Funny...Some of these checkboxes have been ticked off already there Chief Achneepineskum. So, tell me...If the next budget settles these differences between Canada and it's First Nations I guess the Ring of Fire can finally move forward with Matawa's blessing....Or do you expect Mushkegowuk to again lay claim on the Ring of Fire as well. After all, Attawapiskat is only 268 km away from Noront's Eagle's Nest mine, which in the eyes of many of your Chiefs is like being right next door....As if.

http://www.matawa.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Matawa-MR-Federal-Pre-Budget-Consultation-Feb-10-21.pdf

Highlights from David Paul Achneepineskum:

As part of this very brief presentation opportunity, Achneepineskum highlighted components of the Matawa comprehensive written submission on the following specific points (in no particular order):

1. The Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett be designated the lead federal Minister to work alongside Matawa member First Nations on the development of Northern Ontario’s ‘storehouse’ of natural resources that is James Bay Treaty No. 9.

2. The role of the Crown of Canada and the Minister responsible for Indigenous-Crown Relations must be more transparent as our treaty partner.

3. Canada’s commitment to begin this process would be a substantial legacy for Matawa member First Nations - and all Canadians - on our joint efforts towards reconciliation and forging a new path forward for Indigenous-Crown relations.

4. Collaboration and investments are required by Canada’s federal departments to support Matawa member First Nations and other northern Ontario First Nations in priority areas related to:

o Regional infrastructure and economic opportunity investments; and

o Planning for the tangible improvements to Matawa member First Nation quality of life, high cost of living, and lack of services currently delivered on-reserve; and

o Regional and local financial management supports and investment planning; and

o Strategic regional education, employment and training initiatives related to supporting First Nations communities and industry partners to prepare for specific and specialized job opportunities; and

o Regional ecological and environmental initiatives that ensure the best science and technology are used in the remote north. 

The Matawa Chiefs Council have consistently advocated for a regional economic approach that includes the interests and participation of Matawa member First Nations as equity partners with government, industry and investors in the potential opportunities and world-class mining district that is anticipated across northern Ontario including the Ring of Fire chromite deposit. 

TM.