First Nations leaders in Ontario are expressing their outrage at the Ontario government’s latest proposed amendments to a controversial mining bill. They criticize the government’s response as too little and not respectful enough. On May 29, 2025, Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler expressed his displeasure with the late-in-the-game adjustments. Stimpson called the government’s approach an affront to Indigenous leadership. He made these remarks during a press conference at 12:03 PM, emphasizing the need for genuine collaboration between the province and First Nations.
Fiddler’s feelings were shared by Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict, who speaks on behalf of all 133 First Nations in the province. Both leaders strongly indicated that they will soldier on in the trenches should the bill move forward in its current form. It is reflective of their deep devotion toward safeguarding their rights and pursuing their interests.
The Ring of Fire region is located about 450 kilometers north of Thunder Bay, Ont. This provision has turned into the epicenter of the current conflict. The province has marked this area as the first development zone for mineral exploration. Their vision is of an all-weather road that will link the remote Marten Falls and Webequie First Nations to Ontario’s provincial highway system. Serious concerns remain about the government’s willingness to truly engage in good faith consultation with affected First Nations.
Fiddler stated, “It’s just way too late in the process. It’s an insult to our leadership for the government to now come back to us with some proposed amendments.” He highlighted that First Nations had been part of the discussions from the beginning, adding, “We were there with them right from day one.”
Now the Ontario government has to keep that promise. We expect Ministers driving this bad idea will seriously, sincerely and meaningfully consult First Nations before making any decisions. Greg Rickford and Stephen Lecce have committed to extensive consultations over the summer to address concerns raised by Indigenous communities. In closing, Lecce once again emphasized the province’s commitment, that they’re “100 per cent committed in doing this right.”
Benedict stated that there is an increasing sense of anger on the ground among First Nations at their exclusion from the legislative process. “We’ve heard clear from our communities they’re not happy with the process,” he noted. This feedback underscores the ongoing tension between Indigenous groups and provincial authorities as they navigate the complexities of resource development.
Beyond the proposed amendments, the province has entered into shared prosperity agreements with three First Nations. These agreements are intended to facilitate the construction of roads and infrastructure necessary for accessing the Eagle’s Nest mine within the Ring of Fire. Substantive moves Leaders loudly call for more punitive steps. By extension, they want to make sure that First Nations’ voices are genuinely prioritized—truly heard—in accountability and decision-making processes.
A coordinated New Democrat – Liberal filibuster has already slown the committees process to adopt the bill. Despite these concerns, the provincial government is still hopeful this legislation will pass before being given royal assent next week.
As implementation talks progress, Fiddler noted some key reasons for thoughtful, cooperative discussion. “In order to achieve that, everybody has to be sitting at the table to have these conversations about how we can get there together,” he stated. This call for unity captures the hope for a breakthrough that honors Indigenous rights, protects the environment, and creates meaningful economic opportunity across Ontario.
Benedict and his leadership council will sit down with Premier Doug Ford, as well as Rickford and Lecce, later this week. They’re excited to explore further into these issues. Their engagement brings to light a significant turning point for Ontario’s environmental stewardship, relationship-building with Indigenous communities, and collaborative resource management goals.
