With billion of dollars potentially hanging in the balance, Matawa First Nations are aiming to ensure they get a fair share of the resources in the Ring of Fire.

A key step in that process, explains Matawa First Nations CEO David Paul Achneepineskum, was the creation of a Matawa Ring of Fire coordinator position and the hiring of Raymond Ferris to fill it. Ferris, who was previously the mining exploration advisor for Matawa, was introduced Jan. 25.

Ferris is a man with a plan, to work with the communities – Marten Falls, Webequie and Neskantaga – most likely to be affected by possible development in the Ring of Fire, an area potentially worth billions in minerals including the world’s largest chromite deposit.

“Working together as a group will ensure that necessary protocols and resources and implemented to protect our traditional lands, our land-use rights and our way of life,” Ferris, a Constance Lake band member, said.

Achneepineskum said having its own Ring of Fire coordinator was a must for Matawa.

“This position will be vital to the future of our people and is desperately needed to help coordinate relationships between our First Nations, government and industry,” he said. “Matawa First Nations are committed to building economic strength and sustainable development in their traditional territory for the benefit of current and future generations.”