NETMIZAAGGAMIG NISHNAABEG — Several dozen protesters picketing adjacent to Highway 17 concluded their four-day rally on Thursday, opposing Ontario’s Bill 5 and Canada’s Bill C-5.
Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg, also known as Pic Mobert First Nation, held the demonstration on one of its commercial development sites to show that they aren’t opposed to development, but rather to the two pieces of legislation, which opponents say undermine Indigenous rights, environmental protections and the democratic process.
“It was more about not just educating our grassroots people, but educating the public that was transporting by each and every day,” said Louis Kwissiwa, Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg’s chief.
Protesting on the side of the highway, Kwissiwa said they were able to gather and conduct a slowdown of traffic with their signs and a number of people who turned in and participated.
“We just want to be a part of the discussions because we have membership too that need jobs and are looking to support for their families as well,” said Kwissiwa.
“But it has to be done in a way that respects who we are, that respects our Aboriginal title, that respects our people — the first people here. So, we need to be at those tables.”
However, the Ontario government's Bill 5 excludes them from that, he added.
“It overreaches our inherent rights. It overreaches our rights as Indigenous people to be duly consulted within the framework of the Canadian Constitution when you look at Section 35,” Kwissiwa said, referring to the section that affirms Indigenous and treaty rights.
Throughout the rally, there was also representation from neighbouring First Nations and political partner organizations, as well as elected chiefs and regional leadership.
Some of these guest speakers included members of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg’s council, Northern Superior Regional Chief Melvin Hardy, Michipicoten Chief Chad Edgar, Anishinabek Nation Deputy Grand Chief Chris Plain and Neskantaga First Nation Chief Gary Quisess and members of that Treaty 9 community's council.
“We’re all on the same page and we’d like to see Bill 5 and Bill C-5 repealed. I know it’s passed, but you know what, we’re not going to let Ontario or Canada trample over our rights,” said Kwissiwa.
He added that it was very important for his people to also see that support coming from all of these other communities.
“It shows that, you know what, we’re not in this battle alone. We support each other. We’re all on the same page," he said.
"We have the same message and similar issues, especially when it comes to industry operating, or potentially wanting to operate, in our territory."
"They have to consult with us," said Kwissiwa.
For those outside these communities, Kwissiwa added that there’s information and the bills posted on their website, so “get educated on it and read up about it.”
“It doesn’t just affect the First Nation people when you look at the bills, it affects the environment and when the environment is affected, it affects all people, all Canadians,” Kwissiwa said.
Bill 5, especially, he said, as there’s a section in it that specifically talks about workers’ rights, which will affect the safety of workers.
“Workers need to get on board as well and people in the environmentalist industry need to get involved as well and start standing more firmly with us,” he said.
“I know they’re there, but I just think their voices need to be louder and they need to be heard as well. Maybe they’re trying to get their voice heard, but they need more attention on them as well.”