'Does the problem of progress lie with us, or within Matawa?'

You seem very correct in your analysis, it is with Them. Be it for me to be an authority on the subject, lol.
Aroland & Martin Falls are probably trying to have agreements with all of Matawa instead of four communities nearest

the E/W road route. That way they hope to claim a piece of the pie.

I suspect the four communities are against sharing with the remainder of Matawa and that is cause for sour grapes from the two. The two may have something to say about the KWG route for the likely railroad but imho that is further down the road of discussions and for them to complain now is out of place or premature, in particular as it applies to Noront.
Nor do I believe that KWG's Frank has been negligent to consult with the two communities. He is proactive, (just look at how he beat everybody in staking those linear claims for the N/S route) so cheers to all KWG owners. ed.