Ontario and Matawa First Nations Sign Ring of Fire Regional Framework Agreement
Framework Agreement Historic First Step
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The Matawa First Nation Regional Council signed a framework agreement with the Province of Ontario that creates a negotiation process based on a regional approach for developing the Ring of Fire. "This regional framework agreement is a landmark achievement in community and regional discussions,” said Michelle Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines. “I am proud that our collaborative work with Matawa-member First Nations continues to progress. Together, we are moving forward on realizing the Ring of Fire’s potential and making important advancements on regional, environmental, and economic developments." The substance of an agreement between the nine member Matawa Regional Council and the Province of Ontario still has be worked out and the agreement is only for the First Nations that belong to the Matawa Council, a regional council that represents most of the First Nations closest to the Ring of Fire area. "This is a special and significant event and we are looking forward to an official celebration,” said Chief Cornelius Wabasse, of Webequie First Nations, the closet First Nation to the Ring of Fire area that is most advanced in mining exploration. Individual First Nations Must Negotiate Own Benefit Agreements
“The negotiations under this framework will complement the essential direct negotiations Webequie is having with the Province of Ontario on a range of issues related to the Ring of Fire,” Chief Wabasse added. “Success in both of these negotiations will chart a course for a different future for all of us. It is now time for the real work to begin and we look forward to working with Ontario and our fellow First Nations." Not All First Nations Belong to Matawa Council However there is still a lot of work to be done to region agreement of First Nations with an interest in the Ring of Fire that do not belong to the Matawa Council, such as the Mushkegowuk Council that represents three West James Bay First Nations including Attawapiskat First Nations
The Province of Ontario and Matawa-member First Nations took another step forward by reaching a landmark agreement that will ensure First Nation communities benefit from the proposed Ring of Fire development. But it is important to note that the regional framework agreement is only a first step in a historic, community-based negotiation process, which began in July 2013 at the request of Matawa-member First Nations. The real work is just beginning. Working Together On Ring of Fire The agreement ensures First Nations and Ontario can work together to advance Ring of Fire opportunities, including regional long-term environmental monitoring and enhanced participation in environmental assessment processes, resource revenue sharing, economic supports, regional and community infrastructure. Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines, signed the Regional Framework on behalf of Ontario. The chiefs signed on behalf of their communities, which included:
Matawa Chiefs Council is comprised of the Matawa-Member First Nations Chiefs. The First Nations are located in Northern Ontario. Five First Nations are remote and accessible only by air or winter road. Four of the First Nations are drive-in communities. All nine First Nations will be impacted by resource development in the area known as the Ring of Fire. Ring of Fire Development Part of Ontario's Economic Plan In a news release issued on March 26, 2014 the Province said Investing in the development of the Ring of Fire is part of Ontario's economic plan that is creating jobs for today and tomorrow. The comprehensive plan and its six priorities focus on Ontario's greatest strengths -- its people and strategic partnerships. For more information click on the link http://www.mndm.gov.on.ca/en/ring-fire-secretariat QUICK FACTS
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