Chiefs near Ring of Fire not seeing eye-to-eye on evictions
A pending eviction notice to mining companies with interest around the Ring of Fire is causing divisions among Matawa First Nation communities.
Six of the nine Matawa First Nations are supporting a plan to evict several mining companies from the area.
Neskantaga First Nation Chief Peter Moonias says the group is still preparing to take the next step, and he says people are starting to realize that the government is lying about their consultations.
But Chief Eli Moonias from Marten Falls, one of the Matawa communities opposed to the eviction, has a different viewpoint. Eli Moonias said he believes they have achieved consultation and the main operator, Cliffs Natural Resources, is now ready to discuss a memorandum of understanding.
The Marten Falls Chief added that it is First Nation leaders who are the ones now showing disrespect, and resolution of the matter is being pushed forward despite strong opposition.
He said everyone has jumped on the eviction bandwagon, without asking why Marten Falls if its leadership is opposed to it.
(Thunder Bay Television)
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