THUNDER BAY – Following the announcement this morning by Cliffs Natural Resources and the Ontario Government, the Webequie First Nations has issued a statemet.
“Webequie First Nation acknowledges Ontario’s commitment to support the directly impacted First Nations and to engage the Federal Government in the trilateral process. It is important for all levels of Government, including local impacted First Nations Governments, to work together towards a cooperative framework.
While acknowledging this new regional commitment, Webequie First Nation will continue to dialogue and pursue future assurances from both levels of Government and industry partners for the continued examination of the feasibility of an optional utility corridor. This optional utility corridor will ensure that the community infrastructure needs of Webequie First Nation and other regionally impacted First Nations are responsibly incorporated into northern development plans.
The members of Webequie First Nation reaffirm the need of all stakeholders to uphold and respect the environmental integrity of our traditional homelands as a priority consideration of any major infrastructure development in the region. Webequie First Nation’s Chief and Council is also reminding the general public of its Ring of Fire Community Position Paper’s main message, which states: ‘no outside parties or organizations represent Webequie First Nation’s community interests or rights associated with the Ring of Fire developments’.
Webequie First Nation looks forward to continue direct discussions with the Ring of Fire companies and all representatives of the Crown”.