On April 2nd and 3rd, twenty representatives from First Nations in Northern Ontario gathered at Matawa First Nations Management in Thunder Bay to discuss issues around mining. This meeting was organized in collaboration with Matawa First Nations Management, Nibinamik First Nation, and MiningWatch Canada in response to a need expressed by Nibinamik for communities to know more about mining issues and work together on common strategy. There are several working mines in Nishnawbe-Aski Nation territory, and prospectors and exploration companies are actively staking claims and affecting many First Nations’ traditional territories.

Presentations were given on mining activities in Nishawbe-Aski Nation territory, meaningful consultation in lands and resources, diamond mining and the environment, interacting with mining companies, and negotiating impact-benefit agreements.

MiningWatch would like to extend its gratitude to the presenters (Evelyn Baxter-Robinson, Tony Pearse, and Rick Salter) and the participants for making this meeting a great success.

If your community wishes to have a workshop on mining, please contact Mel Quevillon at the MiningWatch office.