Stoking the Ring of Fire

Webequie Chief Cornelius Wabasse recently voiced his opinion on how he feels economic development in northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire can be achieved, citing “the road that leads to respect and recognition for Webequie and our Indigenous neighbours, ….our laws, our treaty and our inherent right to self-determination” as the only way to proceed.

“We have always lived here,” says Wabassie in an article on www.netnewsledger.com. “We are not going anywhere. We have our own laws separate from Canadian laws. Our laws were given to us by the Creator. We are the stewards of our lands.”

Wabasse went further to outline three steps that would ensure the success of mining and other economic development among northern Ontario’s Aboriginal communities. First of all, any agreements should “reflect a true, deep and enduring partnership…[and] respect and recognize Indigenous peoples’ role in every aspect and dimension of development in the Ring of Fire.” Secondly, Wabasse says all existing treaties and agreements must be reiterated and understood before new ones can be reached, as a part of the ongoing process of treaty implementation.

Finally, Wabasse calls for “strategic human, social and economic investments” from federal and provincial governments that will respond to the needs of the Webquie Ojibway community and the similar needs of their neighbouring First Nations.