The road to ‘Right Relations’

Dear editor:
We write on behalf of the Right Relations Circle of Rainy River District—a group seeking to improve relationships between First Nations and the descendants of non-aboriginal settlers—to express our support for Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation and our dismay at the positions being taken by Platinex Inc. (a mining exploration company) and the Government of Ontario in an ongoing legal battle over mining and land rights in the Ontario Superior Court.
In our understanding, the controversy began several years ago when Platinex suspected platinum and other mineral deposits on KI’s traditional lands. As per standard practice, Platinex approached KI about its drilling plans.
The KI community strongly objected for two reasons: (1). It was working on a treaty land entitlement (TLE) claim concerning this land; and (2). It was worried about the possible environmental damage to Big Trout Lake, its historical and present source of drinking water, fish, and other cultural and economic activities.
Yet, Platinex ignored these concerns and KI’s moratorium on drilling. In February, 2006, it sent in its drilling crew. The crew members were met by non-violent protesters asking them gently but firmly to leave.
Platinex obliged, but then sued the First Nation for the absurd sum of $10 billion and an injunction to start drilling immediately.
While Justice Patrick Smith initially upheld KI’s moratorium and ordered KI, Platinex, and the Crown to work towards a “negotiated settlement,” he last year inexplicably changed his mind—allowing Platinex to resume drilling.
This decision was taken despite the fact the land claim still is disputed (the federal government has not yet commented), only one environmental assessment has been made (by a company hired by Platinex, a clear conflict of interest, and without considering an aboriginal perspective on the spiritual and cultural connection to the land), and the parties have not even agreed to a process for discussions, let alone a “negotiated settlement.”
So, when Platinex notified KI that its drilling crew would return in October, 2007, the KI leadership responded that the drilling crew was not welcome on its traditional land.
Now, the KI leaders have been found in “contempt” of court and face fines and/or jail time.
In the spirit of non-violence, they say they’d prefer jail because their community already has been bankrupted by the legal fees, which the McGuinty government promised to pay for but so far has not.
If the Government of Ontario and its non-aboriginal residents truly wish to repair the relationship with aboriginal communities, there is an alternative way forward.
A more constructive approach might be to listen to, and respect, KI’s moratorium on drilling, drop all charges against KI, and cease forestry and mining operations on traditional aboriginal lands until outstanding land claims have been resolved and comprehensive and environmentally-sensitive land use planning has been completed in partnership with First Nations.
We hope Ontario seizes this opportunity to enter a new, more co-operative era of aboriginal and treaty rights and northern development.
(Signed),
Janice Boneham, Dorothy Friesen,
Lisa Jackson, and Gene Stoltzfus
On behalf of the
Right Relations Circle
Rainy River District