CAT LAKE FN – Guest Editorial – Responding to a December 22, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) letter, Cat Lake First Nation (400 Km N of Thunder Bay) Chief Russel Wesley expresses his distress that Premier Ford puts mining explorers’ safety higher than the well-being of the Cat Lake community members.
“The safety of our community members is of utmost importance to us, and it is disheartening to witness the prioritization of miner safety over the safety of our own people,” stated Chief Russel Wesley. “The MNRF grants First Mining Gold (FMG) an overland winter road, yet our community still has no year around road access and faces the risks of traveling over hazardous ice in several areas.
A situation made even more perilous by climate change. It is a clear indication that yet again our safety is not considered equal to that of others.”
The letter contains MNRF’s decision to grant a five-year permit for the winter road raises additional concerns within the Cat Lake community. This extended permit duration signals that Premier Ford has already made long-term plans for the project. It questions the validity of the Federal and Provincial Environmental Assessment (EA) process and the communities ongoing indigenous lead impact assessment, raising doubts about the Ontario governments awareness of free, prior, and informed consent.
“The five-year permit duration raises questions about the EA process being a mere formality,” Chief Russel Wesley added. “This decision sends a clear message to Cat Lake First Nation that our consent and concerns hold no weight with Ontario in matters concerning our own territory. It disregards our right to make informed decisions.
The Cat Lake First Nation finds it concerning that the decision made by the MNRF and FMG implies a lack of respect for the community’s voice. Despite Cat Lake repeatedly having expressed their disagreement, it appears that the Ontario authorities are willing to proceed with their plans without the required consent.
Chief Russel Wesley concluded. “This is not a Christmas present anyone would want – we demand equal treatment and consideration for the well-being of our people, as we continue to work towards protecting our rights and land.”
