Latest news with #NetmizaaggamigNishnaabeg
Toronto Star
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Star
Ontario First Nation slowed down traffic on Trans-Canada Highway over mining laws
A northern Ontario First Nation has completed a four-day demonstration that slowed down traffic on the Trans-Canada Highway, as it protests fast-tracked federal and provincial legislation designed to speed up mining and development. Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg Chief Louis Kwissiwa said several dozen members of his community, along with several other First Nations leaders, protested alongside Highway 17 to show their disapproval of the federal Bill C-5 and the provincial Bill 5.
Hamilton Spectator
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Ontario First Nation slowed down traffic on Trans-Canada Highway over mining laws
A northern Ontario First Nation has completed a four-day demonstration that slowed down traffic on the Trans-Canada Highway, as it protests fast-tracked federal and provincial legislation designed to speed up mining and development. Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg Chief Louis Kwissiwa says they demonstrated alongside Highway 17 to show their disapproval of the federal Bill C-5 and the provincial Bill 5. The federal legislation that passed recently is designed to speed up major projects deemed to be in the 'national interest.' A provincial law goes further and gives cabinet the power to suspend provincial and municipal laws in so-called special economic zones in order to speed up projects such as mines. Both levels of government want to mine the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region but the new laws have sparked outrage among many First Nations who say they trample their rights and ignore their concerns, and who have warned of blockades. Kwissiwa says the community is pro development, but it does not feel respected by both levels of government in how they went about creating the two pieces of legislation. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 4, 2025.
CTV News
04-07-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Northern Ont. First Nation rallies against fast-tracked development bills
Chief Louis Kwissiwa of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg among other protestors during a four-day rally against federal and provincial legislation they say undermines Indigenous rights and environmental protections. June 30, 2025. (Supplied/Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg) Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (Pic Mobert First Nation) wrapped up a four-day protest against federal and provincial legislation they say undermines Indigenous rights and environmental protections, culminating in a Day of Unity and Peaceful Action on July 4. First Nation Rally against Bills 5/C-5 Chief Louis Kwissiwa of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg among dozens of protesters, including representatives from neighbouring First Nations, regional Chiefs and political allies, like the Anishinabek Nation, gather for a photo during a four-day rally against federal and provincial legislation they say undermines Indigenous rights and environmental protections. June 30, 2025. (Supplied/Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg) The demonstrations, held near Highway 17 – a vital transportation corridor in northern Ontario – drew dozens of protesters, including representatives from neighbouring First Nations, regional chiefs and political allies like the Anishinabek Nation. The site, adjacent to active mining, forestry and energy projects, was chosen to emphasize the community's role as a development partner while rejecting policies they say exclude Indigenous voices. 'This protest was never about disruption for the sake of headlines,' said Chief Louis Kwissiwa of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg, in a news release Friday. 'We came here out of duty to protect our children's future. Let me be clear: we directly oppose Bill 5 and Bill C-5, and the way these laws have been developed and imposed without proper consultation.' Chief Louis Kwissiwa of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg Chief Louis Kwissiwa of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg among other protestors during a four-day rally against federal and provincial legislation they say undermines Indigenous rights and environmental protections. June 30, 2025. (Supplied/Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg) Kwissiwa criticized the legislation for sidestepping treaty rights and democratic processes, calling it a threat to Indigenous sovereignty and environmental security. 'This is not just about policy – it is about respect, fairness and the survival of our lands, cultures and communities,' he said. Police acknowledge peaceful demonstration The Ontario Provincial Police commended Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg for their cooperation in maintaining a lawful and safe event. In a social media post Thursday, police expressed gratitude to the community for their 'patience, strength and steadfast commitment to community safety,' adding, 'Your leadership and collaboration were deeply valued.' Protest organizers also acknowledged the OPP's respectful presence, noting officers ensured safety while upholding the right to peaceful assembly. Broader Indigenous opposition The protest reflects mounting frustration among First Nations over Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act, which allows federal fast-tracking of major industrial projects, and Ontario's Bill 5, which empowers the province to exempt 'special economic zones' from provincial laws. Both bills have faced accusations of ignoring Indigenous consultation requirements. In June, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak condemned Bill C-5's lack of 'free, prior and informed consent' provisions, calling it a violation of Indigenous rights. Prime Minister Mark Carney has since agreed to a national gathering with First Nations leaders next month. Youth leaders have also held rallies in Toronto, Ottawa and across northern Ontario amplifying concerns. 'If the land is sick, we're going to be sick as well,' said Hanna Sewell, a nurse from Batchewana First Nation, at a protest last month. Symbolism and solidarity The Pic Mobert protest included speeches from Neskantaga First Nation delegates, who warned of ecological risks posed by industrial development in the Ring of Fire, a mineral-rich region overlapping critical peatlands known as 'The Breathing Lands.' Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg emphasized that their opposition is not to development itself but to exclusionary processes. First Nation Rally against Bills 5/C-5 Dozens of protesters, including representatives from Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg/Pic Mobert First Nation, neighbouring First Nation communities, regional Chiefs and political allies held a four-day protest against federal and provincial legislation they say undermines Indigenous rights and environmental protections. July 3, 2025. 'Development must proceed with respect, equity and genuine participation,' First Nation leaders wrote. A pledge to continue the fight Chief Kwissiwa framed the protest as the beginning of a sustained movement. 'We will always stand up and fight back,' he said. 'This is our responsibility to future generations.' First Nation Rally against Bills 5/C-5 Dozens of protesters, including representatives from Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg/Pic Mobert First Nation, neighbouring First Nation communities, regional Chiefs and political allies held a four-day protest against federal and provincial legislation they say undermines Indigenous rights and environmental protections. July 3, 2025. The AFN is planning a July 10 virtual forum and a September general assembly to oppose the bills. 'This was only the beginning,' the news release said. With files from journalist Lydia Chubak and The Canadian Press
Global News
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Ontario First Nation slowed down traffic on Trans-Canada Highway over mining laws
A northern Ontario First Nation has completed a four-day demonstration that slowed down traffic on the Trans-Canada Highway, as it protests fast-tracked federal and provincial legislation designed to speed up mining and development. Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg Chief Louis Kwissiwa says they demonstrated alongside Highway 17 to show their disapproval of the federal Bill C-5 and the provincial Bill 5. The federal legislation that passed recently is designed to speed up major projects deemed to be in the 'national interest.' Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy A provincial law goes further and gives cabinet the power to suspend provincial and municipal laws in so-called special economic zones in order to speed up projects such as mines. Both levels of government want to mine the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region but the new laws have sparked outrage among many First Nations who say they trample their rights and ignore their concerns, and who have warned of blockades. Story continues below advertisement Kwissiwa says the community is pro development, but it does not feel respected by both levels of government in how they went about creating the two pieces of legislation.
Winnipeg Free Press
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Ontario First Nation slowed down traffic on Trans-Canada Highway over mining laws
A northern Ontario First Nation has completed a four-day demonstration that slowed down traffic on the Trans-Canada Highway, as it protests fast-tracked federal and provincial legislation designed to speed up mining and development. Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg Chief Louis Kwissiwa says they demonstrated alongside Highway 17 to show their disapproval of the federal Bill C-5 and the provincial Bill 5. The federal legislation that passed recently is designed to speed up major projects deemed to be in the 'national interest.' A provincial law goes further and gives cabinet the power to suspend provincial and municipal laws in so-called special economic zones in order to speed up projects such as mines. Both levels of government want to mine the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region but the new laws have sparked outrage among many First Nations who say they trample their rights and ignore their concerns, and who have warned of blockades. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. Kwissiwa says the community is pro development, but it does not feel respected by both levels of government in how they went about creating the two pieces of legislation. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 4, 2025.
