Sonny McGinnis
Dear editor:
As I contemplate the mining exploration and intentions to build open pit mines in the Treaty 3 territory, I have yet to see the mining industry, Crown governments, or that of our aboriginal leadership make efforts to discuss with First Nations’ people the effect of these mining operations on our environment.
I have not seen any effort to obtain true and informed consent. I have yet to see our communities consulted in a broad, documented way that would allow us, as a people, to decide whether or not mining projects do in fact proceed.
Too often I have heard of forum(s) organized by government to discuss mining legislation and/or development plans, but I have never seen such meetings localized for the understanding and appreciation of community members.
I have yet to see this information circulated amongst the communities so that impacts and effects resonate amongst shared concerns.
We need an analysis of the reality of mining on our local environment that comprise our waterways, lands, wildlife, and forests from a perspective of consequence, especially in relation to open pit mining and the imminent use of poisonous chemicals.
As a people inherent to this geographic area, we must be fully cognizant of the parties that will be responsible and (to the fullest extent) liable for damages to our lands and lifestyles. We also must scrutinize existing legislation in terms of its capacity to truly protect our rights and our health.
As a people, we must give careful attention to the impact benefit agreements (IBAs) being suggested by prospective mining companies to the native leadership, in part because these IBAs will hold no validity unless supported by the membership in a demonstrative form.
What about the terms of the relationship created with the signing of Treaty 3 on Oct. 3, 1873 when, as a people, we agreed to certain concessions in return for a peaceful co-existence and other promises from Canada?
We must not silently agree or accept open pit mining and its consequence without holding our own discussions and analysis of its potential impacts and without ensuring there is an equitable formula of wealth sharing based on the basis of fairness.
I’m also certain, as a people, we would support our leadership to pursue our own environmental process that examines real and imagined impacts and effects from a scientific perspective, including our traditional and spiritual beliefs that sanctify our connection to the land as Anishanabe people.
Are the wage benefits from mining really worth the immeasurable damage to our lands, wildlife, water, and forests, if, in fact, mining proceeds as anticipated?
I think that is the discussion we need to hold in all of our communities, and to decide if we sit idle without making an informed choice of acceptance or rejection to open pit mining development.
And if approval is granted, will we accept only sweat labour opportunities or expect equity invest to be made available, too?
(Signed),
Sonny McGinnis
Manitou Rapids
