THUNDER BAY — A new partnership between three First Nations communities and an Indigenous-owned mining company is meant to set a path forward for respecting the sovereign rights of the land, while creating economic development.
On Thursday, an official signing of the agreement was held between Asiniikaa Mining and Construction, as well as the chiefs representing the communities involved in 3-Nations Resources — Red Rock Indian Band, Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek, and Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek.
In the agreement, Asiniikaa Mining and Construction affirmed that, it will continue to honour and recognize the sovereign rights over the lands and resources within these territories, while also honour and establishing a long-term relationship to maintain respect for the territory and collective economic, financial and social benefits.
Red Rock Indian Band Chief Marcus Hardy, who was one of the signatories, said it will be beneficial for his community.
“We are celebrating the signing with our First Nation and 3-First Nations with Asiniikaa Mining. We are really excited about it. It’s been a great process, easy, seamless process, and its very positive for our First Nation as well as the other two,” Hardy said.
Hardy said, in the past, First Nation have not had a lead role in industrial development. The agreement demonstrates that the First Nations will now be involved in the process from the beginning, he added.
“Generally speaking, and historically, First Nation has been cut out of any industry happenings within the region or in Canada itself, whether it be mining, whether it be transportation, whether it be construction, so it is a chance for our First Nation, my First Nation specifically," he said.
"Basically, we are going to be involved in the whole process, in the mine itself and the construction development of this mine right from the get-go. Instead of coming in last minute or behind the game, we are going to be five steps ahead of the process, so we will be ready for it.”
Hardy said it's important to show that First Nations can work together, and with industry, to develop frameworks for resource development projects.
“I think right now this is historic in itself, definitely for our First Nations, as historically First Nations have not been involved in any mining processes, whether it be construction logistics, whether it be any development with the Ontario government or Canadian government. We’ve always been just in the back corner or just a check in the box. Now we are a proponent and we are able to do business,” Hardy said.
Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek Chief Paul Gladu said mining can bring economic benefit to the region.
“It’s a long time coming in our area. We are just [80 kilometres] up north of Greenstone. We’ve always known living in that area, that there’s always been prospecting in finding good materials like gold and lithium," Gladu said. "That was known since the 1950’s and at that time it was an awesome find. So, they just continued in the other drilled holes and less became more.
"Hopefully we can expand on that and help the economy and developing and being supportive of electric vehicles. It’s awesome and a win-win situation for everyone
Gladu expressed optimism the benefits of the partnership will extend beyond the three signatories, and also include other nearby communities. He said it will lead to jobs, training opportunities, and workforce development.
More partners will come in over time as future projects develop, he added.
With files from Vasilios Bellos, TBT News
