We were poisoned before’: Ontario First Nations voice concerns over mining claims – Dawson Creek Mirror

Four First Nations in northern Ontario are calling on the province to address their concerns about mining exploration companies intruding on their lands, saying the current “free entry” system should be abolished.

Four First Nations in northern Ontario are calling on the province to address their concerns about mining exploration companies intruding on their lands, saying the current “free entry” system should be abolished.

Grassy Narrows, Wapekeka, Neskantaga and Big Trout Lake First Nations said this week they’ve formed an alliance to defend their lands and waters after mining prospectors staked thousands of new claims on their territories over the last few years.

In an interview Wednesday, Chief Rudy Turtle of Grassy Narrows said he wants the provincial government to seek his community’s informed consent before allowing companies to explore the First Nation’s lands for precious minerals.

Turtle said the current mining system in the province allows companies and individuals to stake mining claims on First Nations lands without the consent of Indigenous people who live there.

“We just don’t want any companies extracting our resources without our consent,” Turtle said in an interview on Wednesday.

Read More: https://www.dawsoncreekmirror.ca/indigenous/we-were-poisoned-before-ontario-first-nations-voice-concerns-over-mining-claims-6469422