Fifteen northern Ontario First Nations recently secured a historic agreement to collaboratively conduct the regional assessment of the Ring of Fire, an expansive area on the traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples rich in mineral deposits.
This follows three years of persistent efforts to compel the Government of Canada to advance its commitment to reconciliation by respecting First Nations’ inherent authority regarding the future of their territories and peoples, and their right to free, prior and informed consent. Woodward and Company Senior Counsel Kate Kempton helped ensure that the regional assessment undertaken by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada would be co-led by the region’s First Nations.
This cooperation will help inform future development planning and decision-making in the Ring of Fire region by considering potential effects that mining could have on watersheds, flora, fauna, and the health and livelihoods of community members of the local First Nations. Find out more about the agreement here.
Advocating for Rights & Title in these cases not only impact the Nations involved but can support the decolonization of Canadian legal systems. Woodward & Company Lawyers LLP has assisted several Indigenous Nations in asserting their rights to manage lands and resources.
If your Nation is interested in pursuing initiatives in Indigenous-led fire management or facing related legal challenges, we invite you to contact Kate Kempton or another member of our experienced team.