Approximately 200 First Nation leaders and advocates rallied in Thunder Bay, Ontario, demanding the repeal of Bill 5. This controversial provincial legislation aims to fast-track development, particularly mining in the mineral-rich Ring of Fire, through special economic zones. Critics argue it infringes upon Treaty rights, weakens environmental protections, and lacks proper Indigenous consultation and consent, despite the provincial government's plans for summer consultations.
First Nation leaders, advocates rally in Thunder Bay, Ont., to demand Bill 5's repeal
OntarioThunder BayKevin HollandFirst Nations peopleGeneral newsLegislationBillsLaws
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Approximately 200 First Nation leaders and advocates rallied in Thunder Bay, Ontario, demanding the repeal of Bill 5. This controversial provincial legislation aims to fast-track development, particularly mining in the mineral-rich Ring of Fire, through special economic zones. Critics argue it infringes upon Treaty rights, weakens environmental protections, and lacks proper Indigenous consultation and consent, despite the provincial government's plans for summer consultations.
Trending- 1 1960s-70s: Dryden Paper Mill dumped mercury into the English-Wabigoon River System.
- 2 Since 2002: Grassy Narrows First Nation has upheld a blockade against clear-cut logging and mining.
- 3 Over the past several weeks: Dozens of First Nation leaders and conservation groups have been speaking out against Bill 5.
- 4 Last week (before June 13, 2025): Hundreds of First Nations members rallied outside Queen's Park.
- 5 Wednesday (June 12, 2025): Neskantaga First Nation voted to demand the repeal of Bill 5.
- 6 June 13, 2025 (Thursday): Approximately 200 people rallied outside MPP Kevin Holland's office in Thunder Bay.
- 7 Over the summer: The provincial government plans to consult with First Nations on Bill 5 regulations.
- Increased tensions and conflict between First Nations and the Ontario government
- Potential for legal challenges and direct action (blockades) against development projects
- Continued debate over resource development, Indigenous rights, and environmental protection in Ontario
- Risk of further environmental harm to Indigenous territories
What: Approximately 200 First Nation leaders and advocates rallied outside MPP Kevin Holland's office in Thunder Bay, calling for the repeal of Ontario Bill 5; Bill 5 aims to create special economic zones to fast-track development, especially mining in the Ring of Fire; critics argue it tramples on Treaty rights, weakens environmental protections, and lacks Indigenous consultation and consent; the provincial government plans to consult with First Nations over the summer regarding Bill 5's regulations; previous rallies occurred at Queen's Park; Mary McPherson (Couchiching First Nation) expressed anger and fear, highlighting environmental harm from resource extraction; Joyce Hunter (Weenusk First Nation) organized the rally and stated Holland's staff refused to speak with participants; Grassy Narrows First Nation has maintained a blockade against clear-cut logging and mining since 2002, living with mercury poisoning symptoms; Neskantaga First Nation voted to demand Bill 5's repeal and the resignation of Minister Greg Rickford.
When: Thursday (June 13, 2025, rally in Thunder Bay); Over the past several weeks (First Nation leaders speaking out); Last week (rally outside Queen's Park); Over the summer (provincial government plans consultations); Since 2002 (Grassy Narrows blockade); 1960s and 70s (Dryden Paper Mill mercury dumping); Wednesday (June 12, 2025, Neskantaga vote).
Where: Thunder Bay, Ontario (rally location); Queen's Park (previous rally location); Ring of Fire (mineral-rich area in James Bay lowlands); James Bay lowlands; Grassy Narrows (First Nation territory); Dryden (Paper Mill location); English-Wabigoon River System.
Why: First Nations and advocates oppose Bill 5 because they believe it undermines Treaty rights, environmental protections, and the principle of free, prior, and informed consent for development on their lands; they are concerned about further environmental harm and lack of genuine partnership; the government asserts Bill 5 will bring economic opportunity and critical infrastructure.
How: First Nation leaders and advocates organized and participated in a rally; signs were displayed and slid under the MPP's office door; communities like Neskantaga are holding votes and planning actions; Grassy Narrows continues its long-standing blockade.