Recently 6 members of the K. I. (Big Trout Lake) Native Band were jailed due to blocking mining company Platinex from doing some work on K. I. Traditional Lands. Big Trout Lake is north of Thunder Bay.

Dryden's CKDR radio reported yesterday on their web site the following:

"The Nishnawbe-Aski Nation has suspended resource talks with the Province and backed away from the Northern table until 6 members of Big Trout Lake are released from jail. Chief Stan Beardy says they won't budge on their position and notes other conditions must be met. Beardy is demanding a complete overhaul of the Mining Act to include consultation before any development takes place on Traditional Land."

We understand that Noront has been in full consultation with Webequie and I have not heard of any problems with those discussions. RN has not let us down yet and I expect his negotiations with the Natives is being done in the best interests of all.

This is not meant to be negative, just for the Board's information.

Puppin