The new representative of Ontario’s First Nations is taking aim at protecting aboriginal interests as developers rush to haul the riches out of the Ring of Fire.
Stan Beardy was elected Ontario regional chief representing 133 provincial First Nations on Wednesday. Beardy, former Grand Chief of the northern Nishnawbe Aski Nation, narrowly beat out incumbent Angus Toulouse. Fifty-seven Ontario chiefs voted for Beardy and 53 for Toulouse.
Dubbed Ontario’s “oilsands” by Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak, the Ring of Fire is being promoted for development by both the federal and provincial governments. However, First Nations want a worthy piece of the economic benefits and they want to make sure proper environmental assessments of mining projects are carried out.
“The most important issue is the treaty relationship — when we sign a treaty that we never give up the right to cover ourselves or our aboriginal rights concerning natural resources,” he said from an airport hotel shortly after the vote.
The Ring of Fire, located 500 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, is said to contain a $30-billion haul of chromite — the material used to make stainless steel.
“We get minimum benefits from the ring,” said Beardy. “It is such a massive undertaking that it will alter our landscape, our lands, for a long, long time. It is critical we benefit to the maximum from the activity.”
As NAN grand chief, Beardy spearheaded the effort to push for a provincial inquest into the deaths of seven First Nations youth who had left their remote reserves to seek a high school education in Thunder Bay.
Neskantaga First Nation Chief Peter Moonias said he voted for Beardy because he has committed himself to fight government and developers to protect treaty rights.
Moonias, whose community of 300 people is 80 kilometres west of the Ring of Fire, has warned there will be a confrontation if a moratorium on development doesn’t occur. He wants a rigorous environmental assessment done on the effects of the mine on the Attawapiskat and Albany River watersheds.
“I would put my life on the line. When the government told me they made an agreement with Cliffs to develop the Ring of Fire and build a road, I said if they want to cross the (Attawapiskat) river, they’ll have to kill me first,” Moonias told the Star.
“If he is anywhere near as serious as I am, he will be good for Ontario. We need to be a little more aggressive and assert our rights a bit more. Our treaties are protected under the constitution.”