Mamakwa: Ontario must respect Grassy Narrows First Nation’s right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent

SIOUX LOOKOUT – Ontario NDP Deputy Leader Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong) and Shadow Minister for Indigenous and Treaty Relations is calling on the Government of Ontario to respect the right of Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation) to free, prior and informed consent for all developments that could impact their lands and water – which includes Kinross Gold’s Great Bear Project:

“It is deeply concerning to learn of Kinross Gold’s close ties to the Ontario Government. The Toronto Star’s investigation detailed many meetings between Kinross and Government officials (including with the Premier) and the move of a policy staffer to become a lobbyist for Kinross, which may have broken ethics rules.

“Even more concerning was the sidelining of Grassy Narrows from discussions with the Government”, Mamakwa added.

The Star reported that over a period of time when Kinross had at least 20 calls and meetings with Government officials, in which Government officials expressed explicit support for the Great Bear Project, Grassy Narrows only had 5 meetings or calls. In an email sent to Government staffers, a Kinross executive said that their “primary concern, as discussed, is no more consultation with Grassy.”

“It’s appalling that the Government is engaging in conversations about shutting down opportunities for consultation with Grassy Narrows – a blatant violation of Treaty and Inherent rights. Grassy Narrows is already subjected to the impacts of decades on decades of environmental racism and pollution with harmful impacts to the health of community members. They have been sounding the alarms that water discharge from the Great Bear Project could worsen the effects of mercury contamination even more.”

“It’s time for Ontario to take accountability for their unacceptable approach to the Great Bear Project engagement thus far, change course and firmly respect Grassy Narrows First Nation’s right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent.”