Dozens of First Nations have converged in opposition at Queen’s Park. They are protesting the mining legislation at Parliament Hill in Ontario because it is so harmful. Her death sparked outrage across the country. Over the last two months, protests have surged. They demonstrate the increasing conflicts between Indigenous communities and provincial and federal governments on the management of resources and land ownership.
For several reasons, the Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg, or Pic Mobert First Nation, is notable among the more outspoken groups. They’re located just north of Lake Superior. Chief Louis Kwissiwa led a significant protest along Highway 17, where several dozen community members voiced their concerns against federal Bill C-5 and provincial Bill 5. However, taken together, these bills have raised significant alarms among First Nations leaders who say they roll back protections for their rights and traditional land stewardship.
Community Concerns Over Proposed Legislation
The protests are a response to ongoing frustration about the failure of federal and provincial governments to meaningfully consult with Indigenous communities on legislation that impacts their traditional lands. As Chief Louis Kwissiwa put it, there should be thorough negotiations and consultation which should include the voices of grassroots people.
“We feel like our rights are being violated, and we’re not being properly consulted.” – Chief Louis Kwissiwa
The Chief drove home the community’s opposition to the mining operations. He noted that they’re not fundamentally against doing this work, either. Rather, they want a seat at the table when policy decisions are made that directly affect their land and resources.
“We have three mining operations within our traditional territory, so we’re not against it,” – Chief Louis Kwissiwa
This feeling resounds through dozens of other First Nations participating in the protests. Participants demand respect for their authority as land stewards and express their desire to be actively involved in negotiations that affect their lives and environment.
Actions by Attawapiskat and Neskantaga First Nations
Besides the demonstrations at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill, the Attawapiskat First Nation and Neskantaga First Nation are making history. There, they have established a quasi-permanent encampment, in the path of a proposed new gravel road and bridge used to connect the Ring of Fire mining development – another colonial resource grab. This recent move underscores a growing urgency among First Nations to assert their presence and rights concerning resource extraction projects.
One family from the Attawapiskat First Nation made an extraordinary trek. By canoe, they water-trailed 400 kilometers up the Attawapiskat River. Their trip was meant to reassert First Nations’ sovereignty around a proposed mining exploration camp in Ontario’s Ring of Fire. This act of solidarity really shows the extreme measures that these community members are willing to take to be heard and remain proud of their rights and heritage.
A Call for Respect and Collaboration
Chief Kwissiwa’s words ring true with thousands of Canadians participating in these #FreedomConvoy protests. He expressed a preference for communication and collaboration over conflict, making it clear that he valued working together with federal government officials.
“We just need to be at the negotiation table and we’re trying to do things in a good way because we don’t want to go down those (blockade) routes.” – Chief Louis Kwissiwa
The community’s frustration is rooted in that they have been disrespected and ignored during legislative processes that have had real-life impacts on their community. Chief Kwissiwa remarked on the emotional toll these issues have taken on his community:
“We don’t feel really respected by the bill, and the community is upset, to say the least, leadership is upset, and we’re not going to stand by to allow our rights to be trampled on.” – Chief Louis Kwissiwa
These protests are a refreshing, transmuting energy, an urgency that is transforming the world. They underscore the important role that authentic consultation between Indigenous communities and government actors plays. The eventual results of these conversations will set the precedent in Ontario for natural resource development and Indigenous rights for years to come.
