THUNDER BAY – Responding to an announcement earlier today from Webequie First Nations on the Ring of Fire, Matawa First Nations have issued a statement:
Matawa First Nations support and respect all of its member communities and their governance and decision making processes. Each Matawa First Nation is autonomous.
Government and industry need to consult with each First Nation according to their community protocols. For example, Matawa has an Interim Mineral Measures Process that provides guidelines for industry and government on community consultation, but it does not supercede community processes or decision making.
First Nations are increasingly frustrated with the Federal and Provincial Government’s failure to consult on many issues including health, education, and economic development, but especially the environmental assessment process. The First Nation Chiefs of Matawa share their concern for the environment.
Matawa First Nations supports Webequie in the development of their Community Position Paper and Consultation and Accommodation Protocol.