Two First Nations, Attawapiskat and Neskantaga, are establishing a quasi-permanent encampment near a proposed bridge over the Attawapiskat River, close to Ontario's mineral-rich Ring of Fire region. This action, dubbed 'Here We Stand' by Jeronimo Kataquapit, aims to reassert First Nations' presence and demand consultation before further development and mining. The protest is in response to recent federal Bill C-5 and provincial Bill 5, which fast-track major projects and allow suspension of laws in 'special economic zones' like the Ring of Fire, without what First Nations consider free, prior, and informed consent. Neskantaga Chief Gary Quisess highlights the community's ongoing issues, including a 30-year boil-water advisory.
‘This is our home’: Two First Nations setting up encampment near proposed bridge to Ring of Fire
Ontario/QuebecBusinessQueen's ParkMiningSocialPolitics
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Two First Nations, Attawapiskat and Neskantaga, are establishing a quasi-permanent encampment near a proposed bridge over the Attawapiskat River, close to Ontario's mineral-rich Ring of Fire region. This action, dubbed 'Here We Stand' by Jeronimo Kataquapit, aims to reassert First Nations' presence and demand consultation before further development and mining. The protest is in response to recent federal Bill C-5 and provincial Bill 5, which fast-track major projects and allow suspension of laws in 'special economic zones' like the Ring of Fire, without what First Nations consider free, prior, and informed consent. Neskantaga Chief Gary Quisess highlights the community's ongoing issues, including a 30-year boil-water advisory.
Trending- 1 Ottawa introduced Bill C-5 (late May)
- 2 Provincial Bill 5 rammed through the provincial legislature
- 3 Jeronimo Kataquapit's family left Attawapiskat (June 16)
- 4 Neskantaga community members flew to the encampment site to prepare it
- 5 Kataquapit's family hopes to make it to their final stop by Saturday
- 6 Encampment being set up (current)
- Establishment of a quasi-permanent encampment
- Increased pressure on federal and provincial governments
- Highlighting of First Nations' living conditions (e.g., 30-year boil-water advisory, flooded nursing station)
- Potential for blockades of roads, railways, and mines
What: Two First Nations (Attawapiskat and Neskantaga) are setting up a quasi-permanent encampment near a proposed bridge to the Ring of Fire region.
When: The journey started on June 16, with the family hoping to reach the site by Saturday. The encampment is currently being set up.
Where: Near a proposed bridge over the Attawapiskat River, Ring of Fire region, northern Ontario, Canada. Protests also occurred at Queen's Park (Toronto) and Parliament Hill (Ottawa).
Why: To reassert First Nations' presence, demand consultation, and protest federal Bill C-5 and provincial Bill 5, which they believe trample their rights and ignore their concerns regarding fast-tracked development and mining in their traditional territories without free, prior, and informed consent.
How: Members are traveling by canoe and boat plane, bringing supplies, building a dock, and planning to live off the land. They are documenting their journey on social media and planting flags along the river route.