects, Carney pledges summer consultations with Indigenous leaders Doug Ford accuses First Nations of 'coming hat in hand' for government money, despite treating them 'like gold' Neskantaga First Nation members have already flown to the Ring of Fire encampment site to prepare it and they plan to head back there this week to meet Kataquapit and his family, said Chief Gary Quisess. About a dozen Neskantaga community members made their way by boat plane to the proposed river crossing, built a dock and are ready to dig in for the long haul. 'It's going to be a little, small community,' Quisess said. 'Our message is simple: no one will cross the Attawapiskat River without our free, prior and informed consent.' Neskantaga wants the governments to help its community first before agreeing on any development deal. Its nursing station flooded two months ago and remains boarded up, Quisess said. The First Nation also holds a notorious record — it has been living under a boil-water advisory for 30 years. 'We live in a third world,' he said. Opinion: If Canada is seeking an ideal nation-building project, it should invest in First Nations infrastructure The province has proposed three roads that would connect the provincial highway system to two First Nations, Webequie and Marten Falls, as well as the mining exploration site known as Eagle's Nest inside the Ring of Fire. That proposed mine is owned by Wyloo, an Australian company. Two environmental assessments have been completed and a third one is underway for those roads. The completed reports have said the roads will take four to six years to build. Two bridge crossings of the Attawapiskat River have also been proposed. Both Neskantaga and Attawapiskat First Nations reside on the Attawapiskat River some 450 kilometres apart and they revere the waters that have provided life and sustenance for generations. They plan to live off the river and the land once entrenched near the Ring of Fire. 'The river is a very sacred area, many of our ancestors are buried along the shoreline, where they lived before,' Quisess said. In the days before his family's departure, Kataquapit held lengthy meetings with leadership to inform the rest of the community about the provincial and federal legislation. They also made several dozen Attawapiskat First Nation flags and family flags. Those flags are painted with handprints, signatures and messages like 'Kill Bill 5.' Kataquapit has been planting them on the shore along the river route. Some days, his family travels nine hours and up to 60 kilometres. Other days are slower and shorter, with the canoes moving between four and seven kilometres per hour, he said. 'Around this time the river really starts to dry up, so it's really shallow in some parts, so we have to get off the boat and put on our long boots and drag the boats,' he said. 'It's just slow and steady travel. It's been long, it's been tough, but we are going to get there to stand with Neskantaga for all First Nations.'
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Two First Nations setting up encampment near proposed bridge to Ring of Fire
A political decision one thousand kilometres from Jeronimo Kataquapit's home in a remote First Nation near James Bay set the course for his summer. Now, the 20-year-old from Attawapiskat First Nation, his father, mother and older brother are headed upriver in two 24-foot freighter canoes on a 400-kilometre journey to "reassert First Nations' presence" near the Ring of Fire region in northern Ontario. The family hopes to make it to their final stop, near a proposed bridge over the Attawapiskat River, by Saturday. There, they will meet a contingent from Neskantaga First Nation as the two communities unite to build a quasi-permanent encampment — and make a political statement. "This is our home. This is our own territory, not just Attawapiskat's, but every nation in the area," Kataquapit said in a recent phone interview with The Canadian Press, speaking from under a tarp in his canoe as his father navigated small rapids. They brought more than 200 litres of gasoline to run the 25-horsepower motors on their canoes. A generator also powers their Starlink kit that gives them access to high-speed internet from anywhere in order to document their travels on social media and stay connected to the outside world. The family left Attawapiskat on June 16 for the journey Kataquapit has dubbed "Here We Stand," which he said is a call to action to First Nations to show the federal and provincial governments they want to be consulted before any further development and mining in the mineral-rich Ring of Fire. The idea crystallized for Kataquapit in late May when Ottawa introduced Bill C-5, which Prime Minister Mark Carney's government said is designed to speed up major projects deemed to be in the "national interest." That bill, which was fast-tracked through the House of Commons and is now before the Senate, came on the heels of the similar Bill 5 that was rammed through the provincial legislature at Queen's Park in Toronto. A part of that legislation gives Ontario's cabinet the power to suspend provincial and municipal laws in so-called special economic zones in order to speed up projects such as mines. Premier Doug Ford has said the Ring of Fire would be the first such zone. Both pieces of legislation prompted outrage and protests at Queen's Park and Parliament Hill by First Nations who say the bills trample their rights and ignore their concerns. First Nations across the country, particularly those in northern Ontario, have warned they could turn to blockading roads, railways and mines if the legislation is not repealed. "There's no way the governments can amend those bills," Kataquapit said. "Get rid of it, then maybe we can discuss other things." Neskantaga First Nation members have already flown to the Ring of Fire encampment site to prepare it and they plan to head back there this week to meet Kataquapit and his family, said Chief Gary Quisess. About a dozen Neskantaga community members made their way by boat plane to the proposed river crossing, built a dock and are ready to dig in for the long haul. "It's going to be a little, small community," Quisess said. "Our message is simple: no one will cross the Attawapiskat River without our free, prior and informed consent." Neskantaga wants the governments to help its community first before agreeing on any development deal. Its nursing station flooded two months ago and remains boarded up, Quisess said. The First Nation also holds a notorious record — it has been living under a boil-water advisory for 30 years. "We live in a third world," he said. The province has proposed three roads that would connect the provincial highway system to two First Nations, Webequie and Marten Falls, as well as the mining exploration site known as Eagle's Nest inside the Ring of Fire. That proposed mine is owned by Wyloo, an Australian company. Two environmental assessments have been completed and a third one is underway for those roads. The completed reports have said the roads will take four to six years to build. Two bridge crossings of the Attawapiskat River have also been proposed. Both Neskantaga and Attawapiskat First Nations reside on the Attawapiskat River some 450 kilometres apart and they revere the waters that have provided life and sustenance for generations. They plan to live off the river and the land once entrenched near the Ring of Fire. "The river is a very sacred area, many of our ancestors are buried along the shoreline, where they lived before," Quisess said. In the days before his family's departure, Kataquapit held lengthy meetings with leadership to inform the rest of the community about the provincial and federal legislation. They also made several dozen Attawapiskat First Nation flags and family flags. Those flags are painted with handprints, signatures and messages like "Kill Bill 5." Kataquapit has been planting them on the shore along the river route. Some days, his family travels nine hours and up to 60 kilometres. Other days are slower and shorter, with the canoes moving between four and seven kilometres per hour, he said. "Around this time the river really starts to dry up, so it's really shallow in some parts, so we have to get off the boat and put on our long boots and drag the boats," he said. "It's just slow and steady travel. It's been long, it's been tough, but we are going to get there to stand with Neskantaga for all First Nations." This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 26, 2025. Liam Casey, The Canadian Press Sign in to access your portfolio
CTV News
13-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Canada risks missing out on billions in mining revenue without swift policy changes: report
A stream runs along the outskirts of Neskantaga First Nation, which is part of northern Ontario's mineral-rich Ring of Fire, on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young Canada must find a way to fast-track critical minerals production without cutting corners on Indigenous rights and environmental protections, according to new research from the Canadian Climate Institute. Otherwise, we will lose out on multi-billion dollars of economic activity as demand for copper, nickel, lithium, graphite, cobalt, and rare earth elements soars in the coming years. Spending of up to $65 billion is required to increase production of the critical minerals to meet global demand, the report said. Ring of Fire The Ring of Fire is deposit that contains large amounts of nickel, chromite and other minerals in northwestern Ontario. The province has been negotiating with First Nations communities in the area for more than a decade to build the infrastructure and sign agreements needed to develop mines. (File) Those minerals 'form the building blocks of clean technologies like renewable energy and electric vehicles, among others,' a news release on the report said Friday. 'Canada's current production levels have barely scratched the surface of existing reserves, and demand is growing for these minerals that are essential to enhancing Canada's energy security and enabling the global transition to clean technologies.' The report, published Friday by the Canadian Climate Institute, is called 'Critical Path: Securing Canada's place in the global critical minerals race. Critical minerals The Ring of Fire deposit in northwestern Ontario holds large amounts of critical minerals. (Photo from video) It said that investment in the six priority critical minerals would have to grow substantially to keep pace with domestic and global demand. 'In fact, by 2040, Canada risks losing out on $12 billion a year in critical minerals production unless mining ramps up to meet demand from domestic industry alone,' the release said. 'Amid increased competition for critical minerals, geopolitical turmoil, and rapidly evolving trade relationships, new investment of $30 billion would have to flow into Canada over the next 15 years to fully meet domestic critical minerals potential.' To meet the growth in global demand — which is expected to double by 2040 — investment in Canadian critical minerals would have to increase to $65 billion in that time frame. Because of the instability of future market prices, the report says governments should 'share risks' to give investors more certainty. That could take the form of 'equity investments, offtake agreements or contracts for difference.' Timmins critical minerals Canada must find a way to fast-track critical minerals production without cutting corners on Indigenous rights and environmental protections, according to new research from the Canadian Climate Institute. (File) ((Lydia Chubak/CTV News)) While streamlining the approvals process for new mines is critical, the report said it's equally important to not cut 'corners when it comes to Indigenous rights and protecting the environment, (which) has been proven to backfire and lead to further delays.' 'The report underscores that successful critical mineral projects require strong partnerships with Indigenous nations and communities, ongoing respect and recognition of Indigenous rights and self-determination, and robust environmental protections.' 'Critical minerals represent a multi-billion-dollar opportunity for Canada in a global energy transition that continues to pick up pace.' — Rick Smith, president of the Canadian Climate Institute Specifically, governments should provide funding for Indigenous communities 'to participate and partner on mining projects and enhance access to capital for ownership opportunities.' 'Strengthening mining regulations to reduce environmental risks and liabilities for communities that build on existing voluntary standards,' is another important step, the report said. 'Critical minerals represent a multi-billion-dollar opportunity for Canada in a global energy transition that continues to pick up pace,' Rick Smith, president of the Canadian Climate Institute, said in the release. 'But Canada's critical minerals sector is struggling to attract enough investment to keep up with demand. As competition heats up and trade relationships evolve, Canadian governments should make haste to adopt policies to unlock private investment and bring resources to market faster—all while forming respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities and reducing environmental risks." 'All clean growth projects will be built on treaty lands, land claim areas, traditional territories, or within close proximity to an Indigenous community,' said JP Gladu, founder and principal of Mokwateh. 'This unique moment in time can affirm Indigenous rights to land and self-determination and encourage meaningful partnership between Indigenous nations, industry, and government. The Canadian Climate Institute's report provides a clear path on how Canada can grow its critical minerals sector in full partnership with Indigenous Peoples.'
CBC
06-06-2025
- Health
- CBC
Neskantaga First Nation calls for more federal support after community evacuation cut short
Social Sharing Chief Gary Quisses says Neskantaga First Nation's evacuation lasted 46 days — but he wasn't ready to bring his community members home. The remote Ojibway First Nation has been under a state of emergency since April 13, prompted by flooding and a strong smell of fuel at its nursing station, the only access point for medical services in the community. That week, more than 130 evacuees and their pets were flown roughly 450 kilometres to Thunder Bay, Ont., in order to have their health-care needs met. In all, more than 175 evacuees ended up staying in the northwestern Ontario city for well over a month. Quisses said evacuees returned to Neskantaga last weekend, after Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) sent him a letter saying the federal government would no longer support its evacuation after June 4. According to Quisses, Neskantaga was not told why its evacuation was no longer being supported. Meanwhile, three other communities in the region are under evacuation due to nearby wildfires, sending hundreds of people to southern Ontario from Wabaseemoong Independent Nations, Deer Lake First Nation and Webequie First Nation. While a temporary nursing station has been set up at a home in Neskantaga, Quisses said there's still a lack of equipment there to meet people's needs. "It's very challenging at the moment," Quisses told CBC News in an interview Thursday. Now, he's calling for support from the federal government to build a brand new, permanent nursing station in Neskantaga to replace the existing health centre, which has been boarded up. CBC News has reached out to ISC about Neskantaga's evacuation and calls for a new nursing station to be built, and is awaiting a response. Last month, a spokesperson for ISC told CBC News that remediation work at the nursing station began April 22. "Initial investigation indicates that the flood and fuel smell were likely a result of a failed sump pump and used fuel spill kit that was being stored in the basement," said ISC spokesperson Jacinthe Goulet. Infrastructure issues adding up Fewer than 400 people live in Neskantaga. Its nursing station was built in 1994, and Quisses said it's been in poor condition for years. "It's pretty old already and it's never been renovated. It's always having issues, finally triggered where we have to call for [a state of] emergency," Quisses said. "Right now, the community thinks we don't have proper health care. It's not recognized as a nursing station." Meanwhile, Neskantaga remains under a long-term boil water advisory that's been in place for 30 years — the longest in effect in Canada. Quisses said his hope is that swift action is taken to improve Neskantaga's health-care infrastructure. "Every time we request something, the only movement there is when we put the state of emergency [in place]," he said. During the evacuation, community members missed out on the spring harvest, while students lost a lot of days at school. It's important for people to understand the ripple effect of infrastructure issues in the remote north, Quisses explained.
CTV News
29-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Last-minute changes to Ontario mining bill are not good enough, First Nations say
A stream runs along the outskirts of Neskantaga First Nation, part of northern Ontario's mineral-rich Ring of Fire region, on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young TORONTO — Ontario First Nations say the provincial government's last-minute changes to a controversial mining bill are not good enough and have come too late. Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, which represents 49 First Nations in northern Ontario, says the province should scrap Bill 5 and draft new legislation alongside Indigenous leadership. The proposed law seeks to speed up the development of large projects such as mines, and while First Nations are not necessarily opposed to such moves, they want a seat at the decision-making table. The legislation proposes to create so-called 'special economic zones' that would suspend provincial and municipal laws for certain projects. The province intends to name the Ring of Fire as the first such zone, but ministers have promised that affected First Nations will be consulted first. A filibuster by New Democrats and Liberals forced a delay in the committee process to adopt the bill, but the province still hopes to pass the bill into law next week. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 29, 2025. Liam Casey, The Canadian Press
