NAN SUPPORTS EABAMETOONG MINING ACT CHALLENGE

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THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO   February 9, 2018  (LSN)   Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler has issued the following statement in support of Eabametoong First Nation’s provincial Mining Act challenge against the permits issuance in their territory: 
 
“First Nation inherent and Treaty rights supersede any federal and provincial legislation enacted without our free, prior and informed consent, and we support Chief Elizabeth Atlookan and Council for defending their homelands. Treaty No. 9 and Treaty No. 5 are the basis of our relationship with the governments of Canada and Ontario, and must serve as the foundation for resource development to ensure that our communities benefit from sustainable and responsible development. Agreement on economic and other benefits from the land must be based on Treaty, and we have called for the development of a mutually acceptable land-use planning regime. In the meantime, we support Eabametoong’s efforts to protect their rights and we stand in solidarity as they assert their rights and jurisdiction.” 
 
In March 2016, the province issued mineral exploration permits to Landore Resources Inc. to drill for gold throughout a culturally and environmentally sensitive area despite concerns raised by community members about impacts to the environment and their Aboriginal and Treaty rights. 
 
Hearings will be held February 7-8 at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto, Room 3, beginning at 10 a.m. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and support Eabametoong First Nation.